13 Essential Facts About Buying a Land Rover Defender (New or Used)

When asking avid off-roaders to list the top names in rugged vehicle manufacturing, Land Rover typically comes up right next to its long-time competitor, Jeep. Since its creation, Land Rover has consistently produced cars designed for challenging landscapes; however, several of its early models weren’t very pleasant for daily driving. Modern versions from this manufacturer have become significantly more sophisticated, including the legendary Defender, which has evolved from a traditional utility vehicle into a high-end luxury sport utility. Alternatively: If you ask passionate outdoor adventurers to identify the leading manufacturers known for their all-terrain capabilities, Land Rover often appears beside its well-known counterpart, Jeep. Throughout its history, Land Rover has developed vehicles suited for harsh environments, though some of its older designs lacked comfort during regular use. The latest offerings from the company reflect considerable improvements, with even the classic Defender now offering a luxurious upgrade compared to its previous utilitarian style. Another version: In discussions about prominent off-road carmakers, Land Rover frequently joins Jeep as one of the standout choices among fans. Ever since its founding, Land Rover has delivered machines built for tough conditions, but many of its initial models didn't offer great ride quality once returning to paved roads. Today’s range represents a significant step forward in refinement, particularly with the redesigned Defender turning what was once a basic working truck into a premium sports utility vehicle.

Even with this change, it hasn't forgotten where it came from. It remains able to tackle almost any type of landscape a driver might encounter, and this mix of characteristics has contributed to its appeal among customers seeking an extremely adaptable sport utility vehicle. The Defender isn’t inexpensive, whether purchased brand new or pre-owned, yet its attractions fully support its higher cost. Whether you’re interested in a sleek new Defender or a previously owned one that’s already experienced some rough paths, here are 13 points worth knowing before visiting a car dealer.

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The Protector Begins at Approximately $60,000 for 2025

Purchasing a new Defender comes with a higher price tag compared to several of its competitors designed for off-road use, since even the most affordable model begins just below $60,000 for the 2025 lineup. The entry-level Defender 90 has a starting price of $58,750 (which includes a $1,850 destination and delivery charge), whereas the Defender 110 starts at $62,650. The biggest option, the Defender 130, will set you back a minimum of $71,550 after including the destination and delivery fee.

The entry-level S trim versions of the Defender 90 and Defender 110 feature 2.0L four-cylinder engines, whereas the standard Defender 130 comes equipped with a 3.0L six-cylinder engine. This six-cylinder powertrain can be found on Defender 90 and Defender 110 models beginning at the X-Dynamic SE trim level. Additionally, a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine is an option across all three model variations, though it carries a significant cost. While the exclusive Defender V8 trim reaches six-digit pricing, the Defender 110 allows customers to add the V8 engine to the X-Dynamic SE trim, starting at $96,850.

Choosing the more expensive engines leads to a substantial boost in performance. The standard four-cylinder unit delivers a moderate 296 horsepower, whereas the six-cylinder version raises this number to 395 horsepower. The V8 engine is the strongest option, with the Defender V8 model providing 518 horsepower.

The Top-of-the-Line Defender Octa Comes Out for 2025

Should the standard Defender V8 not be potent enough, Land Rover has introduced a new limited-edition Octa trim for the 2025 lineup. The main enhancement is a twin-turbocharged, plug-in hybrid 4.4-liter V8 motor delivering 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allows the Defender Octa to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, matching performance similar to a Porsche Cayenne S. However, unlike the Porsche, the Defender Octa remains highly proficient when tackling rough terrain.

Included among numerous updates are newly designed 33-inch Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain tires, which Land Rover claims are the biggest ever installed on a production Defender. Extra under-body protection, an improved off-road start function, and reinforced front panels enable the Octa to handle intense off-road driving conditions; however, the upscale cabin and updated suspension also provide for a pleasant ride when traveling on paved roads.

It possesses numerous abilities, yet the Defender Octa comes with a significant additional cost when contrasted with the standard Defender V8. It is exclusively offered as the Defender 110 and begins at $153,850, approximately $40,000 higher than a Defender 110 V8. The Defender Octa Edition One, featuring distinctive external and internal detailing, carries an even greater expense, with a base price of $169,650.

The Defender Comes in 90, 110, and 130 Models The Defender Offers Options in 90, 110, and 130 Versions The Defender Has Three Configurations: 90, 110, and 130 Available Sizes for the Defender Include 90, 110, and 130 The Defender Model Is Offered in 90, 110, and 130 Types There Are 90, 110, and 130 Versions of the Defender The Defender Can Be Found in 90, 110, and 130 Styles Nine different versions of the Defender include 90, 110, and 130 The Defender Features 90, 110, and 130 Different Models Customers Can Choose From 90, 110, and 130 Variants of the Defender

Many loyal Defender supporters likely know the distinctions among the 90, 110, and 130 models, yet for those new to the brand, exploring these variations in detail can provide valuable insight. The Land Rover Defender 90 it is the most compact and least functional option, featuring just two doors and the briefest wheelbase. Those looking to enter or exit the back seat will have to adjust the front seats before twisting their way through the door, an action we found annoying if done frequently. Although this model suffers in terms of family-friendly usability, it earns points for elegance, as the two-door Defender closely resembles the classic Land Rover appearance.

In contrast, the Land Rover Defender 130 It’s the ideal option when you frequently transport many passengers and large amounts of baggage. It features a longer wheelbase and can accommodate up to eight occupants based on how it's set up. This variant was introduced later into the Defender range, becoming available alongside the Defender 90 and Defender 110 in 2022, following their debut for the 2020 model year. As one of the larger SUVs today, it comes with a significantly higher price tag compared to both the Defender 90 and Defender 110.

The Defender 110 Makes a Solid Trade-off

The Defender 130 may be excessively big for the average buyer, whereas the Defender 90’s two-door layout might not be ideal if you have children. The sweet spot—and possibly the optimal balance among the three—is the Land Rover Defender 110 which includes five doors and two rows with comfortably large seating. A third row is available as an option, though it is quite cramped, making it ideal mainly for young children or brief trips.

The vehicle impressed us with its combination of luxury comfort and strong performance on rough terrain, though our testing path only briefly touched upon its full off-road potential. The main issue raised in our evaluation of the car was that most owners would likely find the Defender’s features unnecessary.

Many more affordable or higher-quality SUVs can manage the odd gravel path or muddy route, making them well-suited for the typical driver's needs. Most owners of the Defender probably won’t truly require such a vehicle, yet this hasn't stopped many individuals—including us—from desiring one.

Engine Fuel Economy Stays Generally Similar Across Different Powertrain Types

Regardless of whether customers choose the entry-level four-cylinder engine or the top-of-the-line V8, the Defender’s fuel economy remains comparable. As per the EPA, both the 2.0L four-cylinder unit and the 3.0L V6 are expected to deliver approximately 19 mpg overall across most Defender models. However, certain Defender 130 variants like the Outbound see a minor decrease to 18 mpg.

The Defender’s V8 choices are expectedly less fuel-efficient compared to the four-cylinder and six-cylinder models, though the difference isn’t significant. The Defender’s supercharged 5.0L V8 achieves an overall average of 16 mpg. Meanwhile, the twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 found in the Octa hasn't received an EPA rating as of this writing, yet it's likely to consume more fuel than the regular V8 version. If saving on gas is your priority, the Defender probably won't be your top choice; however, very few true off-road vehicles besides the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe are known for being highly efficient.

Although It Has A Rich History, The Defender Isn't Manufactured In Britain

The classic Defender was originally constructed at Land Rover's facility located in the center of England's Midlands region, where Land Rover cars have been produced at the Solihull factory since the company first began operations. Nevertheless, after the original Defender stopped being manufactured in 2016, the plant started producing different Land Rover models instead. Currently, it specializes in assembling premium models such as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

The popularity of the Range Rover brand has maintained high activity at the Solihull factory. Instead of constructing a new facility within the UK to handle the manufacturing of the renewed Defender, JLR executives opted to produce the vehicle in mainland Europe. Currently, it is assembled together with the Discovery at a specialized plant located in Nitra, Slovakia, which became operational in 2018.

Although Slovakia may not appear to be a top destination for an international automotive company to establish a state-of-the-art facility, it actually hosts production sites operated by multiple leading automakers such as Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, and Kia. Automobile manufacturing plays a substantial role within the nation’s industrial sector, with the Land Rover facility in Slovakia tasked with building Defenders for worldwide distribution. The fact that these vehicles are assembled in Slovakia could mean they face potential import duties on European-made automobiles; however, the current tariff landscape remains fluid and evolving at present.

The Protector Is Not as Untrustworthy as Certain People Believe

The brand Land Rover is often associated with producing vehicles that aren't dependable; however, the latest version of the Defender doesn't seem to have the same issues many drivers expect. Since 2022, it has consistently earned an "Average" reliability score from JD Power, and reports submitted to the NHTSA continue to stay minimal for all production years.

In terms of reliability ratings from JD Power, Land Rover continues to perform relatively weakly, placing near the bottom in their 2025 assessment, with notably higher complaint levels compared to industry standards. Nonetheless, Land Rover was considered more reliable overall than one of its well-known rivals, Jeep.

According to Consumer Reports' ranking of the least dependable vehicles, three Jeep models were included among the top ten problematic ones, with the Wrangler being one of them. Vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC also appeared on the list, although Land Rover models did not make the cut. This doesn’t mean the Defender has perfect dependability—owners have noted various minor problems, particularly related to software glitches—but overall, the Defender should not be significantly less reliable compared to most other newer SUVs.

The Protector Doesn't Hold Its Value Effectively

The newest version of the Defender provides significantly greater comfort compared to the initial model, yet it now loses value similarly to a premium automobile. According to Kelley Blue Book predictions, there is substantial depreciation throughout the entire Defender lineup, with the Defender 90 expected to hold just 37% of its worth following five years of use. The Defender 110 is projected to maintain only 35.8% of its value during the same timeframe, making it the least favorable among the three models.

Although the Defender 130 is the most expensive option when purchased brand new, it is expected to maintain a larger portion of its original value compared to others. As per KBB, owners may anticipate the vehicle retaining 40.4% of its initial cost after being driven for five years. Although these numbers aren’t very comforting, they are typical within this category of vehicles. Many top-tier SUVs ended up on our list of models with rapid depreciation. homeowners may feel sorry they purchased once it's time to resell including the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Range Rover, and also the more compact Range Rover Evoque.

Purchasing a Vintage Defender Will Cost a Fortune

Although the newest version of the Defender is expected to lose value considerably, purchasers should not assume that an older model will experience similar devaluation. Actually, the reverse holds true. The initial Defender remains highly desirable, prompting buyers to offer substantial extra amounts for top-quality models. On well-known online auctions such as Bring a Trailer, the most expensive versions tend to be extensively customized and frequently fetch six-digit prices; even more budget-friendly options typically reach the cost of a brand-new automobile. The specific price differs, with the least costly but functional Defenders available for approximately $25,000, whereas those in excellent condition generally command twice that sum.

One reason the classic Defender has such charm is due to how uncommon it is. While the name originated several years prior, the vehicle was only available in the U.S. during a brief period from 1993 to 1997. Afterward, it was removed from the American market because it failed to comply with evolving safety standards, yet it continued being sold elsewhere until 2016. Many older models can currently be brought into the U.S. thanks to the 25-year import regulation, though they are still scarce enough to keep their value elevated.

The Protector was initially introduced to take the place of the Series III.

Even though the company has developed numerous models throughout its extensive history, the Defender stands as the most direct modern descendant of the original Land Rover from 1948. The brand’s initial vehicles were referred to as the Series I, followed by the Series II which debuted in 1958. This model introduced a stronger gasoline engine, although the overall structure remained similar to the original. In 1971, the Series III came along with updated aesthetics and additional improvements, and a major transformation took place in 1983. During this time, the Ninety and One-Ten were launched, marking the beginning of what is currently called the Defender.

The main distinction between the Ninety and One-Ten models and earlier Land Rover vehicles was the implementation of coil spring suspension, making the vehicle more comfortable for road driving. The Defender label was not formally introduced until 1990, but the Ninety and One-Ten from 1983 are generally seen as part of the same series, despite lacking the Defender designation at first. From 1990 through 2016, the Defender underwent minimal significant changes, though several limited edition versions were produced to mark the conclusion of its manufacturing run.

The Protector and Exploration Target Diverse Groups of People

At roughly the same time the Defender name was introduced, Land Rover unveiled another vehicle, the Discovery. From the beginning, the Discovery and Defender were created as distinct model variations. which attracted various kinds of customers. Although the Defender consistently offered a more rugged, off-road oriented experience, the Discovery aimed to serve as a more suitable choice for families. It provided improved handling on paved roads and was built to offer comfort during extended drives just as much as it could manage through dirty farm paths.

The current model of the Discovery is marketed similarly, and the Defender still offers superior off-road performance compared to the other. Nonetheless, the Defender’s new look has made the Discovery less noticeable, lacking the striking appearance. The smaller Discovery Sport is also more affordable than the Defender, beginning at $51,175 (which includes a $1,275 delivery charge), yet provides ample room for families along with their belongings.

The Protector Faces Many Competitors The Guard Is Surrounded By Numerous Opponents The Guardian Encounters Multiple Adversaries The Watchman Has Several Contenders The Shield Holder Deals With A Lot Of Opposition The Safeguard Is Challenged By Many Others The Custodian Fights Against numerous Rival Entities The Defense Provider Confronts Various Antagonists The Security Figure Must Deal With Diverse Enemies The Keeper of Protection Struggles with Multiple Challengers

In addition to competitors within Land Rover's lineup, the Defender faced numerous challenges from vehicles originating from different manufacturers. Toyota provides one of the broadest selections of off-road SUVs available today, including the the newest version of the Land Cruiser the most recent model of the Land Cruiser the latest model of the Land Cruiser the current iteration of the Land Cruiser the up-to-date version of the Land Cruiser the modern-day Land Cruiser the new-est release of the Land Cruiser the present-generation Land Cruiser the cutting-edge Land Cruiser the updated model of the Land Cruiser Being the main competitor to the Defender and the 4Runner, it also ends up being equally expensive in its highest-trim versions. For an equivalent luxurious feel as a well-equipped Defender, shoppers might also look into the Lexus GX, which made a comeback in 2024 as a premium variant of the Land Cruiser.

Jeep also provides the Wrangler, available for 2025 with high-end trim levels comparable to those of the Defender in terms of cost. The Ford Bronco is another attractive choice if you prefer classic style, but it doesn’t serve as a luxurious vehicle like the Defender does. Additionally, the Defender’s list of competitors is expected to grow soon, as the Scout brand—supported by Volkswagen—is planning to introduce an electric SUV inspired by tradition sometime during this decade.

A Fully Electric Defender Will Not Be Available Soon

Scout could be working on an entirely electric off-road SUV, yet Land Rover enthusiasts won't see an electric version of the Defender available at showrooms for quite some time. Speaking with Autocar Lennard Hoornik, JLR's head of sales, mentioned that while the company has explored developing an electric variant of the present-day Defender, the constraints of the platform have prevented them from achieving a feasible design up until now. Hoornik stated, "An EV version will require a major advancement in the Defender’s development." Nevertheless, he did not specify for the publication when this major change might occur.

It is unclear whether a new era of the Defender will ultimately offer an entirely electric variant or if the Defender line-up might someday include a distinct, dedicated electric platform next to the existing one. For now, however, this remains uncertain. That said, it appears improbable that the future electric version of the Defender will reach showrooms anytime soon. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid edition of the Defender can be found in some international markets, although as of this writing, Land Rover has not revealed intentions to introduce this model within the U.S. market.

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