Do you know what Americans like? Big boxy trucks and SUVs with rugged capabilities. Therefore, the three-row Land Rover Defender 130 should serve as a more popular option for families looking to adventure. The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 might be a better fit than you think. 

7 things you need to know about the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 

I’m starting to get to know the Land Rover Defender 130 on a deeper level. I’ve driven it from Charlotte, NC, to Virginia, and back to Asheville, NC. 

I’ve been on an off-roading excursion with axle hopping and water fording to experience its full capabilities, and this large SUV is a beast. It can do more than just get your family to the campsite with comfort and luxury. 

But this time my model had a third row deleted. Instead of additional seating, I had a week with a model that provided an immense amount of cargo space for overlanding and other adventures with important takeaways. 

1. Extra equipment creates blind spots 

My 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 model was the Outbond trim with extra bells and whistles which brought the total to $84,500. 

Some of the extras include an extendable ladder on one side for roof access and a medical box for storage on the others. 

These items stuck out on the sides of the SUV, blocking my view while merging into traffic and changing lanes. Perhaps you could keep your emergency supplies inside the vehicle or the ladder could be moved to the rear. 

Also, the ladder attracted people of all shapes and sizes. I’m glad it locks some people can’t fold it down while the owners aren’t around. It can also hold up to 330 lbs and feels stable while climbing. 

2. The interior isn’t 100% utilitarian 

The interior of the Defender 130 is well-planned, attractive, and durable. It’s plush but still stands up to scratches and the elements. 

The rear cargo space is covered by a layer of metal that extends to the back of the second-row seats. Plus, there was a large rubber mat in the cargo area for wet and muddy gear. 

However, the carpet in the first and second rows was an odd touch. Sure, it’s soft and comfortable to provide an upscale feeling. 

But this vehicle is designed to get muddy. Light off-roading treks had me tracking mud, dirt, and moisture. I wish the vehicle was fully equipped with all-weather mats. But on a positive note, it was easy to clean. 

3. The Defender 130 is more comfortable than other off-roaders 

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 is a little loud at highway speeds, but it’s not painfully loud like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. It’s slightly loud for a luxury vehicle, though. 

The ride is a bit stiff and rigid, but the Defender 130 handles in a sportier nature compared to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. 

It feels a bit lighter and more aerodynamic. Plus, it’s incredibly well balanced with no body roll around sharp mountain bends. 

4. The tech can be confusing 

I didn’t have a problem using the touchscreen menus or adjusting the HVAC controls, because I have experience with Defender models. 

However, if I wasn’t taught how to use the tech I would have a learning curve to tackle. For example, you have to push a dial-in and then spin it to adjust your air conditioning strength. 

The system is British so it’s a bit different from what we’re used to with American SUVs and sometimes seems to include unnecessary extra steps. 

But the head-up display, infotainment system, and digital gauge cluster provide valuable information about your pitch and roll, and fluid temperatures, and the 360-degree view looks great. 

The graphics are modern and vibrant and the 11.4-inch touchscreen has an excellent resolution. I was only bothered when the lane assist system seemed too aggressive with heavily steering back to the center of the lane. 

5. The MPG rating is accurate 

I had a model with a 3.0-liter V6 gas engine with 395 hp and 406 lb of torque. It’s a fun engine with a smooth power delivery. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. 

You can upgrade to the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine for 493 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. However, a hybrid variant would be nice. 

The Defender 130 gets an EPa-estimated 16 mpg in the city and up to 18 mpg on the highway. I hovered around 17.3 mpg for my entire week which included city errands, trips down the highway, and light off-roading. 

6. There’s plenty of space 

While the 2024 Land Rover Defender can comfortably fit up to eight adults, it also has plenty of cargo space for everyone’s stuff. 

There are 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 76.1 cubic feet behind the front row. My model had power-folding second-row seats, and it does provide a level cargo floor. 

The tailgate opens wide to provide tons of room for large pieces of cargo. Plus, it has a convenient liftover height. If you need extra space, then the roof rack is already there for you. 

Also, the interior has tons of storage bins and cubbies to take advantage of, including an open space under the gear shifter column. 

7. The Defender 130 looks good 

My Defender 130 model flexed a shade of Eiger Grey paint with black accents and privacy windows. It really draws the eye and it received multiple compliments throughout the week. 

It drew more attention than the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ford Explorer. I think the 20” black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires helped complete its style. 

The circular headlights and large front bumper add to its commanding stance and the black metal portions of the hood aren’t for decoration. You can stand on them. Plus, the spare tire on the back promotes confidence.