Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 314 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,131
£178/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2997cc Diesel
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £2,131/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Land Rover brand average of 90%.
95% of MOT tests on Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV As from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 314 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 36,784 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
36,784
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A had 36,784 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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About the 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A
The 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A is a large car. Our records list a 2997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 314 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 36,784 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A Fuel Costs
The 2997cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,131 (£178/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A
At 5 years old, the Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 Hard Top S D MHEV A stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A(2021) | 95% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131 |
| Mercedes E(2019) | 90% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Ford Ranger(2019) | 87% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 35-50 | £2,281+£150 |
| Audi Q5(2019) | 93% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Audi A5(2019) | 90% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A
Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV As ended in a pass, from 314 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,131 a year (£178 a month): £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A?
95% of 314 MOT tests on the 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 887th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Land Rover Defender Hard Top S D MHEV A is 36,784 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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