LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 180 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Hybrid
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
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 5 years old, 97% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 180 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,929 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
42,929
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 42,929 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a large car with a 3000cc hybrid engine. 180 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 42,929 miles at 5 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 3000cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 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 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 5 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER(2021) | 97% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 30-42 | £2042 |
| TOYOTA RAV4(2020) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 25-38 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO(2021) | 88% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2187+£145 |
| BMW M340I XDRIVE MHEV AUTO(2021) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| LEXUS RX(2019) | 96% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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