Even though I'd probably only use a fraction of a Land Rover's off-road capabilities, it'd still be fun to feel like I could conquer any road.
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
Wanna ride shotgun with the GRM crew?
Welcome to this week’s test vehicle, a 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound, "the ultimate combination of capability and comfort. Go further and explore more with space for resting, sleeping and smart storage." So, essentially, the one to buy if you are into overlanding or spending the night in the Walmart parking lot.
This four-door Defender has seating for six and comes powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mated to a mild hybrid system. In total, Land Rover says the system is good for 395 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque.
This version of the Defender is also rated to tow 8200 pounds and has a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches.
MSRP for the 130 Outbound starts at $84,500, with our tester coming in at $93,188.
Even though I'd probably only use a fraction of a Land Rover's off-road capabilities, it'd still be fun to feel like I could conquer any road.
Initial impressions: Despite the knobby-ish tires, it’s much quieter than expected. There’s a little bit of road hum but not much wind noise at all.
An hour behind the wheel? We’re just getting warmed up.
Perhaps a gauge to the interest in this one: While heading out to show it to our neighbors–they asked if they could stop by and see it–another neighbor stopped to see it.
All own 4x4 vehicles.
Currently editing yet another track tire test–OMG, I said too much–but back in a bit with more impressions.
The wheel to tire ratio looks off for serious off-roading. That and slopping through the mud and bouncing off rocks with $95k just isn't going to happen unless the knucklehead on WhistlinDiesel decides to destroy one.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
True, but I would rather see more sidewall on an off road 32" tire. Going down a wheel size may not be possible because the front brakes look huge. Going up in tire diameter may mean getting out the body saw.
Then again, I'm not the person who this is marketed toward.
I wonder if they borrowed a designer from Ford.
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