2021 Land Rover Defender

History/Overview

Introduced last year, the Land Rover Defender is a reboot of one of the brand’s most recognizable models and is one of Land Rover’s most capable off-road vehicles.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Land Rover has expanded the two-door Defender 90 lineup with new trims that bracket last year’s sole First Edition offering. The four-door 110 is carried over.

Available Trims

Land Rover offers the Defender in S (90 and 110), X-Dynamic S (90), SE (110), First Edition (90 and 110), X-Dynamic SE and HSE (110), and X (90 and 110). S trim uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all others get a 3.0L mild hybrid turbo V6. Four-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission are both standard across the line.

Standard Features

Among S trim’s standard exterior features are LED headlights with automatic high beams, heated/power-folding side mirrors, black roof rails, and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, you get leather upholstery, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a 10.0-inch infotainment display, Apple and Android smartphone integration, six-speaker stereo, garage door opener, and wireless smartphone charging.

On the safety front, the Defender has 360-degree exterior camera views, front and rear park assist, lane keep assist, forward collision detection with automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring.

SE gains LED headlights with signature lighting, fog lights, body-coloured door handles, 20-inch wheels and tires, a rearview camera mirror, power-adjustable steering wheel, 14-way front seats, 10-speaker stereo, and a clear exit monitor.

HSE models boast a panoramic roof, extended leather interior, leather-trimmed steering wheel, 18-way heated/ventilated front seats, Windsor leather, and radar cruise.

Defender X gets a black roof and hood, satin chrome trim, recovery hooks, upgraded cabin lighting, 120-volt power outlets in the cargo area, steel-cut Windsor leather seats, heated rear seats, lighted treadplates, a 14-speaker stereo, head-up display, configurable terrain response, all-terrain progress control, and an active differential.

Key Options

Add a comfort and convenience package for a better stereo and cabin lighting, and a fridge in the console. A cold climate pack heats the windshield and spray nozzles, and adds headlight washers.

If you want adaptive cruise, clear exit monitor, and a rear cross-traffic monitor in an entry-grade trim, add the driver assist group.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Land Rover has not published fuel consumption figures for the 2021 Defender. We’ll update this article when the Defender’s estimates become available.

Competition

Though aimed at a premium audience, the Defender nonetheless competes with some less-prestigious models, like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. While Jeep’s Wrangler can’t match the Defender’s refinement, its 4xe plug-in hybrid version’s price may warrant consideration if you’re in the market for an off-road SUV.