The revitalization of the new Land Rover Defender has been, by most accounts, a success. The Defender is attractive, capable and thanks to the new V8 option coming next year, it’s got the power to back it up. But one area that the Defender 110 is a bit…challenged, is the space allotted for third row passengers. Land Rover plans to remedy the cramped back seat by introducing the Land Rover Defender 130 by the end of 2022.
The Land Rover Defender lineup is currently made up of the two door Defender 90 and the four door Defender 110, that offers an unrealistically small third row seat as an option. Although the new Defender 130 will still technically have the same wheelbase as the current 110 Defender, total body length will increase by fourteen inches, making the overall length with the rear mounted spare tire over 200 inches at nearly seventeen feet long. For reference, our Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build 2021 Toyota 4Runner is 191.3 inches long.
READ MORE: DOES THE NEW DEFENDER 110 HOLD UP TO THE LEGACY OF THE ORIGINAL?
The additional length is great news for that occasional third row passenger or for overland traveler looking to carry more gear or fit a bigger roof top tent on the roof. The fact that Land Rover retained the Defender 110 wheelbase is significant as it theoretically will mean more cargo room without sacrificing maneuverability on the trail.
Despite some initial setbacks and quirks, experienced by most new vehicles, Land Rover is moving forward with expanding the Defender model line by offering the 130 in addition to the already announced Defender v8. The price for the new Defender will likely be higher than the standard Defender 110, that can be purchased starting at $50,500 and as high as $107,200.
Header Photo by: Land Rover
Overlanding Industry News by Zach Elseman. Follow Zach @okienomads.
