Test-Driving The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound

Land Rover’s heritage dates back to 1948 when they built the first Land Rover after World War II intended for off-road utility use. Its design has evolved over the years to what we now know as the Land Rover Defender, which still retains the instantly recognizable boxy, utilitarian design of the original Land Rover. The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound joins in that legacy as an addition to the current generation Land Rover’s Defender lineup with a longer wheelbase but retaining the five-seat cabin layout in four-door models, unlike the seven-seat layout in other Defender 130 trims. Does the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound bring more than just increased practicality and an extended wheelbase to the table?

Incorporating A Mild Hybrid Powertrain, The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Strikes A Balance Between Performance And Efficiency

As standard, the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild hybrid system which works with the engine to produce a combined 395 horsepower and 406 lb.ft. of torque. The optional supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in other Defender models would have suited the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound for its size and weight. However, the V8 only offers around 100 horsepower more and an insignificant torque increase, so maybe it’s not worth having, especially considering that the Defender outbound has a higher towing capacity at 8,201 pounds with the 3.0-liter engine. Meanwhile, Defenders equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 engine have a towing capacity restricted to 7,716 pounds. That’s not to say there’s no place for the V8 in the Defender 130 lineup, but for this utilitarian off-road specification, the 3.0-liter makes a lot of sense.

As expected, an 8-speed automatic transmission transfers engine power to all four wheels through a twin-speed transfer case and can be optioned with an electronic active differential as part of the off-road package. The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound promises 16 mpg for city driving and 18 mpg for highways, thanks to its hybrid system, which doesn’t sound great on the surface, but it weighs nearly 6,000 pounds; to put that into perspective, some Chevy Suburbans weigh less.

Defender 130 Outbound Exterior Exudes A Rugged Aura Hinting At Its Capability To Handle Any Terrain

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound gets four color options: Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black and Carpathian Grey, each excellently complementing the matte finish on the bumpers and grille inserts and anthracite side vents. All color palettes are costless except Carpathian Grey, which adds $600 to the recommended MSRP. 20-inch gloss black wheels wrapped with advanced all-terrain tires accentuate the Defender 130 Outbound’s side profile, giving it a proper off-roader appeal. But if you prefer a little bit of style, you can opt for the 22-inch satin dark grey wheels that will add $2,400 to the final cost. Whichever wheel option you choose is also used as the spare tire mounted at the rear. The Outbound’s ground clearance creates an imposing presence on and off the road, but it does more than give the car a commanding look. Its 8.5 inches of ground clearance gives it a 30.1° approach angle and a 24.5° departure angle, enabling it to navigate uneven terrain, making it an ideal choice for off-road adventures.

Comfort-focused, Masterfully-Created And Inviting

When the Land Rover Defender 130 first debuted, it was presented with seating for up to eight passengers. Land Rover took a different approach with the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound, giving it two rows of seats for five passengers, leaving an expansive cargo area ample enough to accommodate gear, luggage or supplies to cater to the needs of adventurers. As standard, you get perforated, heated and cooled leather seats in the front and second row, with the second row being split 40:20:40, thus limiting space for the middle seat passenger. Nonetheless, the seats offer immense comfort and provide exceptional support and cushioning even for long on-road and off-road expeditions. In-cabin entertainment is facilitated by a range-topping Meridian sound system controlled via an 11-4 inch touchscreen infotainment display with iPhone and Android connectivity capabilities. The infotainment display also provides access to essentials such as FM radio and navigation, among other features.

Versatile, Functional And Adaptable

It’s plain to see that Land Rover built the Defender 130 Outbound to cater to buyers seeking a vehicle that accommodates the adventurer in them, it’s also great for people with large dogs they would like to travel with given such an expansive cargo area. Its practicality is a compelling reason enough to pay the $84,500 base MSRP, which is fair considering the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound’s go-anywhere capabilities, class-leading maximum towing capacity, excellent fuel economy and exceptional ride comfort thanks to its air suspension, among other advantages. However, it’s not without a couple of drawbacks, the most prominent being potential maneuverability issues due to its extended wheelbase.

Verdict

Land Rover’s heritage sustained through decades continued to thrive through cars such as the Defender, arguably one of the best offerings in the large SUV segment due to its versatility, comfort and easy to use tech.