2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound: Continuing the Legacy

Land Rover has a storied history, dating back to 1948 when they introduced the first Land Rover, designed for off-road utility post-World War II. Over the years, this design evolved into the iconic Land Rover Defender, known for its boxy, utilitarian style. The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound joins this legacy as a new addition to the Defender lineup, featuring a longer wheelbase while maintaining the five-seat cabin layout found in four-door models, distinguishing it from other Defender 130 trims that offer a seven-seat layout. But does the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound bring more than just increased practicality and an extended wheelbase?

Balancing Performance and Efficiency with a Mild Hybrid Powertrain The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a mild hybrid system. This combination delivers a total of 395 horsepower and 406 lb.ft. of torque. While some may argue that the optional supercharged 5.0-liter V8 found in other Defender models would better suit the Outbound for its size and weight, the V8 only offers a modest increase in horsepower and torque. Additionally, the 3.0-liter engine allows for a higher towing capacity of 8,201 pounds compared to the 7,716 pounds of Defenders equipped with the V8 engine. Therefore, for this utilitarian off-road specification, the 3.0-liter engine makes more sense.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to all four wheels through a twin-speed transfer case. It can also be optioned with an electronic active differential as part of the off-road package. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the Defender 130 Outbound promises 16 mpg for city driving and 18 mpg for highways, thanks to its hybrid system.

Exterior Design Reflects Rugged Capability

The exterior of the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound exudes a rugged aura, hinting at its capability to handle any terrain. The Outbound is available in four color options: Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black, and Carpathian Grey. All colors are costless except for Carpathian Grey, which adds $600 to the recommended MSRP. The Outbound features 20-inch gloss black wheels wrapped in advanced all-terrain tires, accentuating its off-road appeal. For those looking for a bit more style, 22-inch satin dark grey wheels are available for an additional $2,400. Whichever wheel option you choose, it is also used as the spare tire mounted at the rear. With 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Outbound boasts a 30.1° approach angle and a 24.5° departure angle, making it ideal for off-road adventures.

Comfortable and Inviting Interior

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound features seating for five passengers, with an expansive cargo area for gear, luggage, or supplies. The front and second-row seats are perforated, heated, and cooled, offering exceptional comfort and support even on long expeditions. The second-row seats are split 40:20:40, limiting space for the middle seat passenger. In-cabin entertainment is provided by a range-topping Meridian sound system controlled via an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display with iPhone and Android connectivity capabilities. The display also provides access to essentials such as FM radio and navigation.

Versatile and Functional

The 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound is built for adventurers and those with large dogs, offering practicality, go-anywhere capabilities, class-leading towing capacity, excellent fuel economy, and exceptional ride comfort thanks to its air suspension. With a base MSRP of $84,500, the Defender 130 Outbound is a compelling choice, although potential maneuverability issues due to its extended wheelbase are worth considering.

In conclusion, the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound continues Land Rover’s legacy of versatile and comfortable vehicles, making it a top contender in the large SUV segment.