DecodedCars2022 Land Rover Defender
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 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, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 296–395 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- 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
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 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.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Land Rover Defender is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl), 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 2022 standard SUV average of 18.9 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 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2022
- Engine added: 5.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Defender →
Trims, performance & features
Engine395 hp3.0L 6-cyl hybrid
Engine296 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
110 SE110 X-Dynamic HSE110 X-Dynamic SE110 S
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Nitra, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 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 | -5% | $4,550 | 492 |
| Defender 110 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 563 |
| Defender 90 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 545 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $9,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2022 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Land Rover Defender.
Similar 2022 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Land Rover Defender (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 20 |
| 2022 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2022 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
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 › Pretensioner · Jul 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V523000 · 4,927 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.
- Risk
- Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N720.
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.
Not every 2022 Land Rover Defender is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
76Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Land Rover Defender buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 14 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Visibility/Wiper — 13 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- 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 2022 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 | 87 |
| 2021 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 9 | 42 |
| 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 →