2021 Land Rover Defender Review
Price Range: $43,998 - $58,998





+190
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 Land Rover Defender packs legitimate off-road capability — provided you pick the right options — and makes no sacrifice in on-road comfort. It's an admirable accomplishment. Overall, we're impressed with this modern interpretation of a classic nameplate.
2021 Land Rover Defender Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Two-door Defender 90 joins the lineup
- New X-Dynamic trim features unique interior and exterior styling
- Revised standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the second Defender generation introduced for 2020
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 P300 2dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Alabama.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Alabama
$231/mo for Defender 90 P300
Defender 90 P300
vs
$161/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Land Rover Defender Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(51%)
4(6%)
3(6%)
2(11%)
1(26%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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Proceed with Caution
1 out of 5 starsDBM6858, 07/15/2020
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 First Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
We've had ours since June 8. After 8 days, the Check Engine light went on. Land Rover then had the car for 9 days The dealer determined that three mechanical faults set the light off, but the mechanical faults were non-existent; it must have been a software issue that caused the light to come on. Land Rover (the dealer, in consultation with engineers from Land Rover USA on the east coast … and Land Rover England) cleared the Check Engine light but never determined what software issue set it off in the first place. We then got the car back, Land Rover having had it for a longer period of time than we did.
About a week later, Sirius went out. It comes in and out intermittently, and we have an appointment to have that fixed, but we can't get in to the dealer until the end of July. While waiting for that appointment, the Check Engine light came on again. I'm anticipating another long stint with a loaner.
We love the car reliability issues aside, but those reliability issues are quickly moving it into Lemon Law land.
Dead on the 3rd day- LR took care of me
3 out of 5 starsJoe M, 04/29/2021
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Bought a new 2021 Defender X. Pretty awesome until the morning of day 3 with ~500 miles on the odometer, all safety systems failed along with a gearbox failure at 80 mph on the interstate. It barely allowed me to get to safety. The out of town dealer repaired and gave it back only to have it fail again the next morning. Of course this is in the middle of important meetings as well. … It remains at the out of town dealer now 8.5 days of the first 11 I have owned it. The dealer who sold it wont talk with me and customer care scheduled a call in two weeks. I have remained surprisingly calm in the face of all this, but as an engineer and technology developer I am a bit embarrassed I bought the car knowing Land Rover's reputation for reliability. I never thought I would be so disappointed with a $91,000 new car.
Update.... The 2021 Defender was pronounced dead after 100 days and an incredible effort to repair it. Land Rover customer care worked hard to find and deliver a new 2022 Defender. Its exactly what I was hoping for, refined and rugged. The lemon experience has left me cautious but it is an awesome vehicle and excellent support. I kept my Rubicon just in case.
2020 DEFENDER LEMON
1 out of 5 starsDISSAPOINTED BUYER, 05/10/2021
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Let's start about this vehicle. Looked great I bought it then first week I had issues with the Infotainment not working and no sound coming out. I called dealer and they said a software update is needed. Month 2 same issues now the rear door seals come undone and air coming in door while driving as it is not properly sealed. I take the vehicle to dealer and they tell me its a design flaw … and they are going to try and correct. Month 3 Ac unit not working take it back in Land rover tells me that the ac hose has a leak in it and they are going to replace it including another update to the software system. Month 6 emergency steering and braking system not working light comes on as well as coolant level low light. Also car dies on me at stop light and won't move while in drive, Have to restart and almost get rear ended. Dash & infotainment go out at night while driving on highway and turn back on a minute later. Month 7 Take to dealer they keep it for over 10 days Infotainment going out while driving, car taking a while to accelerate, car still shutting off while in gear and dropped it off at landcover dealer again and they give it back saying it was a software issue and also putting double sided tape to hold on rear seals on door. Drove vehicle home had for 1 week same issues car died again at intersection wife & daughter almost get rear ended took the vehicle back again and yet to get any calls from land rover. . I filed a case in April 26,2021 with Land Rover I have yet to hear from anyone regarding these issues of car being a lemon. I was told first that someone was reviewing my case then heard today no one has even looked at my case. I have made several attempts and yet get no responses. This vehicle has safety issues and they need to address it.
Not so great .. full of glitches
2 out of 5 starsYalaska, 03/04/2021
2020 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I’ve spent a small fortune on this car
Less than 200 miles in and the “low battery” alarm popped up and the car wouldn’t start. The car was taken to the dealer to find out after 2 weeks that there’s a faulty module (for the central screen) that keeps draining the battery
The car drove fine for a while .. then it happened again .. this time they said it was the battery
And now it … happened again (car won’t start with low battery alarm)
The car has 4K miles on it in 5 months and I love it
But if you buy it then be prepared to spend a significant amount of your time driving a loaner
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Land Rover Defender, so we've included reviews for other years of the Defender since its last redesign.
2021 Land Rover Defender video
Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender | 2-Door Off-Road SUV Showdown | Overlanding Comparison
2021 Defender Highlights
90 P300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Defender models:
- Surround-View Camera
- Provides a 360-degree view to aid in tight parking situations.
- Intelligent Emergency Braking
- Applies the brakes automatically if it senses an imminent front collision.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Gives a visible notification if it senses a vehicle in any of your blind spots.
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