DecodedCars2021 Land Rover Defender
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 110 5 Seat 4dr SUV, 110 5+2 Seat 4dr SUV, 90 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 296–395 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 18 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 170.5–187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,819–4,945 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Land Rover Defender is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,819 lb (110 5 Seat 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (18 city / 22 highway), 1% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Defender — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Defender →
Trims, performance & features
Engine395 hp3.0L 6-cyl hybrid
Engine296 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
110 X-Dynamic SE110 SE110 S110 X-Dynamic HSE
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Nitra, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Defender configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 5 Seat 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 118.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,819 lb | 49/51 |
| 110 5+2 Seat 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 118.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,945 lb | 49/51 |
| 90 4dr SUV | 170.5 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 102 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,835 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 110 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 462 |
| Defender 90 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 462 |
| Defender 90 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 466 |
| Defender 110 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 492 |
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $9,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Land Rover Defender.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Land Rover Defender (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (9)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Sep 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V599000 · 23,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jun 12, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V389000 · 250,857 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driverâs air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driverâs air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Apr 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V248000 · 170,169 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication · Feb 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V044000 · 6,724 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the engine cam carrier and related components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N763.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Aug 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V668000 · 32,687 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
Child Seat › Vehicle Latch Anchor · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V584000 · 7,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the third-row seating is equipped with LATCH child seat restraints with top tethers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Risk
- Incorrect child restraint information may result in a child seat being improperly secured, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Land Rover will mail owners the correct information to insert into the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 23, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N601.
Seats · Jul 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V499000 · 603 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Defender 90 vehicles equipped with manually-adjustable front seats. The front seat track end-stop bracket may become deformed, which could prevent the seat from locking into place.
- Risk
- A seat that is not properly locked into place can move unintentionally during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front seat tracks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N609.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Jun 8, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V435000 · 2,622 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.
- Risk
- Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V424000 · 163 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may unexpectedly switch off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in an engine stall with no warning.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The Connected Diagnostic Services (CDS) and the Over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics functionality will be disabled, either by a dealer or through an OTA update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N599.
Not every 2021 Land Rover Defender is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
42Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Land Rover Defender buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 16 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Visibility/Wiper — 12 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Land Rover Defender. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Defender years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Defender | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Defender | 20 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2025 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 13 |
| 2024 Defender | 20 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 27 |
| 2023 Defender | 20 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 9 | 86 |
| 2022 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 76 |
| 2020 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 7 | 58 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Land Rover. How we calculate this →