The Land Rover Defender 130 continues to build upon its legacy as the largest and most accommodating member of the Defender family. With its extended wheelbase and impressive interior space, the 130 model offers versatility that appeals to adventure-seeking families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Exterior Design Evolution
2024 Defender 130
- Featured the distinctive silhouette with extended rear overhang
- Standard LED headlights with signature daytime running lights
- Available in multiple exterior colour options, including Fuji White and Santorini Black
- Expedition roof rack option for additional cargo capacity
- 20-inch wheel options with all-terrain tires standard
2025 Defender 130
- Maintained the same overall profile but with subtle refinements
- Updated front fascia with more premium detailing
- Introduction of new wheel designs
- Enhanced exterior lighting with improved LED technology
- Expanded colour palette, including new metallic options
- Optional black pack for a more contemporary aesthetic
2026 Defender 130
- Introduces redesigned front grille with more sophisticated detailing
- Updated headlight and taillight signatures for a more modern appearance
- New alloy wheel designs with sizes up to 22 inches
- Additional exterior customization options through expanded SV program
- Introduction of new special edition models with unique exterior treatments
- Enhanced aerodynamic elements for improved efficiency
The exterior changes show the Land Rover commitment to evolving the design while respecting its iconic heritage. Each model year brings subtle yet meaningful updates that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Interior Space and Comfort
2024 Defender 130
- Eight-passenger seating configuration as standard
- Five-passenger Outbound model with expanded cargo space
- Premium textile and leather upholstery options
- Four-zone climate control system
- Fixed panoramic roof extending over all three rows
- 40:20:40 folding second row for flexible cargo options
2025 Defender 130
- Improved interior materials with enhanced durability
- New color and trim combinations
- Refined third-row access with improved seat mechanisms
- Enhanced ambient lighting system with additional customization
- Upgraded sound insulation for quieter cabin experience
- New Resist & Resolve seat materials with sustainable options
2026 Defender 130
- Redesigned front and second-row seats for improved comfort on long journeys
- Introduction of new premium sustainable interior materials
- Enhanced third-row comfort with additional padding and support
- New premium interior themes with exclusive colour combinations
- Improved storage solutions throughout the cabin
- Advanced massage function available for front seats
The interior evolution demonstrates a focus on blending practicality with premium comfort, making the Defender 130 increasingly refined while maintaining its rugged capabilities.
Technology and Connectivity
2024 Defender 130
- 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Online package with data plan included for one year
- Wireless device charging
- Connected navigation services
- 14-speaker Meridian sound system available
2025 Defender 130
- Updated Pivi Pro system with improved processor speed
- Enhanced voice control capabilities
- Expanded connected car features with advanced remote functions
- Improved digital driver display with customizable layouts
- Enhanced over-the-air update capabilities
- Introduction of additional USB-C ports throughout the cabin
2026 Defender 130
- Next-generation Pivi Pro system with updated interface
- Advanced digital driver display with augmented reality features
- Enhanced connectivity with expanded app ecosystem
- Improved integration with smart home devices
- Updated Meridian sound system with enhanced audio processing
- New rear-seat entertainment package with high-definition screens
Technology represents one of the most significant areas of improvement across these model years, with each update bringing more sophisticated features and improved user interfaces.
Performance and Powertrain
2024 Defender 130
- P300: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 horsepower
- P400: 3.0L inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque
- P500: 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 with enhanced power (limited availability)
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Standard four-wheel drive with electronic active differential
- Terrain Response system with selectable driving modes
2025 Defender 130
- Continued P300 and P400 engine options
- Expanded availability of P500 V8 option
- Enhanced efficiency through powertrain refinements
- Recalibrated transmission for smoother shifts
- Updated Terrain Response system with new drive modes
- Improved brake performance and pedal feel
2026 Defender 130
- Introduction of enhanced electrification across the range
- Updated P400 with increased power and efficiency
- Refined V8 option with improved performance metrics
- Potential introduction of plug-in hybrid variant for Canadian market
- Enhanced all-wheel drive system with improved torque vectoring
- Advanced off-road cruise control system
The powertrain evolution reflects the Land Rover move toward electrification while maintaining the performance capabilities expected of a premium SUV.
Off-Road Capability
2024 Defender 130
- Ground clearance of 290 mm
- Wading depth of 900 mm
- Terrain Response 2 with configurable settings
- Electronic air suspension with adaptive dynamics
- All-terrain progress control
- Low-range transfer case for extreme off-road situations
2025 Defender 130
- Maintained impressive off-road metrics
- Enhanced traction control algorithms for improved performance
- New Terrain Response modes for different scenarios
- Improved articulation with refined air suspension
- Enhanced wade sensing technology
- Upgraded hill descent control system
2026 Defender 130
- Introduction of next-generation Terrain Response system
- Enhanced off-road camera systems with improved visibility
- Advanced intelligent terrain mapping
- Improved approach and departure angles despite long wheelbase
- Enhanced rock crawl mode with automatic vehicle positioning
- New tire options specifically developed for diverse terrain types
Despite increasing luxury and on-road comfort, each iteration of this SUV continues to improve its legendary off-road capabilities.
Safety and Driver Assistance
2024 Defender 130
- Comprehensive airbag system including front, side, and curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- 3D surround camera system
- Blind spot assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
2025 Defender 130
- Enhanced driver monitoring system
- Improved cross-traffic alert functionality
- Updated adaptive cruise control with steering assist
- Enhanced parking assistance features
- Improved night vision capabilities
- Updated traffic sign recognition with improved accuracy
2026 Defender 130
- Next-generation driver assistance systems
- Enhanced autonomous driving capabilities
- Advanced intersection collision avoidance
- Improved pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Expanded driver monitoring capabilities
- Enhanced trailer assistance features
Safety technology continues to evolve rapidly across all three model years, with each update bringing more sophisticated driver assistance features.
Cargo and Utility Features
2024 Defender 130
- Standard cargo capacity of 389 litres behind third row
- Maximum cargo space of 2,516 litres with second and third rows folded
- Outbound model with expanded cargo area (no third row)
- Robust roof rack options with dynamic load capacity of 168 kg
- Towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg
- Multiple tie-down points and cargo management options
2025 Defender 130
- Similar cargo dimensions with improved access
- Enhanced cargo management system
- Improved power tailgate function
- New interior configuration options for specialized uses
- Refined roof rack system with easier access
- Updated trailer stability assistance
2026 Defender 130
- Introduction of new storage solutions throughout
- Potential for slight increase in overall cargo capacity through interior refinements
- Enhanced power tailgate with gesture control
- Improved interior flexibility with new seat folding mechanisms
- New roof rack designs with enhanced functionality
- Advanced trailer integration with dedicated camera views
The utility features reflect an understanding of how owners use their vehicles for both adventure and everyday tasks.
Special Editions and Variants
2024 Defender 130
- Standard eight-passenger configuration
- Outbound five-passenger variant focused on cargo space
- X-Dynamic and X trim levels with distinct styling elements
- Limited First Edition models with exclusive features
- V8 edition in limited numbers
2025 Defender 130
- Introduction of new Octa variant with enhanced performance
- Expanded X-Dynamic features
- New special edition models with unique design elements
- Enhanced customization through SV bespoke program
- Expanded interior configuration options
2026 Defender 130
- Introduction of new adventure-focused special editions
- Expanded electrification options across the lineup
- Potential for limited anniversary editions marking Defender milestones
- New luxury-oriented variants with exclusive materials
- Enhanced personalization options through expanded SV program
The range of special editions and variants continues to expand, offering customers more ways to personalize their Defender 130 experience.
Which Land Rover Is Best for You?
The evolution of the Land Rover Defender 130 demonstrates a thoughtful progression that enhances capability, comfort, and technology while maintaining the vehicle’s core identity. The most significant advances appear in interior refinement, technology integration, and powertrain efficiency, with each year bringing meaningful improvements.
While exterior design changes remain subtle across these model years, each update adds to the premium Defender appeal without compromising its rugged character. Performance capabilities continue to improve both on and off-road, maintaining the Defender 130 position as a vehicle that excels in all conditions while offering exceptional practicality through its generous interior space.
For potential buyers, the choice between these model years will depend largely on which specific features and technologies they prioritize, along with consideration for the incremental improvements in comfort and capability that come with each new iteration. What remains consistent across all three years is the Defender 130 unique blend of go-anywhere capability, impressive spaciousness, and increasingly refined luxury that makes it a standout option in the premium SUV segment.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.
