DEFENDER RELIABILITY: RATING BY YEAR & TRIM
As is the case for many high-end luxury SUVs, Defender reliability is an essential piece of the investment puzzle. Whether you're considering the cost of repairs and maintenance or the likelihood that you'll need to go to an out-of-cycle service appointment, knowing how your vehicle is likely to act is crucial for peace of mind. Thankfully, the Defender models offer a sound investment and elevated driving experience from the premium SUV segment.
Let's discuss what fellow Defender drivers say about its reliability and which model years stand out. Then, you can shop our inventory or visit Land Rover Indianapolis to experience the high-quality drive yourself.
DEFENDER RELIABILITY SCORE
When looking at a new Defender for sale, you'll know you're in for one of the top-ranking premium, high-tech SUVs on the market. According to J.D. Power, the 2024 Defender received a 79/100 in the "Quality & Reliability"1 category from an aggregate rating given by owners of this vehicle over the past year, contributing to its "Overall" rating of 78/100.1 This overall score ranks it fourth in the J.D. Power rankings for the midsize luxury SUV sector.
Compared to similar vehicles, the Defender ranks average for quality and reliability. For example, the third rank for the premium SUV segment has a score of 80,1 while the fifth slot earned a 77.1 You can see just how tight the reliability scores are for these high-end sport-utes. The Defender also earns higher scores in some individual categories, such as "Driving Experience" and "Resale," than some of its competitors with higher overall marks.1
DEFENDER RELIABILITY BY YEAR
J.D. Power offers rankings for the 2021-2024 model years of the Defender, which you can find in the chart below:
J.D. Power Consumer Rating | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Quality & Reliability | Driving Experience | Resale | ||
| 2024 | 781 | 791 | 791 | 781 | |
| 2023 | 782 | 792 | 792 | 782 | |
| 2022 | 773 | 803 | 773 | 753 | |
| 2021 | 734 | 704 | 794 | 724 | |
After 2021, these models have seen a consistent score that showcases the reliability of the Defender. For used models before 2021, fans of Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender vehicles swear by post-2006 models for their convenience features. Models between 2006 and 2020 utilize classic designs and more modern features to elevate your drive, while hard-to-find 1998-2007 models have a legendary 300TDI or TD5 engine and are known for their rugged durability.
DEFENDER RELIABILITY BY TRIM
All Defender configurations have exemplary options to keep your drive secure and sound – the Traction Control System of the Defender 130 or wading depth of up to 36.3 inches for the Defender 110, for example. Below are the three Defender bodystyles and their trims:
- Defender 90 Five- or Six-Seat SUV: S, X-Dynamic SE, V8 Carpathian Edition, V8
- Defender 110 Seven-Seat SUV: S, X-Dynamic SE, X, V8 Carpathian Edition, V8, OCTA
- Defender 130 Eight-Seat SUV: S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Outbound, V8
The 2024 Defender engine lineup consists of four options – three gas options and one mild hybrid powertrain. Availability varies depending on body style and trim, but you'll have the following choices:
- P300 Gas: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Turbocharged Gas engine with 296 horsepower
- P400 Gas Mild Hybrid: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder Gas MHEV with 395 horsepower
- P500 Gas: 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged Gas engine with 493 horsepower
- P525 Gas: 5.0-liter V8 Supercharged Gas engine with 518 horsepower
There's no wrong option when it comes to Defender powertrains. The V8 engines offer immense power for thrill seeker swho need that get-up-and-go capability. They may require a bit more maintenance, but that's not unusual for high-powered mechanical components. The mild hybrid setup is great for drivers who want to maximize fuel efficiency, and the 4-cylinder engine trades a bit of power from the other options in exchange for being more low-maintenance.
DEFENDER WARRANTY OPTIONS
If you're still not convinced of the lasting durability you'll get from a Defender model, then let the limited warranty reassure you. Defender purchasers get a new vehicle limited warranty that lasts for four years or 50,000 miles,5 whichever comes first. You'll also receive anti-corrosion protection.
If you're shopping for an Approved CPO model, you'll receive similar coverage with a one-year/unlimited-mile5 or two-year/100,000-mile limited warranty,5 whichever comes first. Talk with our finance experts for more information on standard warranties and options for extended coverage.
EXPLORE THE DEFENDER RELIABILITY RATING YOURSELF AT LAND ROVER INDIANAPOLIS
Once you're ready to experience a rugged, powerful, and reliable SUV, visit us at Land Rover Indianapolis or shop online. We offer Defender specials to help you save on your next highly customizable SUV. We also provide an OEM-approved service center, so when you need to come in for standard maintenance or repairs, you'll have access to the most modern procedures and genuine parts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS THE DEFENDER RELIABLE?
The 2024 Defender is considered reliable for its midsize premium SUV segment. According to J.D. Power, it scores a 79/100 in the "Quality & Reliability" category.1 This score contributes to its fourth-place ranking overall in the sector, outpacing other luxury competitors. Contact us today to find out more about what this striking model has to offer.
HOW LONG WILL A DEFENDER LAST?
A Defender SUV can last up to 200,000 miles or more when properly cared for and maintained. We recommend following the OEM-crafted routine maintenance schedule, always using high-quality, genuine OEM parts, and driving conscientiously to get the longest-possible life span from your vehicle. When in doubt, contact Land Rover Indianapolis to learn more about boosting your SUV's longevity.
WHICH DEFENDER IS THE MOST RELIABLE?
Owners consider the 202 Defender to be one of the most reliable options, with a J.D. Power score of 80/100 for "Quality & Reliability."3 The more recent 2023 and 2024 models don't lag far behind, each scoring 79/100 in the same category.1, 2 Used models from 2006 to 2016 are highly regarded for their classic designs coupled with advanced, modern conveniences.
What Our Customers Say About The Defender
Continue Your Land Rover & Range Rover Research:
| Range Rover Evoque vs. Velar | Range Rover P530 Autobiography vs. SE |
| Land Rover vs. Range Rover | 2-door vs. 4-door Defender |
| Range Rover Colors | Defender V8 Carpathian Edition |
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/land-rover/defender
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/land-rover/defender
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/land-rover/defender
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/land-rover/defender
5For complete terms and conditions of the limited warranty coverage, please see your local authorized Land Rover Retailer.