First Drive: 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound Is a Stunning Off-Road Hauler
We just test drove Land Rover's latest Defender, and it's a massive game-changer for luxury off-roading.
When the Land Rover Defender returned to the U.S. in 2020 after nearly a quarter of a century, it was a welcome alternative to those oft-termed "soft-roaders"—the more luxury-focused SUVs that can still perform reasonably well in the dirt. First came the Defender 110, followed by the two-door, short-wheelbase Defender 90. In 2023, the Defender 130 arrived, riding on the same 10-foot platform as the 110, but with a considerably longer body and a third row of seats. For the 2024 model year, the previously V6-only Defender 130 was finally offered with a 493-hp, supercharged V8 motor. But Land Rover wasn't finished quite yet.
Alongside the Defender 130 V8, the British brand has now unveiled the Defender 130 Outbound, swapping out 3rd-row seating for more cargo space that endows the off-road SUV with extended off-the-grid capabilities. I had the pleasure of extensively testing this beast of an off-roader, albeit only on the highways and country back roads.
Here's a detailed look at what sets the Defender 130 Outbound apart from other rugged full-size SUVs—including fellow members of the Defender family.
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Go Anywhere, Do Anything—Just Don't Expect Great Gas Mileage
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Land Rover might have won more buyers over by offering their supercharged V8 in the Defender 130. Sadly, the Outbound edition isn’t offered with this range-topping P500 powertrain. However, the P400 powertrain of the Outbound, comprising a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, feels more than satisfactory here. It's equipped with a 48-volt, mild-hybrid system that kicks in for some extra power, delivering a combined 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
This torque output is sufficient to pull a trailer of up to 8,201 pounds. The 6-cylinder, mild-hybrid powertrain is smooth, extremely refined, and adequately potent. However, with five people and all their gear onboard, I found it struggles a bit on the highway. Even so, it is well compensated by the 8-speed automatic transmission, which works great in handling extra load. When I needed to quickly accelerate onto the highway with a full vehicle, the transmission worked quickly, shifting to the max power band of around 4,000-plus rpm.
The Defender comes with auto stop/start, but thankfully this can be disabled with the click of a button on the control panel. Unless you’re driving a full hybrid vehicle, stop/start technology is still too intrusive for everyday driving.
Unsurprisingly, fuel economy isn’t great. We're talking 16 miles per gallon in the city and 18 on the highway—so, not the most fuel-efficient SUV around. Part of that's because the Outbound is a heavyweight, tipping the scales at nearly 6,000 pounds. Yet, its bulk doesn't hinder its maneuverability around city streets and off-road trails any more than what’s already limited by its extra-long footprint. During my testing of the mammoth SUV, it managed to return the EPA-certified combined fuel efficiency number despite being heavily packed with people and luggage. Although not as powerful as the Defender 130 V8’s supercharged motor, I found the Outbound’s 6-cylinder powertrain competent and well-placed.
Every Turn Can Lead to Adventure if You're Brave Enough
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At 43 feet, the Outbound's turning radius is a tad on the large side for an SUV, but the ground clearance is fantastic. In off-road mode, the air suspension raises the Defender up to an impressive 11.4 inches. Combining this with the tall, commanding seating position and remarkable outward visibility makes the Defender 130 Outbound feel like the perfect overlanding rig.
There is a bit of a trade-off, though. The longer rear end on the Defender 130 Outbound means the departure angle isn't as good as on the Defender 110—coming in at 28.5 degrees (or 11.5 degrees lower). That said, the approach angle is still solid, at 37.5 degrees. Plus, you can literally wade through almost three feet of water with this thing. Pretty impressive, right?
My test unit came equipped with a couple of optional extras that boost the Outbound’s off-roading capabilities. These included the free-to-add Advanced Off-Road Pack, which offers enhanced electronic terrain response technology, along with the $1,250 Off-Road Pack that added an electronically locking rear differential. These features are sure to come in handy if you intend to explore challenging terrains properly. Land Rover also allows you to choose from two accessory packs, Explorer and Adventure, both of which come with their own perks. The $4,100 Adventure Pack is the real deal, equipping the Outbound with features like a raised air intake.
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Rugged Never Looked So Refined
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Whether you crave off-road thrills or a stylish city ride, the Defender 130 Outbound offers the options and capability to match your desires. Right off the bat, it comes with 20-inch black wheels with an option to choose the set of tires that encircle them. Brawny Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires are the default option, while a more road-oriented set of all-season tires are a no-cost option. The all-season rubber is great for everyday driving, but if you plan on getting dirty, go for the Goodyear Duratracs.
During my testing, I found the Outbound's standard, meaty all-terrain rubber admirably grippy on the road, even on corners. They not only offered exceptional grip but also let me pile more gear on the roof rack—an extra 150 pounds compared to the standard tires. There's a discernible amount of body roll, which is expected from a humongous SUV running on off-road-spec tires. However, even with the beefier Duratracs, the ride was still smooth, thanks to the standard air suspension setup. This precisely tuned suspension is a vital factor because the Defender Outbound weighs a ton.
The Duratracs however, do affect the braking distance, which I felt was slightly longer than other Defenders, especially the ones running on all-season tires. On the other hand, the brakes are confidence-inspiring, and even though there is noticeable nosedive while hard-braking, the Defender 130 Outbound comes to a quick halt without inducing a panic.
Land Rover offers the option to upgrade to larger, 22-inch wheels—again with both all-season and all-terrain tire options. I personally believe that the standard setup consisting of 20-inch wheels and all-terrain Duratracs is the ideal spec for the rugged Outbound.
Now, onto the paint options. The Outbound is offered with a trio of free colors, all classic and fitting its inherently boxy design. Of the three, I'd go for the Santorini Black, so as to blend in the rear panels, which can be a bit of a blind spot. If you're feeling fancy, Carpathian Grey is another excellent option—and an extra $600.
Less Is More
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The Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound’s cabin is made to get dirty, and it shows. The rubber floor mats are perfect for muddy boots and the seats are easy to clean. Behind the second row of seats, there's plenty of cargo space—35.8 cubic feet to be exact. That's 1.8 cubic feet more than what the Defender 110 offers, which is ample space for camping gear or an oversized canine companion.
The interior of the Defender 130 Outbound feels rugged, with exposed metal screws and body panels, but that's part of the charm exemplifying the SUV’s true nature. It is a machine tailor-made to be used off-road, even though that's where you'll rarely find one despite its capabilities. The best part, either way, is that everyone gets to ride in style and comfort. The heated and cooled seats in the front and second row are ride-changing wherever you're heading.
A killer Meridian sound system keeps everyone entertained, controlled by a moderately sized 11.4-inch touchscreen that works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Without any music blaring, the Outbound’s cabin is properly noise isolated, even when equipped with the meaty all-terrain tires. Basically, you get all the off-road capability you might ever need with all the comfort and tech features you desire for everyday driving.
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2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound: Final Thoughts
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Despite requiring a bigger garage for its 17.6-foot length, the Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound feels surprisingly manageable no matter where you traverse. As for the cost, its $84,500 price tag makes it average for the high-end off-roader segment, while offering a unique value proposition for anyone considering an Expedition or Yukon—but wanting more style and off-road capability.
The Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound is a true classic, reborn as a delight for both modern and traditional adventurers. Its 6-cylinder turbocharged motor is smooth, punchy, and paired with a resourceful 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard, knobby, all-terrain tires are extremely adept both on and off the road, without compromising stability or cabin noise isolation. While not exceptionally fuel efficient, the Outbound manages to meet the official fuel efficiency numbers.
Overall, this stretched five-seater luxury off-roader is well-worth its price tag. If you plan on taking your overlanding trips to the next level, or want to provide adequate space for your camping canines, this lengthy, rugged Defender is tough to top.
2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound: Specs
- Engine: 3.0L P400 i6 MHEV
- Horsepower/Torque: 395 hp/406 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- MPG: 16 city/18 highway
- Price: From $85,975
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