2023 Land Rover Defender
Starting at $54.975

Highs Even more capable off-road than other Land Rovers, so-long truck-like ride, safari-chic cabin design.
Lows Most efficient engine isn't that efficient, steeply priced extras, tight on cargo space.
Verdict An expert blending of modern conveniences and vintage styling bring the Defender and its rich heritage into the 21st century.

Overview
For many years, the Land Rover Defender was the United Kingdom's answer to the rough-and-tumble Jeeps of America, but with the latest generation the luxury brand has engineered-in more comfort to go along with the off-roader's go-anywhere capability. Both two- and four-door body styles are on offer with comfortable and practical cabins, modern infotainment, and tech features, and a signature style that evokes those revered Defenders of yore. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, and more-powerful inline-six and V-8 engines are available; all Defenders come standard with all-wheel drive. From there, buyers are offered a plethora of advanced off-roading equipment, including locking differentials, a height-adjustable air suspension, and a special mode for wading through deep water. But the biggest benefit to the new generation Defender's setup is its superior on-road driving behavior, which gives it a level of refinement that rivals such as the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus GX can't match.

What's New for 2023?
A Defender 130 variant joins the lineup this year, with a body that’s been extended to fit a third row of seats, upping total passenger capacity to eight riders. The new 130 model is available with an exclusive Sedona Red exterior color option and comes standard with desirable features that are optional on the 90 and 110 models, including the larger 11.4-inch infotainment display. Otherwise, the Defender carries over largely unchanged into 2023, except now its Pivi Pro infotainment system comes standard with Amazon Alexa integration. A 30th Anniversary Edition model will also be offered in limited quantities. Only 500 will be built and they’re based on the four-door 110 model and powered by the 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. They’re dressed in white with steel wheels. The Trophy Edition model returns for the 2023 model year, this time based on the two-door Defender 90. Only 250 will be produced and all of them come with the opportunity to compete in Land Rover's annual Defender Trophy competition; only 90 applicants will be selected.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
S: $53,650
Base: $54,975
SE: $65,350
X-Dynamic SE: $68,250
30th Anniversary Edition: $76,350
X: $86,750
Trophy Edition: $96,475
V8: $105,750
Carpathian: $112,750

As much as we like the look of the two-door 90 model, the four-door 110 and 130 models are more practical for most buyers. The base P300 powertrain—a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—seems peppy enough for day-to-day driving, so we'd stick with that; those who plan to tackle serious off-road trails may find the optional six-cylinder or V-8 engines to be better choices. We'd suggest the SE trim level as it adds a number of desirable features to the Defender's spec sheet, including 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a digital gauge display. Land Rover offers several accessory packages, each of which outfit the Defender with specifically themed features. There's also a bevy of personalization options available, but we'll leave the customization to you.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Defender is powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, every model features four-wheel drive and locking differentials for navigating treacherous terrain. The Defender is also available with a 3.0-liter inline-six which utilizes an electric supercharger and 48-volt hybrid system. Buyers looking for additional performance can opt for the 518-hp supercharged V-8, which hustled the Defender 90 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds in our testing. Unlike its predecessor, the Defender has a unibody construction versus a body-on-frame setup, and it replaces the old solid axles with a fully independent suspension. The base suspension utilizes coil springs, but it can be upgraded with air spring that enable adjustable ride height. The Defender has 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford through 35 inches of water, which exceeds both the Jeep Wrangler's maximum clearance and its wading ability.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/land-rover/defender


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