LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 156 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
156
Avg Mileage
35,400 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 4 years old, 97% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 156 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 35,400 miles.
How does the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 35,400 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2020 sits between the two at 97%.
How much does a 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97% | 180 | 42,929 mi |
| 2020 | 97% | 156 | 35,400 mi |
| 2016 | 91% | 3,316 | 35,776 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 12,411 | 48,785 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 10,525 | 59,995 mi |
| 2013 | 84% | 8,186 | 66,606 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 7,139 | 71,959 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 7,345 | 82,891 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 7,290 | 85,020 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 6,584 | 90,754 mi |
| 2008 | 81% | 7,024 | 98,525 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 7,656 | 101,926 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 6,868 | 109,686 mi |
| 2005 | 77% | 7,581 | 112,742 mi |
| 2004 | 77% | 7,976 | 120,020 mi |
| 2003 | 77% | 8,035 | 129,000 mi |
| 2002 | 77% | 6,870 | 132,092 mi |
| 2001 | 75% | 5,673 | 131,257 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 5,304 | 134,243 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 8,887 | 140,417 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 10,516 | 136,993 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 10,084 | 146,489 mi |
| 1996 | 74% | 10,767 | 153,542 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 9,229 | 143,046 mi |
| 1994 | 74% | 7,092 | 141,555 mi |
| 1993 | 76% | 5,910 | 137,101 mi |
| 1992 | 74% | 4,530 | 143,915 mi |
| 1991 | 76% | 5,265 | 141,354 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 5,027 | 142,154 mi |
Checking a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a family car with a 2000cc diesel engine. 156 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2020 cars for reliability.
With an average of 35,400 miles at 4 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER Reliability Trend
Newer LAND ROVER DEFENDERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 4 years old, the LAND ROVER DEFENDER offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The LAND ROVER DEFENDER is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2018) 92% pass rate (-5%) from 111,972 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-13%) from 79,867 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (-6%) from 72,831 tests
- KIA SPORTAGE (2018) 88% pass rate (-9%) from 60,314 tests