Returning with a few changes, the 2023 Land Rover Defender has a streamlined trim-level lineup. This change jostled the standard and optional content a bit.
Possessing a rich history, Defender earned its reputation as a go-anywhere off-roader. It is often spoken of in the same breath as the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
We like it for its heritage, short front-rear overhangs, off-road prowess, three engine choices, and supportive, comfy seats.
The Defender comes as the 2-door 90, the 4-door 110, and the all-new 8-passenger 130. Size and the door count are the significant differences. Where they share trim levels, the content is virtually the same.
The new 130 is 13.4 inches longer than the 110. For the most part, it shares trim-level standard content with the 90 and 110. However, a quad-zone automatic climate control replaces the systems in the 90 and 110.
A smaller Defender version is in the works and may also hit showrooms for 2023.
For the 90, Land Rover terminated the P300, P400 X-Dynamic S, and P400 X-Dynamic HSE but added the new P400 SE.
Gone from the Defender 110 trims are the P400 X-Dynamic HSE and the XS Edition.
Available trims for 2023 in the 90 and 110 versions are the P300 S, P400 SE, P400 X-Dynamic SE, P400 X, V8, and Carpathian Edition. Land Rover retained the P300 Standard as the base trim for the 110. The 130 shares the P300 S, P400 SE, P400 X-Dynamic SE, and P400 X. Land Rover also offers a 130 P400 First Edition.
Power & Fuel Economy
A three-engine lineup powers Defender. In addition to the base powerplant, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the Defender can be powered by an inline-6 mild-hybrid powertrain or a supercharged 5.0-liter V8.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter motivates the Standard and S grades while the P300 and P400 6-cylinder hybrids drive the SE, X-Dynamic SE, and X. Providing the thrust for the V8 and Carpathian Edition is the V8.
Every Defender is 4-wheel drive (4WD).
The base engine is a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission transfers the engine load to all the wheels, no matter the engine.
According to the EPA, the fuel economy for the base Defender 90 is 18 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg in combined driving. For the 4-cylinder 110, the numbers drop to 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway/18 mpg combined.
When powered by the 395-hp 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, the Defender 90 and 110 are rated at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Equipped with the same powertrain, the new Defender 130 is rated at 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway.
At the top of Defender’s engine food chain is the 518-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8. The EPA fuel economy for the 90 V8 is 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined. Opting for the 110 scrubs 1 mpg from the city number.
2023 Land Rover Defender (starting at $51,700)
The 2023 Land Rover Defender P300 Standard starts at $51,700.
The listed starting price is for the Defender 110.
Eighteen-inch steel wheels, automatic on/off LED headlights, LED taillights, and heated power-fold outboard mirrors with driver’s side mirror auto-dimming are all included.
Also standard are hill-start assist, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Standard trim level also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 8-way semi-power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, a HomeLink transceiver, and heated seats.
The infotainment system has an 11.4-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, navigation, and satellite radio capability. Also included are wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The driver aids are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition with a speed limiter. Also standard are 360-degree parking assist, a surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
If you can imagine a goody or feature for an SUV, Defender probably offers it as an option. The list of stand-alone options and packages is extensive.
For example, the Air Suspension Pack ($1,600) adds an adaptive air suspension with automatic headlight leveling.
The $700 Climate Control Pack includes a heated windshield, heated washer jets, a heated steering wheel, and headlight power wash.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the Standard base price brings the total to $53,050. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $953 per month. See 2023 Land Rover Defender Standard models for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender Standard includes:
- Auto-dimming mirrors – Using photosensors, they recognize bright headlights closing from behind. They then automatically dim the reflection of those lights. They include the driver’s-side outboard and inside rearview mirrors.
- Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
2023 Land Rover Defender S (starting at $52,300)
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 S starts at $55,300.
That starting price is for the Defender 90 S. Moving to the 110 S is $55,300. Going for the 130 S will set you back $68,000.
To the standard Defender, S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, high-beam assist, 12-way semi-power-adjustable front seats, and leather-trimmed seats.
Also included are a 15-speaker Meridian audio system and an interactive driver information display.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the S base price equals $53,650. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $964 per month. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 90S for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110S for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 130S for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender S includes:
- High-beam assist – If your vehicle has this system, the high beams are always on. When photosensors or a forward-pointed camera detects oncoming headlights or taillights, the system automatically switches off the high beams. Then automatically switches them back on when no vehicle lights are detected.
- Meridian audio system – Featuring 15 speakers, this 400-watt system provides clear, crisp sound.
- Driver information display – Located in the gauge cluster, the DIP can display various messages regarding your vehicle’s operation based on your pre-configured settings.
2023 Land Rover Defender SE (starting at $64,000)
The 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 SE starts at $66,900.
That starting price is for the 2023 Defender 90 SE. The 110 SE starts at $66,900. To get the 130 SE, you’ll pay $78,300.
This trim level is where we would land if shopping for a Defender. You get the MHEV 6-cylinder and a Meridian surround-sound system.
To the S, the SE adds the 6-cylinder MHEV powertrain, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power panoramic roof, front fog lights, and upgraded LED headlights with auto-leveling.
Also included are 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory and a 15-speaker Meridian surround-sound system.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the SE base price totals $65,350. If you put no money down and finance for 60 months at 3% interest, the monthly payment will be $1,174. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 SE for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SE for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 SE for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender SE includes:
- MHEV powertrain – Combining the 3.0L supercharged 6-cylinder engine with a 48-watt hybrid system results in 395 hp and fuel economy nearly as good as with 4-cylinder Defender versions.
- Upgraded LED headlights – They include self-leveling capability for towing or hauling heavy loads.
- Meridian audio system – Its 15 speakers are arranged and tuned to produce surround sound.
2022 Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic SE (starting at $66,900)
The 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE starts at $69,900.
That starting price is for the 90 X-Dynamic SE. For the 110 X-Dynamic SE, the price is $69,900. It climbs to $81,400 for the 130 X-Dynamic SE.
Much of what the X-Dynamic SE adds to the SE are appearance elements. They include two-tone leather seats and illuminated metal treadplates.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the X-Dynamic SE base price brings the total to $68,250. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest costs about $1,226 per month. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic 90 SE for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE for Sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 X-Dynamic SE for Sale
2023 Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition (starting at $75,000)
The Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition pays tribute to the 30 years in which the brand’s most rugged model has been present in North America.
A Fuji White exterior paint job and matching white-painted steel wheels recall the classic 1993 Land Rover Defender 110. Under the hood is the P300 powertrain, a 296-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder coupled to standard 4-wheel drive via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 30th Anniversary Edition comes with features like a roof rack, a deployable ladder, mud flaps, rubber floor mats, and wheel-arch extensions to add to its adventurous image.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the 30th Anniversary Edition base price equals $76,350. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing is about $1,372 per month. See 2023 Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition models for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition includes:
- Fuji White paint with matching Gloss White steel wheels – The 30th Anniversary Edition pays a stylish homage to the classic 1993 Defender First Edition.
- Limited production – Land Rover plans to offer only 500 examples of the 30th Anniversary Edition Defender.
- Adventure gear – With its go-anywhere image, extras include a roof rack, front and rear mud flaps, a deployable ladder, and fixed side steps.
Land Rover Defender 130 P400 First Edition (starting at $84,700)
The First Edition uses the P400 MHEV engine for its thrust. It features Terrain Response and adaptive air suspension.
You can get the First Edition in three color combinations. First, the Fuji White exterior with a Light Oyster Windsor leather interior. Second, Sedona Red with Ebony Windsor leather cabin. Third, Carpathian Grey with Vintage Tan Windsor leather interior.
No matter the color, The P400 First Edition comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding panoramic roof, a body-colored roof, and LED headlights. Also included are heated power-fold outboard mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side outboard mirror, and fog lights. A body-colored spare-wheel cover, dark oak veneer interior accents, and a digital rearview camera mirror are standard, as well.
Other features include a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, quad-zone automatic climate control, and heated/ventilated 14-way power-adjustable front seats. Windsor leather seating, heated 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, an 11-speaker Meridian audio system, and wireless phone charging are standard. Other features include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, quad-zone automatic climate control, and heated/ventilated 14-way power-adjustable front seats. Windsor leather seating, heated 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, an 11-speaker Meridian audio system, and wireless phone charging are standard.
Among the safety technologies are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear collision monitoring, driver alert warning, and traffic-sign recognition with Adaptive Speed Limiter are also included. A surround-view camera is standard, as well.
Adding the destination fee to the Defender 130 First Edition’s base price brings the total to $86,050. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $1,546 per month. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender P400 90 First Edition for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender P400 110 First Edition for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender P400 130 First Edition for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender X (starting at $85,400)
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 P400 X starts at $99,900.
That starting price is for the 90 X. Opting for the 110 X costs $87,900. Moving up to the 130 X will set you back $99,900.
If you plan to take your Defender off-road, this is the grade for extreme off-roading.
The X loses all the X-Dynamic SE appearance elements but gains an adaptive suspension and Land Rover’s All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC).
Also included are Terrain Response 2, X appearance elements, leather seating, and metal pedals.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the X base price equals $86,750. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing is about $1,559 per month. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 90X for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110X for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 130X for sale
2023 Land Rover Defender X includes:
- All-Terrain Response Control – Once engaged, it allows the vehicle to travel at the programmed speed no matter the terrain.
- Terrain Response 2 – This driver-selectable system allows you to dial in one of several surfaces, such as mud, snow, and even rock.
- Leather seats – This high-quality leather seating ratchets up the luxury.
2023 Land Rover Defender V8 (starting at $104,400)
The 2023 Land Rover Defender V8 begins at $104,400.
That starting price is for the Defender 90 V8. Stepping up to the 110 V8 costs $107,700.
Losing the X’s ATPC and X appearance elements, the V8 gains the V8 engine.
It also adds the Dynamic Program to the Terrain Response 2, a tow hitch receiver, illuminated metal treadplates, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Also included are the Climate Control Pack, a suede-cloth heated steering wheel, a refrigerated front console, and an activity key.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the V8 base price brings the total to $105,750. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $1,815. Find a 2023 Land Rover 90 V8 for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover 110 V8 for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover 130 V8 for sale
2023 Land Rover V8 includes:
- Dynamic Program – An element of Terrain Response 2, it features two locking differentials for outstanding low-speed traction.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), it allows setting the temperatures in each. It then automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
- Climate Control Pack – It includes a heated windshield, heated washer jets, and headlight power wash.
2023 Land Rover Defender Carpathian Edition (starting at $111,400)
The 2023 Land Rover Defender Carpathian Edition starts at $111,400.
That starting price is for the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 Carpathian Edition. For the 110 Carpathian Edition, the cost is $114,600.
Building on the V8, Carpathian Edition adds a few special appearance elements.
Adding the $1,350 destination fee to the Carpathian Edition base price equals $112,750. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $1,934 per month. Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 Carpathian Edition for sale or Find a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 Carpathian Edition for sale
