Towing and Payload Feature Overview
The Defender 130 is the longest-wheelbase Defender sold in the United States. Maximum towing capacity is listed at up to 8,200 lbs across the four models described here. The maximum vehicle and trailer combination weight is 15,650 lbs. The maximum coupling point nose weight is 771 lbs. For towing without trailer brakes, the unbraked trailer limit is 1,653 lbs.
8,200 LBS
Maximum listed towing capacity across the four Defender 130 models described here.
15,650 LBS
Maximum listed vehicle and trailer combination weight.
771 LBS
Maximum coupling point nose weight.
1,653 LBS
Maximum listed unbraked trailer limit.
Roof-load limits vary by tire configuration. With all-season tires, the Defender 130 carries up to 220.4 lbs on the roof. With all-terrain tires, that figure rises to 370.3 lbs. Actual combined loading should remain within all applicable vehicle, axle, roof, hitch, and trailer limits. These figures apply to a 197.6-inch vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,450 lbs and a curb weight starting at 5,525 lbs, or 5,610 lbs on the Outbound.
The 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 mild hybrid produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque on the X-Dynamic SE, Outbound, and Vertex. The Defender S uses the same 3.0L inline-6 at 296 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
2027 Defender 130 full specs and models
How the Towing Systems Work
The Defender 130 combines its rated towing capability with several mechanical and electronic systems designed to support vehicle control under applicable conditions.
Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer Stability Assist can detect certain trailer-sway conditions and apply selective braking inputs to help support vehicle and trailer stability. The driver remains responsible for vehicle control and must respond as conditions require.
Terrain Response 2
Terrain Response 2 can adjust supported vehicle settings, including throttle, transmission, suspension, and differential responses, according to the selected or detected terrain conditions.
Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist
Hill Descent Control can help maintain a selected low speed on supported descents. Hill Launch Assist can help limit rollback when starting on an incline.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control can adjust vehicle speed to maintain a selected following distance under supported conditions. The driver remains responsible for vehicle control, particularly when towing.
Twin-Speed Transfer Box
The twin-speed transfer box provides a low-range setting for supported low-speed off-road and towing situations.
Wading Capability
Maximum wading depth is listed at up to 35.4 inches under specified vehicle conditions. Wading capability depends on water depth, surface conditions, vehicle setup, and operating guidance. Towing through water requires additional caution and should follow the owner’s documentation and applicable trailer limitations.
Terrain Response 2 and off-road systems
Across the Models
All four 2027 Defender 130 models share the same maximum towing of up to 8,200 lbs and the same maximum vehicle and trailer combination weight of 15,650 lbs. The primary differences include engine output, seating configuration, and equipment.
Defender S
The Defender S uses the 3.0L inline-6 at 296 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. It includes Trailer Stability Assist, Terrain Response, AWD, a twin-speed transfer box, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the 3D Surround Camera. It carries the same maximum towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs.
Defender X-Dynamic SE
The Defender X-Dynamic SE increases output to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft while retaining the same listed maximum towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs. It also includes the listed towing and capability systems described above.
Defender Outbound
The Defender Outbound also produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It adds Gloss Black 20-inch wheels, a Chopped Carbon Fibre finisher, and the Meridian Surround Sound System. The Outbound uses a 5-plus-2 seating layout rather than the full 8-seat configuration, which affects its third-row cargo measurement but not its listed maximum towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs.
Defender Vertex
The Defender Vertex also uses the 395-hp, 406-lb-ft powertrain. It adds 22-inch wheels, Windsor leather and forged textile seats, yellow front brake calipers, yellow exposed rear recovery eyes, and a Meridian Surround Sound System.
Compare Defender 130 models
Real-World Benefit
An 8,200-lb maximum tow rating can accommodate a range of recreational and utility trailers when the fully loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, vehicle loading, and other limits remain within the applicable ratings.
For boat-launch use, the Defender 130 combines the listed towing capacity with low-range gearing, available traction-management systems, and up to 35.4 inches of rated wading depth under specified conditions. Boat-ramp use should remain within vehicle, trailer, surface, and water-depth limits.
For clients who need cargo capacity while towing, the Defender 130 offers 43.5 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row and up to 76.1 cu ft of total cargo volume. Roof carrying capacity reaches up to 370.3 lbs when fitted with all-terrain tires, subject to the applicable vehicle and loading limits. Electronic Air Suspension can raise the vehicle from standard ride height of 8.5 inches to an off-road setting providing up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance for supported low-speed terrain conditions. Approach angle in off-road mode reaches up to 37.5 degrees.
The Defender 130 has a 23.8-gallon fuel tank. The listed 19-mpg highway figure applies without a trailer. Fuel economy while towing will vary with trailer weight, speed, terrain, weather, and other conditions.
How the Defender 130 Towing Systems Work Together
The Defender 130 combines an up-to-8,200-lb tow rating with Trailer Stability Assist, available Terrain Response 2 functionality, a twin-speed transfer box with low range, Electronic Air Suspension, and other vehicle-control systems described above. Actual towing capability depends on vehicle configuration, trailer setup, cargo, tongue weight, road or terrain conditions, and adherence to all applicable vehicle and trailer limits. Trailer Stability Assist is listed as standard across the four models described here.
See the 2027 Defender 130 at Land Rover of Grand Rapids
The 2027 Defender 130 offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,200 lbs across the four models described here, along with Trailer Stability Assist and other towing and capability systems. Browse current Defender 130 inventory at Land Rover of Grand Rapids to see available models and configurations. The Land Rover of Grand Rapids team can help review available Defender 130 configurations, towing equipment, and vehicle-specific ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Defender 130?
The 2027 Defender 130 tows up to 8,200 lbs. That figure applies to the S, X-Dynamic SE, Outbound, and Vertex models described here.
Does every Defender 130 model include Trailer Stability Assist?
Yes. Trailer Stability Assist is listed as standard on all four models described here.
What is the maximum GTW for the 2027 Defender 130?
The maximum vehicle and trailer combination weight is 15,650 lbs.
What is the nose weight limit on the 2027 Defender 130 hitch?
The maximum coupling point nose weight is 771 lbs.
How much can the 2027 Defender 130 carry on the roof while towing?
With all-season tires, the Defender 130 carries up to 220.4 lbs on the roof. With all-terrain tires, that limit rises to 370.3 lbs. Roof-load limits do not replace the need to remain within applicable vehicle, axle, roof, hitch, trailer, and combination-weight ratings.
Does the Defender 130 have a low range for heavy towing situations?
Yes. The twin-speed transfer box includes a mechanical low range. Low range can support controlled low-speed operation on grades and other suitable terrain.
What is the 2027 Defender 130’s maximum listed wading depth?
The Defender 130 is listed with a maximum wading depth of up to 35.4 inches under specified conditions. Wading while towing requires additional caution and should follow the owner’s documentation, trailer limitations, water conditions, and vehicle operating guidance.
What is the 2027 Defender 130’s ground clearance in off-road mode?
Electronic Air Suspension provides up to 11.4 inches of listed ground clearance in the off-road setting, with an approach angle of up to 37.5 degrees.
What engine does the 2027 Defender 130 use for towing?
The X-Dynamic SE, Outbound, and Vertex use a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 mild hybrid producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The S uses the same 3.0L inline-6 at 296 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. All four models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
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