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2023 Land Rover Defender review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Land Rover Defender highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Smooth and comfortable on-road performance
  • Loads of luxury and tech options

Cons

  • Rear hatch is a bit heavy to open
  • No trailer brake controller with the available tow package

Mileage (EPA estimate)

14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year
Mileage

All Land Rover Defender years

What is new for the 2023 Land Rover Defender?

  • The Defender is available in a variety of new trims, including the 130 First Edition, 130 S, 130 SE, 130 X, 130 X-Dynamic SE, and 90 SE.
  • The 110 X-Dynamic HSE, 110 XS Edition, 90, 90 X-Dynamic HSE, and 90 X-Dynamic S trims have been discontinued for 2023.
  • Defender trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
  • The 90 X-Dynamic SE trim now comes with A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The 90 S trim now comes with Memory Seat(s) and Leather Seats as standard equipment.
  • The 110 S trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The 110 SE trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof and Leather Seats as standard equipment.
  • The 110 X-Dynamic SE trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof and A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.

2023 Land Rover Defender trims

Curious how Land Rover Defender trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

110:

90 S:

90 SE:

  • Includes all features available on the 90 S
  • 395-hp, 406-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • A/C Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels

90 X:

90 X-Dynamic SE:

90 Carpathian Edition:

  • Includes all features available on the 90 X-Dynamic SE
  • 518-hp, 461-lb-ft of torque 5.0L
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Tow Hitch
  • Supercharged Engine

90 V8:

  • Includes all features available on the 90 Carpathian Edition
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Auxiliary Audio Input

130 X-Dynamic SE:

130 First Edition:

110 SE:

130 S:

  • Includes all features available on the 110 SE
  • 296-hp, 347-lb-ft of torque 3.0L

130 SE:

  • Includes all features available on the 130 S
  • No significant upgrades found on the 130 SE

130 X:

  • Includes all features available on the 130 SE
  • No significant upgrades found on the 130 X

110 Carpathian Edition:

  • Includes all features available on the 130 X
  • No significant upgrades found on the 110 Carpathian Edition

110 V8:

  • Includes all features available on the 110 Carpathian Edition
  • No significant upgrades found on the 110 V8

110 S:

110 X:

  • Includes all features available on the 110 S
  • 3.0L
  • Leatherette & Cloth

110 X-Dynamic SE:

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Land Rover Defender

1. Vintage good looks with a modern style

The Land Rover Defender is known for its boxy style that epitomizes off-road excellence. While the modern Defender might look a little different, it still retains the square shape of the classic design. Despite these nods back to its predecessors, the 2023 Land Rover Defender has a strikingly modern style with narrow headlights and curves that soften the edges of the traditional shape. This makes it a great option if you love the old-school design but want something that looks and feels appropriate for 2023 and beyond.

2. Capable off-road

The element that always made the Defender stand out is its off-road prowess. For 2023 it takes things to the next level with unibody construction and fully independent suspension. As you'd imagine, every model features four-wheel drive, allowing you to tackle whatever terrain you fancy. With 11.5 inches of ground clearance, you can traverse rocky roads and steep hills, too—plus you can cross up to 35 inches of water so you don't have to stop when the road does.

3. Third-row seating and more space

Another new-for-2023 feature is the larger Defender 130 variant that ups passenger capacity to eight with a third row of seats while still offering 13.7 cu-ft of cargo space. This means you can carry the whole crew for your next off-road adventure while still leaving space for all your stuff. If you're torn between the Defender 110 and 130, it all comes down to size. The 130 variant offers that extra space behind the third row and comes in at a total of 211 inches in length. The 110 model is 197.6 inches in length with 10.7 cu-ft of cargo space in the back.

4. Wide range of trim and engine options

Whether you're using your Defender as an off-road adventurer or prefer to use it as a capable suburban people mover, there's a variant out there for you. With seven trims and three engine options, it's easy to find the Defender that fits your lifestyle. If space is important, go for the Defender 130 with its longer wheelbase. If power is the priority, the V8 trim features a 5L supercharged V8. The base model is well equipped as standard with heated and power-adjustable front seats, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration.

5. Impressive performance

No matter which of the engine options you choose, you'll get great performance both on- and off-road. The base engine is a 2L turbocharged four-cylinder that gets a respectable 296 horsepower—as standard, it also includes low-range gearing. The top-range 5L V8 ups power to a fun 518 hp and will do zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. There's also a mild hybrid engine option that offers 395 hp from its 3L engine and electric motor—it'll do the sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, according to the manufacturer when new.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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Land Rover Defender features and specs

90 Carpathian Edition 4WD/AWD 2D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Meridian Audio
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Supercharged Engine
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

Four Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

5.0L

Horsepower

518

Torque (ft-lbs)

461

Engine type

Supercharged Gas

Fuel capacity

23.4

Wheelbase

101.9"

Overall length

180.5"

Width

79.1"

Height

77.5"

Leg room

F 39.1"/R 36.6"

Head room

F 40.6"/R 40.4"

Front tires

P275/45WR22

Rear tires

P275/45WR22

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

820/8201 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Land Rover Defender FAQ

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