Specifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 8 | 5.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2025 | suv | 8 | 5.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2024 | suv | 8 | 5.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2023 | suv | 8 | 5.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2022 | suv | 8 | 5.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2021 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive |
| 2020 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 8 | 4 | 290 | 10.7 | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 2 | 4 | — | — | — |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 118.9, Front wheel: 20, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 118.9 | 20 | 18 |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | blindSpotIntervention | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2024 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2023 | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard |
| 2022 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard |
| 2021 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard |
| 2020 | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Land Rover Defender presents a compelling off-road package, but buyers must prioritize confirming the completion of critical safety recalls, particularly concerning the fuel tank integrity.
2025
The 2025 Land Rover Defender presents a capable, albeit average, reliability profile.
2024
The 2024 Land Rover Defender offers significant capability but comes with an average reliability rating.
2023
The 2023 Land Rover Defender presents an average reliability profile, with significant ownership concerns centered on potential engine oil leaks and associated seizure risks.
2022
The 2022 Land Rover Defender presents an average reliability profile, making thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.
2021
The 2021 Land Rover Defender presents a mixed reliability picture.
2020
The 2020 Land Rover Defender presents a mixed reliability picture, with a high number of recalls overshadowing zero consumer complaints.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Land Rover Defender?
Carfocal currently has 7 published Defender reports, covering 2020 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Land Rover Defender presents a compelling off-road package, but buyers must prioritize confirming the completion of critical safety recalls, particularly concerning the fuel tank integrity.
Published year coverage: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Land Rover Defender reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Land Rover Defender. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 land rover defender presents a compelling off-road package, but buyers must prioritize confirming the completion of critical safety recalls, particularly concerning the fuel tank integrity. and the 2026 land rover defender offers significant off-road prowess, but its value proposition is tempered by a history of critical recalls and a below-average reliability assessment. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
7 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Land Rover Defender?
Across Carfocal's published Defender guides, recurring problem areas include Fuel Tank, Seat Belt Anchorage (3rd Row), and Brake System. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Fuel Tank, Seat Belt Anchorage (3rd Row), and Brake System.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 7
- Years tracked
- 7
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints