CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,000
Average Price: Around £58,000

Land Rover Defender (2020-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Combines utility and luxury	The three-door 90 has a tiny boot
Sophisticated and comfortable on the road	Expensive to buy and run
Superb to drive if you venture off-road	Land Rover's poor reputation for reliability might make you think twice

Quick Summary

The modern Land Rover Defender (2020-present) is a distinctive and desirable vehicle that combines unmistakable character with exceptional breadth of ability. Available in multiple configurations—the short-wheelbase 90, long-wheelbase 110, and spacious 130—it caters to diverse needs. The Defender 90 offers five seats with 297 litres of boot space, whilst the 110 provides seven seats and 786 litres. The flagship 130 delivers up to eight seats and an impressive 2,516 litres of luggage space. Engine options range from efficient diesel variants to a plug-in hybrid and a potent 5.0-litre supercharged V8, with the headline-grabbing Octa featuring a 4.4-litre V8 producing 626bhp.

On the road, the Defender is comfortable, quiet, and refined, with light steering and responsive handling that belies its size. Off-road, it's formidably capable, featuring air suspension, locking differentials, and comprehensive Terrain Response modes for tackling wading, rocky terrain, mud, and sand. Diesel models achieve around 30mpg, whilst petrol variants manage low-20s figures. Running costs are substantial, reflecting its upmarket positioning, with servicing and insurance particularly expensive for high-performance variants. Despite Land Rover's broader reliability concerns, the Defender itself has performed well in its class, offering genuine day-to-day usability alongside comfort and technology that few rivals match.

Best for: Buyers seeking a capable luxury off-roader with genuine versatility, those wanting to combine long-distance comfort with serious off-road ability, and those who value distinctive character and comprehensive customisation options.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those prioritising low running costs, or those requiring maximum boot space in the compact 90 model.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Defender if: You seek a capable luxury off-roader with genuine versatility, want to combine long-distance comfort with serious off-road ability, or value distinctive character and comprehensive customisation options.

Consider alternatives if: You are budget-conscious, prioritise low running costs, or require maximum boot space in a compact model.

Competitive Position: The Land Rover Defender (2020-present) stands as the strongest contender in the luxury off-road segment, outperforming key rivals with superior expert and user ratings. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz G-Class matches it for user appeal, the Defender offers better value and more practical versatility across its range. The Toyota Land Cruiser provides comparable capability but with less distinctive character, whilst the Jeep Wrangler lags significantly in both expert assessment and user satisfaction. The Defender's combination of on-road refinement, off-road prowess, multiple body styles, and comprehensive engine options makes it the most well-rounded choice for buyers seeking a capable luxury SUV that genuinely delivers across all terrains.

Read our full Land Rover Defender Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.