LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,834 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Total Tests (2024)
1,834
Avg Mileage
31,248 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,690
Is the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 3 years old, 96% of LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,834 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 31,248 miles.
How does the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO has 31,248 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2021 sits between the two at 96%.
How much does a 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO 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 S D MHEV AUTO by Year
Checking a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO
The 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO is a large car with a 2997cc diesel engine. 1,834 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 31,248 miles at 3 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO Reliability Trend
Newer LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO
The LAND ROVER DEFENDER S D MHEV AUTO is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES E (2019) 90% pass rate (-6%) from 41,000 tests
- FORD RANGER (2019) 87% pass rate (-9%) from 32,194 tests
- AUDI Q5 (2019) 93% pass rate (-3%) from 24,241 tests
- AUDI A5 (2019) 90% pass rate (-6%) from 22,290 tests