The 2026 Land Rover Defender 130 V8 Meets Your Expectations—Until You Take It for a Spin | Review | Carscoops

      Land Rover's Defender 130 V8 enhances the classic off-roader concept with added power, luxury, and space. But does it effectively combine size, strength, and purpose?

      By Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Attractive design, spacious interior, true off-road capability CONS ›› High price, stock tires limit performance, feels large to drive

      When Land Rover introduced its redesigned Defender in 2020, traditionalists mocked the incorporation of modern technology and luxury finishes over a well-respected off-road legacy. Fast forward to 2026, and the Defender 130 V8 has emerged as the most powerful and luxurious Defender on offer. This variant turns an already capable vehicle into a more muscular version.

      The 130 was the final model introduced to the lineup and quickly became the preferred choice for buyers needing additional passenger space or cargo capacity without sacrificing off-road ability. It lengthens the Defender’s overall dimensions while still retaining its core identity on paper.

      Equipping it with a supercharged V8 enhances the personality of this already amiable SUV. Think of it as infusing a bit of American muscle into Land Rover’s rugged lineage.

      Quick Facts

      That’s Land Rover’s narrative, but how does the most potent and expansive Defender actually perform on the road? Is it really as capable as its smaller counterparts? What is the day-to-day living experience like?

      We tested one for a week to explore these questions and found some surprising insights—especially given this vehicle's as-tested cost of over $130,000.

      We previously tested the smaller five-seat model, the 110, which proved to be an exceptional all-purpose vehicle that shined both on highways and off the beaten path. The 130 does present some trade-offs, but we appreciate its presence.

      Modern Interpretation of an Icon

      From a design standpoint, the 130 might be the most appealing of the lineup. It effectively integrates Land Rover’s classic styling into a contemporary shape better than any other model in their series. While it is significantly larger than the classic Defenders, this modern rendition hits the mark more effectively than most vintage-inspired vehicles.

      Many might have expected a loss of the original Defender's rigid, angular nature. However, Land Rover managed to preserve it even in this elongated version. No one in the school drop-off line is likely to mistake it for a Porsche or, worse, an Escalade. Every inch of this SUV exudes the solidity of a bank vault.

      It presents a tall, robust profile, complete with a few unique visual features that connect it to the older Defender, including the opaque panels on the C-pillar, which serve no real function aside from nodding to the past. Similarly, the faux diamond plating on the hood could have benefitted from being real metal.

      However, the reality today is that most Defender customers don’t seem to be bothered by these details. If they were, the brand would likely have altered the design.

      Ultimately, this is an attractive, stylish, and eye-catching model. Furthermore, Land Rover offers it with unique wraps or special matte black finishes, as featured on our test vehicle, which caught the attention of several strangers throughout our testing week.

      An Interior Designed for All Passengers

      The cabin largely mirrors the rest of the Defender range, featuring the same rugged materials we appreciated in the 110. The steering wheel spokes and center are crafted from real metal, likely textured aluminum, giving it a premium feel.

      The dashboard prioritizes functionality with ample storage, grab handles, and surfaces designed to handle mud, dirt, and even the occasional juice box spill.

      Its focus on passenger comfort distinguishes this SUV. While not every luxury feature is included, it compensates with thoughtful details for each person inside.

      Second-row passengers enjoy captain’s chairs with Land Rover’s well-known stadium seating, enhancing their visibility. Impressively, this design doesn’t sacrifice headroom.

      At 6'6", I had no trouble fitting in the second row behind the driver's seat. This level of comfort is rare in today's automotive market. Moreover, the third row offers decent accommodations too, with outboard seats featuring individual heated seat controls, storage options, power ports, climate vents, and cup holders.

      Unlike the 90 and 110 models, the 130 provides ample space for both passengers and cargo. With 13.7 cubic feet behind the third row and 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row when folded, it offers over 80 cubic feet of storage with both rows down.

      Interior Shortcomings

      However, the cabin experience isn’t without its flaws. The seats lack premium softness, and for a starting price exceeding $120,000, that’s disappointing. The infotainment system is smooth and intuitive, but it does have some frustrating quirks.

      For instance, the Range Rover version of the system offers a more intuitive interface that accommodates near-instant climate adjustments for each passenger regardless of the main display settings.

      While the physical controls of the Defender are superior, switching between this