by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 03/12/2024
The Land Rover Defender has long been one of the most capable off-road vehicles. Its rugged styling and go-anywhere attitude have become a favorite among adventurers and off-road enthusiasts. I have been a fan since I had the chance to drive the Defender 90 First Edition when they launched in 2021. It felt modern, but it still felt like a Defender. However, with the new 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound edition, the British automaker has taken things to a new level, and I must admit you feel like a bit of a Bond villain driving around town in it.
The Defender 130 Outbound is a unique trim level offering several features and capabilities not found on other models. For starters, the Outbound is based on the long-wheelbase version of the Defender, which means it is longer than the 110, but the Outbound doesn't offer a third row of seats like the regular 130. Instead, the Outbound only offers two rows with seating for five people. This may seem strange, but it allows for a larger cargo area with nearly 50 inches of open floor space behind the second row; it is a massive amount of space.
The cargo area in the Outbound is further enhanced with several features specifically designed for adventurers. A rubber floor mat can be folded over the rear bumper for added scratch protection, while extra cubbies and latch points allow for secure gear and equipment storage. A new cargo net is even included as part of the Outbound experience. This configuration would be the perfect base to build my next vehicle for my expedition with The Explorers Club in 2025, but at $101,000, it might be out of budget.
The exterior of the Outbound is also unique, with several features that set it apart from other Defender models. The most notable of these is the color-matched panel that replaces the windows on the rear sides of the vehicle. This gives the Outbound a more rugged and utilitarian look, perfect for off-road adventures. The Outbound is also available in a limited range of paint colors, including Carpathian Grey, Fuji White, Eiger Gray, and Santorini Black. Land Rover also offers the latter two with a protective satin film for an additional cost.
The Outbound rides on black 20-inch wheels mounted on Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac All-Terrain tires and provide excellent traction in various conditions while not misbehaving on the pavement. All-season rubber is available at no extra cost, while larger 22-inch wheels will cost you an additional $2400 and only come with all-season tires. Under the hood, every Outbound is powered by Land Rover's 395-hp 3.0-liter straight-six, which features an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system. This gives the Outbound plenty of power and torque for off-road adventures while providing decent fuel economy.
The interior of the Outbound is just as rugged and utilitarian as the exterior. The seats are covered in durable materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures, while the dashboard and center console are designed to be easy to clean. The infotainment system is also impressive, with a large touchscreen display that provides access to a range of features, including navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
One of the most impressive things about the Defender 130 Outbound is its off-road capabilities. Land Rover has a long history of producing some of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, and the Outbound is no exception. It features several advanced systems that make it easy to tackle even the most challenging terrain. These include a two-speed transfer case, locking differentials, and a terrain response system that allows the driver to select the best settings for the conditions. I had the chance to test these features on the last 130 I drove, but because I didn't know I would get the Outbound to test until the day it arrived, I didn't have time to plan any off-road adventures for this review.
The Outbound also features a number of advanced safety features that are designed to keep occupants safe both on and off the road. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system that provides a clear view of the surroundings.
Overall, the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound is an impressive vehicle that will appeal to adventurers and off-road enthusiasts. I would add it to my garage if I had the extra space and a spare six figures. With its rugged styling, impressive off-road capabilities, and range of advanced features, it is one of the most capable and versatile vehicles on the market today. If you are looking for a vehicle that can take you anywhere and do anything, the Defender 130 Outbound is definitely worth considering.
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