Land Rover Defender trim comparison
2024 Land Rover Defender 130 P400 S vs 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition
The Defender 130 P400 S starts at $77,100 while the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition is $115,300. That $38,200 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid to 5.0L V8. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the 130 P400 S if the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition only when the 5.0L V8 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition adds about $672/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $40,320 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 130 P400 S and 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $38,200 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $6,367 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 130 P400 S | 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $77,100 | $115,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid | 5.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 395 hp | 518 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 17 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 16 |
| Fuel Tank | 23.8 gal | 23.4 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $3,600/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,620 lbs | 5,445 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 119.0" | 101.9" |
| Length | 211.7" | 180.5" |
| Height | 77.6" | 77.5" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/unlimited | 6yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Land Rover Defender 130 P400 S vs 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Land Rover Defender lineup, the Land Rover brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Defender 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition cost than the 130 P400 S?
The 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition starts at $115,300 compared to $77,100 for the 130 P400 S. That is a $38,200 difference, or approximately $672/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 P400 S and 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition have the same engine?
No. The 130 P400 S uses a 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid (395 hp, 406 lb-ft), while the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition has the 5.0L V8 (518 hp, 461 lb-ft). That is 123 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 Defender 130 P400 S and 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2024 Land Rover Defender come with?
All 2024 Land Rover Defender trims, including both the 130 P400 S and 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition, come with Land Rover's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition worth $38,200 more than the 130 P400 S?
The $38,200 buys the 5.0L V8. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the 130 P400 S does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Land Rover Defender trim gets better fuel economy, the 130 P400 S or the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition?
The 130 P400 S is the more efficient of the two at 18 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $38,200 Gap
The Defender 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition costs $38,200 more than the 130 P400 S. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 5.0L V8 engine (+123 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
How the 130 P400 S and 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition Feel Different
Moving from the 130 P400 S to the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition means a different engine entirely. That means 123 more horsepower and 55 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Defender 130 P400 S gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $292 per year or $1,460 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$38,200 more for the Defender 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition gets you 6 real differences. At $672/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Land Rover Defender 130 P400 S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 130 P400 S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Land Rover Defender 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 90 P525 V8 Carpathian Edition when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Land Rover or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-04-12. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.