Summary
The Land Rover Defender is a large SUV that is inspired by, but completely unrelated to, the long-serving Defender model that could trace its lineage back to the first Land Rover in 1948. The new model shares a lot of its architecture and components with other models in the Jaguar Land Rover family, and carries over nothing from the old Defender.
The new Defender was launched in late 2019 and went on sale in the UK in early 2020. Initially it was only available in long-wheelbase (110) form, with the short-wheelbase (90) version arriving in the second half of 2020 and an extra-long-wheelbase (130) model completing the line-up in 2022. A plug-in hybrid version also reached showrooms in late 2020.
Unlike most models in the Land Rover range, which are built in Britain, the Defender is built alongside the Land Rover Discovery at a factory in Slovakia (so it doesn’t get our “Best of British” badge).
It has received high praise for its combination of off-road and on-road abilities, practicality and vastly improved infotainment system compared to other Land Rover models.
The main criticisms are directed at fairly poor fuel economy and the car’s high price – with a long list of expensive options, a Defender 110 can easily breach £100k.
As of January 2025, the Land Rover Defender holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 65%. It gets strong media reviews and its safety rating is still good, but it’s let down by very high running costs and sub-par reliability.
Defender highlights
- Talented performer on and off the road
- Spacious and luxurious interior
- Impressive infotainment
- Slow value depreciation
- Excellent safety features
Defender lowlights
- Hefty pricing for top models
- Poor fuel economy
- ’90’ models have a small boot
- Brand has poor reliability track record
- Slightly sluggish handling
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £57,540 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 X P400
“The Land Rover Defender 90 is fantastically comfortable on the road and ridiculously capable off road. It’s a little less practical than the 110, but if you’re not always popping kids in the back seats the extra charm of the three-door’s styling could make it a winner.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240 S
“Despite appearing to have an impossible task on its hands, the new Land Rover Defender 110 has succeeded beyond expectations.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 75th Limited Edition (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“For die-hard Defender fans, the 75th Limited Edition car might make sense as a celebration of the model line, but the style won’t be to all tastes. For everyone else, there’s better value elsewhere in the line-up.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Defender 110 range
Score: 9 / 10
“Land Rover has aced the latest Defender, which combines rugged go-anywhere ability with new levels of civility. It’s clearly a more modern and luxurious car than before, but the Defender has lost none of its ability to tackle whatever conditions are thrown its way.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 130 D300
Score: 8 / 10
“Does the world need an eight-seat Land Rover Defender when a seven-seater already exists? Perhaps that’s the question we’re still struggling to answer, but one thing’s for sure: the Defender 130 does provide a generous dollop of additional practicality over the already cavernous 110, and it does this without sacrificing any on-road or off-road manners. For an admittedly niche buyer, it’s a well-thought-out vehicle.” (Alastair Crooks)
Read review
Model reviewed: Land Rover Defender 90 D250 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no denying the Defender 90 packs masses of personality, and with Land Rover’s new mild-hybrid D250 six-cylinder diesel engine, the powertrain is torquey, smooth and refined, even if it’s not all that quick.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 P300 SE
“We still need to try the Defender’s simplest mechanical spec on road, but any fears that this version might lack the trail-conquering prowess of the rest of the range are unfounded. The ability to go pretty much anywhere is still here, present and correct. And, it must be said, at a usefully lower price.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic Defender 90 P400 X
Score: 8 / 10
“Mild-hybrid power comes with a hefty price premium in the Land Rover Defender 90. The shorter Defender feels every bit as special as its 110 stablemate – and that middle front-row seat should help to make it practical enough for many buyers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 110 P400 SE
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender P400 is the fastest Defender on sale and it’s a lot of fun, but the cheaper diesel models make more sense.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 110 range
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender has huge boots to fill and a vast range of expectation to satisfy, from traditional 4×4 fans to modern SUV buyers craving the latest tech. Its distinctive looks, undoubted off-road credibility and arch combination of style and practicality are a promising start.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: P400e X-Dynamic S
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still expensive, and you’ll have to keep the Land Rover Defender charged to make the most of the running cost savings.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Defender 90 D250 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“As with any three-door car, accessing the rear seats isn’t the most dignified of processes, but leg room is not too bad once you’re there. There is also a noticeably more unsettled quality to the ride on uneven surfaces as a result of its shorter wheelbase.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Compare it with its nearest rivals on price and ability – the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Jeep Wrangler – and the Land Rover Defender feels more comfortable and more up to date. But it isn’t missing any real off-road credentials – they’ve merely been modernised. And about time.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Defender’s off-road ability is peerless at this price point. Land Rover would never live it down if it were any other way. But most importantly, and for the toughest test of all – working out for the family – it passes with flying colours, offering space, tech and cool appeal to work on so many levels.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender has returned with an incredible repertoire of talents, including a strong range of plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel engines.” (Ben Custard)
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110 D240
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender 110 had a big name to live up to and it’s succeeded in all areas. The design, technology and engineering make it one of the most competent cars you can buy today. It’s unexpectedly fun to drive on the road, with all of the off-road ability you’ll ever need.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Defender is a cool-looking, well-equipped and extremely capable off-roader, but top-spec models are quite expensive.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Defender 90 D250 SE
“Big pricing combines with big emissions to make a problematic company car tax equation on a classy, capable and good-to-drive premium off-roader, although boot space is extremely limited in this 90 version.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240S 110
“A really very impressive and long overdue all-new Land Rover Defender struggles only in the area of its poor efficiency. A comfortable do-anything off-roader, but drivers paying BiK will be well advised to wait a few months for the PHEV version.”
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Defender 90 range
“The smaller three-door Defender 90 is set to become a favourite not only among the country casuals, but also with city slickers who can bling-up and customise their ride around town.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 110
“It does what you expect a Defender to do. Sorts it. I felt fully confident. Not once did I feel it wouldn’t cope.”
Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240S 110
Score: 10 / 10
“We’ve waited a long time for the new Defender but it’s been worth it.”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P4003 110
Score: 8 / 10
“The electrified version of the beloved Land Rover Defender off-roader is more efficient and less polluting than its petrol and diesel siblings, but costs significantly more than them, too.”
Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: Defender 110 range
“Land Rover has really pulled it off when it comes to reinventing a motoring icon. It has something of the spirit of the original about it and, while in some ways it’s a world away from its predecessor, it’s an impressively capable and comfortable on-road vehicle that would be very easy to live with every day.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Defender V8
Score: 5 / 10
“It feels a little undernourished – a ruse to confidently and consistently sell six-figure Defenders, not to mention one that’ll use up however many AJV8s they have lying around in various storage units across the midlands.”
Read review
Model reviewed: P400 X
Score: 8 / 10
“Land Rover’s all-new Defender proves to be worth the wait and is now as capable on-road as it is off it. It’s no driver’s car but as a do-everything machine it’s hard to fault and we wouldn’t be embarrassed to have one share garage space with a more traditional evo car.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 S 110
Score: 9 / 10
“Land Rover has pulled off the unthinkable and dragged the Defender badge kicking and screaming into the modern world, while retaining its charm and function. It’s a five-star vehicle in almost every way, and a huge achievement for Land Rover.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: P400e plug-in hybrid 110 X-Dynamic S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender 110 P400e Plug-in Hybrid feels like a quality product, is excellent to drive on the road, and is amazingly capable off-road. Many people might say that it should tick all those boxes due to its price. It’s so big that it’s not ideal for use in urban areas, but if you do drive it in such environments, our main complaint is that it needs to be engineered to start in electric mode rather than on the petrol engine.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: 90 range
Score: 8 / 10
“Replacing the original Land Rover Defender is a challenge that could be likened to giving Coronation Street a millennial revamp, or putting a modern twist on the traditional roast dinner. It’s not a task that should be taken lightly – and, no matter what you do, it’ll attract more than its fair share of criticism.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 110 range
Score: 8 / 10
“Rugged 4×4 with modern twist”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 is leagues ahead of its predecessor in almost every way. Not only is it a comfortable SUV, loaded with technology and surprisingly good to drive, it remains immensely practical and unstoppable off-road.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Defender 130 range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Unless you regularly need to transport your entire extended family up a Cumbrian fell, the Land Rover Defender 130 is probably overkill for most people’s needs. The Defender 130 trades on its feel-good factor – and, despite its high price tag, ridiculous proportions and atrocious fuel consumption, we grew quite fond of it by the end of our week of testing.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review
Model reviewed: 90 short-wheelbase range
“Land Rover claims this is the best off-roader it’s ever made – enough said?”
Read review
Model reviewed: 110 long-wheelbase range
Score: 9.4 / 10
“An off-road great, re-imagined for the 21st century”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 110
“The new Defender is finally here — tough, trendy and hi-tech.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic 110
Score: 6 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender V8 is costly to run, over-engined and, frankly, pretty silly. Even sillier when you learn the price, which for this long-wheelbase version is £101,105. Unless you’ve got money (and fuel) to burn, I’d look elsewhere in the Defender catalogue.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 90 P300 SE
Score: 10 / 10
“Time and Land Rover’s reliability will determine how the Defender 90 goes down with the company’s traditional commercial markets, but on this evidence it should be out there doing the tough jobs for years to come.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D240 S 110
Score: 10 / 10
“The Land Rover Defender is much more expensive than the car it replaces but it’s a much more capable and versatile vehicle. Land Rover’s reliability record isn’t exactly peerless but we’ll have to give this car the benefit of the doubt – and it’s got to be better than its predecessor.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you can make use of it, there’s nothing to match it”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 78%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Land Rover Defender has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 20 mpg | E | 19 – 27 mpg | E – E |
Diesel models | 33 mpg | E | 31 – 34 mpg | D – E |
Plug-in hybrid models | 101 mpg | A | 80 – 109 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 320 g/km | D | 240 – 334 g/km | D – D |
Diesel models | 226 g/km | D | 219 – 240 g/km | D – D |
Plug-in hybrid models | 63 g/km | A | 59 – 80 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 30 miles | E | 26 – 32 miles | E – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 46 | D | 37 – 50 | C – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £362 | C |
Year 2 | £737 | C |
Year 3 | £1,193 | C |
Year 4 | £1,502 | C |
Year 5 | £1,988 | C |
Overall | £5,782 | C |
It should come as no real surprise to learn that a large, heavy SUV has high running costs, and the Land Rover Defender will cost you a fair chunk of change to live with.
Fuel consumption is unsurprisingly poor, regardless of whether you choose a petrol or diesel version. Don’t be fooled by the impressive-looking economy figures of the plug-in hybrid models – every plug-in hybrid on the market scores an ‘A’ for fuel economy, which is the result of the unrepresentative EU/UK lab tests that car manufacturers have to follow.
Insurance is also likely to be expensive, with several versions of the Defender in the top insurance group (group 50). Scheduled servicing costs are actually the most reasonable results here, and even then they are only average.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 29
Average repair cost: £899.10
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Land Rover Defender has a poor reliability score as of October 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score only applies to the ‘new’ Defender, rather than the ‘classic’ Defender, and to date it’s only based on a relatively small number of vehicles.
Average repair bills overall are £900, which is higher than most cars. To date, the biggest bills have been related to engine issues, with an average repair cost of about £1,800.
Given the cost of repairs (and Land Rover’s historically poor reliability record), if you own a Land Rover Defender or are interested in buying a used Defender, a used car warranty could be a good idea. Make sure it covers all of the areas listed above.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Land Rover Defender
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/255
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 11/2023 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 590
Defect: The incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Remedy: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/147
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 04/2019 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 47,815
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/145
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2019 to 01/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 15,408
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/293
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2023 to 09/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 770
Defect: On plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in electric vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Remedy: Software update to the Powertrain control module.
Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/135
Model types: Defender 130 models
Build dates: 07/2021 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 318
Defect: On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Remedy: The third-row seat back latch operation will be checked. Where the seat latches operate correctly no further action is required. Where a latch does not operate properly the seat frame and associated components will be replaced.
Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/087
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 18,151
Defect: The water pump pulley drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pulley drive is lost, this leads to a loss of coolant flow in the engine.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the engine coolant elbow replaced. In addition, a turbocharger feed coolant pipe will be replaced.
Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/044
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 08/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 499
Defect: For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0-litre vehicles, a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn’t been fully drilled. As a result, the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Remedy: The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.
Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/222
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 12/2021 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 2,981
Defect: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/333
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 08/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 509
Defect: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the occupancy detection sensor system (ODS) installed.
Remedy: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/247
Model types: Defender 90 models
Build dates: 12/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,025
Defect: The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value.
Remedy: Inspect the exhaust downpipe to catalytic converter joint. If the fixings are present torque them up to the required torque specification. If any fixings are missing they will be replaced and torqued to the required specification.
Date: April 2021
Recall number: R/2021/137
Model types: All Defender models
Build dates: 11/2020 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 4,002
Defect: The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Remedy: Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.
As of October 2024, there have been ten DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Land Rover Defender to address various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Land Rover dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Defender, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Land Rover Defender has received
2023
- EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Plug-In Hybrid Luxury SUV
2022
- Motor Trader Awards – Best Used Car
- News UK Motor Awards – Best Adventure Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader
2021
- The Car Expert Awards – Large SUV Class Champion
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Large Crossover
- Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV
- Carwow Awards – Best Large SUV
- DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Luxury SUV
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Off-Roader
- News UK Motoring Awards – The Sunday Times Legend Award
2020
- Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV
- News UK Motor Awards – Best Adventure Car + Best Dog-Friendly Car
- Business Car Awards – Driver’s Choice
- Northern Group of Motoring Writers – Northern Car of the Year
2019
- Carwow Awards – Design Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Land Rover Defender, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q7 | BMW X5 | Jeep Wrangler | Land Rover Discovery | Lexus RX | Mercedes-Benz G-Class | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Range Rover Sport | SsangYong Rexton | Toyota Land Cruiser | Volkswagen Touareg | Volvo XC90
More information
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