Review of the Land Rover Defender 130

The Land Rover Defender 130 is a large SUV loaded with off-road technology that can handle any challenging circumstance. It's essentially an extended wheelbase, eight-seater version of the 110 Defender,

Rivals to the Land Rover Defender 130 include the Volvo XC90, Mercedes GLE, Toyota Land Cruiser and BMW X7.

Our Land Rover Defender 130 review covers:

• Traditional Land Rover exterior styling with a commanding presence
• Unique boxy shape and angular design with space for up to eight passengers 
• 389 litres boot, which expands to 2,300 litres with all rear seats down
• Range of petrol and diesel engines
• Five trim levels, including X-Dynamic SE, HSE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and First Edition model

Pros:

• Space for up to eight passengers
• Impressive boot size
• Unbeatable off-road capability

Cons:

• Very large, hard to fit in parking spaces
• Tight third-row access
• Expensive

The new Land Rover Defender 130 is instantly recognisable with a unique boxy shape and angular design, giving the Defender 130 a commanding presence. The Defender 130 looks a lot like the Defender 110 model but longer, as the rear overhang is much longer than on other models. The Defender 130 offers the ideal balance of space and capability.

Inside the Land Rover Defender 130, a panoramic glass roof keeps the cabin well-lit and airy, with space for up to eight passengers. Offering an incredible level of room and comfort, the Defender 130's interior has also been designed to create a practical yet premium interior.

As for boot space, the Land Rover Defender 130, with all three rows of seats in place, offers an impressive 389 litres of room, the same size as the bootspace in a Volkswagen Golf. If you fold the rearmost row seats, you get an extra 1,232 litres of space while a further 2,291 litres with the middle row folded. Plus, both back rows are split in a 40:20:40 configuration, meaning it's easy to adjust passenger and luggage space if needed.

The Land Rover Defender 130 interior is a blend of traditional and modern styling with soft materials sitting alongside deliberately exposed screws and rubber floor mats. It also has many other standard interior features to support you on your journeys, such as the centre console, carpet mats and a luxury carpeted load space.

The Land Rover Defender 130 has an 11.4-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as What3words integration, which allows you to locate a 3m x 3m square wherever in the world using an exclusive three-word address.

Five trim levels are available, including X-Dynamic SE, HSE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, and a limited First Edition model.

X-Dynamic SE models have 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, a Meridian stereo system, a video rear view mirror, and blind spot assist.

HSE models get heated and cooled front seats with adjustable memory, a sliding panoramic roof, a leather interior and a heated steering wheel. HSE models also get a rear collision monitor, rear traffic monitor, and adaptive cruise control.

X-Dynamic HSE models have Matrix LED headlights, additional leather on the interior, including on the steering wheel, 14-way electric front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

X models come with 20-inch alloy wheels, electronic air suspension, orange brake callipers, a gloss black bonnet, various chrome details, and Land Rover's Terrain Response 2 system. It also adds a ClearSight interior rear view mirror, a head-up display and an upgraded Meridian sound system.

First Edition models come with electronic air suspension, a configurable Terrain Response system, premium LED headlights, privacy glass and 20-inch alloy wheels. It also adds a heated steering wheel, a leather gearshift, and a CkearSight interior rear view mirror, which uses a camera if the view out the back is blocked.

Land Rover offers the Defender 130 with the choice of three engine options.

The petrol range starts with the P300, a 3.0-litre straight-six mild-hybrid petrol producing 296bhp and capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds.

The range-topper P400 has a more powerful 395bhp version of the same motor capable of 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds. 

There's also a single diesel, the D300, with 296bhp capable of 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds.

The Defender 130 feels very similar to the 110 to drive, which is no surprise given that the two vehicles are nearly identical aside from the exterior. Similar to the smaller models, it corners and handles surprisingly well for so big and hefty.

Air suspension is also standard on the Defender 130, which allows you to lower the car for easier entry or elevate it for greater off-road ground clearance giving you a more pleasant ride at speed.

Overall, the Land Rover Defender 130 is one of the most practical SUVs on the market, offering the ideal balance of space and capability, making it an excellent leasing option.

Prices for the new Land Rover Defender 130 start from £71,575.00 OTR* or to lease from £795.20 per month.

Do you have questions about leasing a Land Rover Defender 130? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the leading car leasing providers in the UK. All of our car leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, free delivery to the UK's mainland (exclusions apply), inclusive road tax, and breakdown insurance.

Additionally, leasing a Land Rover Defender 130 may be less expensive than purchasing one outright due to fixed monthly payments, variable mileage, a low initial rental, and adjustable contract periods.

*'On the road' price is correct at the time of publication and includes one year's road fund licence, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.