2021 Land Rover Defender

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Rating7.2

Ranked #15 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$46,100 - $83,000
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Unbeatable off-road capabilities

Poor fuel economy figures

90” Two-door variant is new to the American market

Premium cabin loaded with tech

Optional upgrades can get expensive

Changes in standard and optional features

Matured ride-quality

Heavy cargo doors

Tons of customization options

Specs & Features

$46,100

price

296 hp @ 4000 rpm

horsepower

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Land Rover has introduced their 2021 Land Rover Defender in the 90” two-door variant to the American market. The new Land Rover Defender has always been a dream SUV for many, especially for the hardcore off-roaders. The 90” two-door variant in specific is such a beauty and has the true essence of an SUV. The road presence is enormous and the off-road capabilities are one of the best without any doubt. Being a Land Rover, the comfort is never compromised with tons of tech and safety features on offer. If you want more space in the rear seat, then you can consider checking out the Defender 110” variant.

Buying Advice

The base trim of the 2021 Land Rover Defender has a good list of driver assistance and off-road features. It also offers all the basic convenience features and a long list of safety tech. Our recommendation is going for the X-Dynamic trim, as it gives you access to the more powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine. It also features 19-inch alloy wheels and a Meridian sound system as standard. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The key reason why someone would consider the 2021 Land Rover 90” is because it is one of the coolest looking hardcore off-rode compact SUVs in the world. The 2021 Land Rover Defender starts at an MSRP of $46,100 and competes against the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.

Features
9.0/10

The 2021 Land Rover Defender comes in 5 trim options, and the features on offer change depending on the trim you choose. The one thing that it offers across all the trims as standard is some serious off-road capabilities. The base trim of the 2021 Land Rover Defender starts at an MSRP of $46,100 and goes all the way to $80,500 for the top X trim. There are various optional accessories to customize the 2021 Land Rover Defender for personal preferences.

Trim

Base

S

X-Dynamic

First Edition

X

MSRP(CVT)

$46,100

$49,400

$57,800

$64,100

$80,500

Key Features

10" Touchscreen Display

In addition to the Base trim:

In addition to the S trim:

In addition to the X-Dynamic trim:

In addition to the First Edition trim:

 

LED Headlights

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control

19-inch wheels with gloss black finish

White contrast roof

Black contrast roof and hood

 

18-inch alloy wheels

40-20-40 Folding Rear Seats

Silicon Silver exterior accents

Electronic air suspension

Starlight Satin chrome exterior accents

 

Fabric 8-way semi-powered front seats

Cruise Control

Smart Device Integration

Heated steering wheel

Orange brake calipers

 

3D surround-view camera system

Remote Keyless Entry

Leather Seats

Seat Memory

14-way Meridian surround sound system

 

Moonroof

Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity

Navigation System

Premium Synthetic Seats

Head-up display

The Land Rover Defender comes with a ton of tech loaded inside the cabin. Although it is a hardcore off-road SUV, it looks very premium and plush from the inside. The top trim gets advanced features like a Heads Up display and 14-way Meridian surround sound system. It also gets a standard 10” touchscreen display, a moonroof, and a 3D surround-view camera system right from the base trim.

We recommend

The base trim of the 2021 Land Rover Defender has a good list of driver assistance and off-road features. It also offers all the basic convenience features and a long list of safety tech. Our recommendation is going for the X-Dynamic trim, as it gives you access to the more powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine. It also features 19-inch alloy wheels and a Meridian sound system as standard. 

Fuel Economy
6.6/10

Hardcore off-road vehicles are notorious for fuel economy, as the tires and other hardware are more powerful than the vehicles designed for on-road conditions. The 2021 Land Rover Defender doesn’t disappoint in this aspect too. It delivers a very decent 18 mpg of fuel economy in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg of combined fuel economy. The fuel economy figures become very decent considering the weight and capabilities of the beast. It comes with a massive 23.4 gallons fuel tank, which makes it capable of delivering a max range of 491 miles on highway trips.

Models

2021 Land Rover Defender

2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

MPG (City)

18

17

16

MPG (Highway)

21

25

19

MPG (Combined)

19

20

17

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

23.4

17.5

23.0

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

421/491/445

298/438/350

368/437/391

The 2021 Land Rover Defender takes the lead in fuel economy figures too. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler delivers 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg of combined fuel economy. It loses the battle of the range because of the smallest fuel tank on offer. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro delivers 16 mpg in the city,19 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg of combined fuel economy. The Toyota is the least fuel-efficient SUV in the comparison and also offers the least range.

Interior
8.0/10

The 2021 Land Rover Defender has retained the charm of the old-school Defender. Still, it is a Land Rover by heart and the cabin quality is one of the most premia for the segment. The cabin is loaded with tech and it is very hard to find any cheap materials in the cabin. The cabin space is also not an issue and being the widest SUV in the segment, it offers the best shoulder room for the front row passengers. The seats are super comfortable, and offer tons of adjustment options. You also get the option to choose from the multiple configurations for the seat placements.

Models

2021 Land Rover Defender

2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

40.6/60.8/39.1

42.6/55.7/41.2

38.6/57.8/41.7

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

38.6/56.4/36.6

41.7/57.7/35.7

38.6/57.8/32.9

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

15.6

12.9

47.2

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offers good space in the cabin even with the 90” variant. But if you want more space in the back, you can consider the 110” variant of the SUV. The quality of the cabin is the best of the lot. None of the other two SUVs come even close when it comes to the quality of the interior. The Toyota 4 Runner TRD Pro takes the lead in cargo capacity with a massive 47.2 cubic feet worth of cargo area.

Here are some of the best interior features of the 2021 Land Rover Defender:

  • Tilt and Telescopic Power Steering Wheel
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Dual Zone Front Climate Control
  • Keyless entry
  • 8 -Way Power Driver and Passenger Seat

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Land Rover Defender?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender comes with a 10-inch PIVI Pro touchscreen display for the infotainment system. It can also be used for the tons of control for the vehicle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard making the connectivity seamless. The audio system depends on the trim and the standard audio system is a 6-speaker sound system. You can upgrade the sound system to a 15-speaker Meridian surround sound system on the top X trim.

The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio, wireless device charging, and a connected navigation pro. It also supports Speed Compensated Volume Control, which automatically adjusts the volume of the audio system depending on the speed of the vehicle. Here are some of the stand out infotainment features for the 2021 Land Rover Defender:

  • 10-inch PIVI Pro touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 15-speaker Meridian surround sound system
  • SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio
  • Wireless device charging
  • Speed Compensated Volume Control

Exterior
6.0/10

The 2021 Land Rover Defender has one of the best road presence among the off-road SUVs. The widest stance in the segment differentiates it from the competition. It is also the highest car in the comparison. The Defender looks like a true old-school SUV from the outside with the boxy look. There are also modern bits like the LED headlights and 20-inch all-season tires. The SUV looks very proportionate from all the fronts and the new SUV looks a more modern and fresh form of the Land Rover Defender. 

Models

2021 Land Rover Defender

2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Curb Weight (lb)

4.550

4,160

4,750

Length (inches)

180.4

166.8

191.3

Width (inches)

79.1

73.8

75.8

Height (inches)

77.7

73.6

72.0

Ground Clearance (inches)

8.5

10.2

9.6

Wheelbase (inches)

101.9

96.8

109.8

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is the widest and highest SUV compared to the other two SUVs. However, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the longest SUV of the lot and it also has the longest wheelbase. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is the most compact in comparison to every aspect. Jeep Wrangler offers the best ground clearance in the comparison, but the 2021 Land Rover Defender has air suspension. The defender can adjust the ground clearance based on the terrain. Here are some of the exterior features of the 2021 Land Rover Defender:

  • 20" All season tires
  • Roof rack rails
  • Automatic LED Headlights and LED Backlights
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Approach Lights

Safety
9.0/10

Land Rover claims the platform for the D7 aluminum chassis to be the strongest platform ever on a Land Rover. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not crash-tested the 2021 Land Rover Defender yet. Still, the Land Rover Defender comes equipped with loads of safety tech and driver assistance features. 

The 2021 Land Rover Defender has a tough build quality and the heavy doors make you realize that every time you open the gate. It comes with the driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, an automated emergency braking system, and lane departure warning. Here is the list of advanced safety tech and driver assistance features:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • The automated emergency braking system
  • Lane departure warning & Lane Keep Assist
  • Front collision warning
  • Blind-spot monitoring system
  • Cross-traffic alert and trailer detection
  • 3D Surround-View Camera

Competition
6.0/10

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. 2021 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a much affordable option when it comes to a hardcore off-road SUV. But it does not even come close to the 2021 Land Rover Defender when it comes to the practicality of the SUV. It offers a better ride quality on the road, and the cabin is also more premium. The Jeep Wrangler feels very busy on the road. The 2021 Land Rover Defender is a better choice between the two for overall practicality.

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a relatively older SUV, and the cabin has also aged over time. The 2021 Land Rover Defender on the other hand feels younger and premium. The 5-speed automatic transmission takes away from the drive quality of the Toyota 4Runner. Toyota 4Runner also offers lesser fuel efficiency. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is good for one thing and that is the reliability of Toyota for longer periods. However, the 2021 Land Rover Defender offers a better package at a lesser price.

Final Verdict

The new Land Rover Defender is the favorite SUV among off-road enthusiasts for a reason. The off-road capability of the SUV is undoubtedly one of the best in the segment. It also offers a premium cabin and it is loaded with the latest technology. The 2021 Defender makes tackling the off-road obstacles an easy task for the driver. It stays on the top of our recommendation list for the value that it offers.

Trims

    90
    $46,100 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    110
    $50,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    Base
    $46,100 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    S
    $49,400 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 4000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    110 S
    $53,800 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 296 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 18 mpg
    X Dynamic 90 S
    $57,800 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 8A
    • Horsepower: TBD hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    X Dynamic 90
    $57,800 Est. onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: TBD hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    90 X-Dynamic S
    $57,800 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    90 P400 X-Dynamic S
    $57,800 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    110 SE
    $62,700 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    90 P400 First Edition
    $64,100 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    90 First Edition
    $64,100 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 129 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    110 X-Dynamic SE
    $65,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    X-Dynamic SE
    $65,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    110 X-Dynamic HSE
    $71,600 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    X-Dynamic HSE
    $71,600 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    90 P400 X
    $80,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 119 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    X 110
    $83,000 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$46,100- $83,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.23

Horsepower

395 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$38,050- $40,050

Gasoline

7.36

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

7

Read Review

$43,300- $56,500

Gasoline

8.15

261 hp

273 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$40,000- $56,000

Gasoline

7.18

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

7

Read Review

$32,925- $54,730

Gasoline

7.21

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

7

Read Review

$43,000- $56,600

Gasoline

8.14

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$38,400- $51,000

Gasoline

7.2

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$52,100- $84,600

Gasoline

7.57

248 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,105- $50,390

Gasoline

7.35

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,610- $45,460

Gasoline

7.02

235 hp @ 4800 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.7 sec-119 mph
    2021 Audi Q5

    Ranked #1

    5.7 sec14.7 sec130 mph
    5.9 sec14.4 sec-
    2021 BMW X4

    Ranked #3

    6 sec15.1 sec130 mph
    2021 BMW X3

    Ranked #4

    6.2 sec14.9 sec126 mph
    6.3 sec14.8 sec140 mph

    2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      18 mpg21 mpg19 mpg23.4 gal.421.2/491.4 mi.
      2021 BMW X3

      Ranked #1

      23 mpg29 mpg27 mpg17.2 gal.430/498.8 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg26 mpg16 gal.368/464 mi.
      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg15.9 gal.365.7/492.9 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg16.2 gal.356.4/469.8 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.

      2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        180.4 in.79.1 in.77.7 in.8.5 in.101.9 in.
        204.3 in.78.8 in.69.9 in.7.7 in.120.9 in.
        198.8 in.78.9 in.70.2 in.8.2 in.119.1 in.
        195.1 in.81.6 in.73 in.11.1 in.115.1 in.
        189.6 in.74.9 in.66.1 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        188.9 in.76.1 in.65.6 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.

        2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          15.6 cu.ft.-58.3 cu.ft.
          18.5 cu.ft.116.1 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.
          31.5 cu.ft.177.4 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          19.4 cu.ft.-56.5 cu.ft.
          18.2 cu.ft.152.7 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.
          34.4 cu.ft.-66.8 cu.ft.

          2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            58.3 cu.ft.15.6 cu.ft.58.3 cu.ft.-
            -32.7 cu.ft.55.6 cu.ft.-
            2021 BMW X4

            Ranked #3

            27.1 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.50.5 cu.ft.73 ft.
            29.9 cu.ft.30 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.-
            57.6 cu.ft.22 cu.ft.62 cu.ft.-
            148.9 cu.ft.31.5 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.74 ft.

            2021 Land Rover Defender vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7716 lbs.1984 lbs.4550 lbs.
              6613 lbs.2009 lbs.4865 lbs.
              5500 lbs.-3638 lbs.
              5300 lbs.1425 lbs.4345 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1540 lbs.4015 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1814 lbs.4359 lbs.

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