Used 2021 Land Rover Defender for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Land Rover Defender cost?

Prices have softened 12.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 724 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender a good car?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender earns an 8/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

You get a midsize SUV with four-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and a design that blends rugged character with a more modern, upscale feel. It is especially appealing if you want something that can handle difficult terrain without giving up everyday usability.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy, poor handling, and interior materials that feel cheap.

With 34.7% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender reliable?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is presented as a modern SUV with broad capability, and its development included extensive durability testing across harsh climates and conditions.

Its off-road hardware and standard all-wheel-drive setup suggest a vehicle built for demanding use, and the expert review also emphasizes strong capability and everyday versatility. The performance notes point to a full-time 4WD system with low range and Terrain Response, which supports confidence in difficult conditions.

Land Rover also notes that the Defender underwent hundreds of thousands of miles of durability testing, which is a reassuring sign for long-term use. If you buy used, the main long-term risk is that a capable premium SUV can become expensive to own if prior maintenance was neglected.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Land Rover Defender?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, repairs, and signs of hard use, especially if the vehicle was driven off pavement. Pay close attention to overall condition, since this model’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup gives you the core Defender look and capability, but higher trims add more equipment and polish. If you want the best balance of value and features, focus on the trim that gives you the equipment you actually need rather than chasing the highest badge.
• Powertrain: You can choose between a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both use an eight-speed automatic and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes a perimeter alarm, front airbags with a passenger seat occupant monitor, tire pressure monitoring, rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses a 10-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system supports remote software updates. A 3D surround-camera system with a transparent hood view is also available.
• Fuel efficiency: Poor fuel economy is a known drawback, so this is a model where you should expect efficiency to trail comfort and capability.

Which 2021 Land Rover Defender trim should I buy?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is offered in 11 trim levels: base, Defender 90 S, Defender 90 X-Dynamic S, First Edition, X, Defender 110 base, Defender 110 S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, and X.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point if you want the Defender experience at the lowest price, but it is the most stripped-down way to get there. Choose it if your priority is core capability and you plan to add only the features you truly need.
• Defender 90 S: This is the first step up for shoppers who want a little more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder. It makes sense if you want a more balanced daily driver than the base model.
• Defender 90 X-Dynamic S: This trim adds more visual and equipment appeal while staying in the shorter 90 body style. It is a good fit if you want a more distinctive Defender without jumping to the top end.
• First Edition: This is the special early-run choice for buyers who want a more exclusive-feeling Defender. It suits you if you value uniqueness and are comfortable paying for it.
• X: This is the most expensive 90-series trim and the one for buyers who want the most upscale, fully equipped version. It is the right pick if you want maximum content and are willing to pay for it.
• Defender 110 base: This is the entry point for the longer-wheelbase model, which gives you more everyday versatility. It is the best starting point if you want the roomier body style without moving up the trim ladder.
• Defender 110 S: This is the value-oriented step up for 110 shoppers who want more equipment than the base model. It is a sensible middle ground for most buyers.
• SE: This is the trim used in the test vehicle and a strong choice if you want a well-rounded mix of features and price. It is the best-value trim to target if you want a Defender that feels properly equipped without going overboard.
• X-Dynamic SE: This trim adds a more distinctive, upscale presentation while keeping the 110’s practical layout. It suits buyers who want more style and presence.
• X-Dynamic HSE: This is the more premium-looking 110 choice for shoppers who want a richer feature set and a more upscale feel. It is a good fit if comfort and appearance matter more than minimizing cost.
• X: This is the top 110 trim and the one for buyers who want the most expensive, most fully equipped version. Choose it if you want the flagship experience.

The safety package is extensive across the lineup, so you do not need to move to the top trim just to get a strong standard safety list.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Land Rover Defender?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 724 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 87.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $40,539, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Land Rover Defender's resale value?

The current average of $40,545 sits slightly below last year's $46,459.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today. For a future seller, it means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance history.

Because the current average is still close to the year-round low, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. If you maintain the vehicle carefully, you are more likely to protect value when it is time to sell.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The Defender comes with an extensive standard safety suite that includes blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking aid.

That standard equipment is a strong point, especially for a vehicle designed to handle both road and trail use. The main caveat is that crash-test ratings were not released for this model year, so you are relying more on its equipment list and engineering than on published test results.

Should I buy a 2021 Land Rover Defender or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.73% compared with last year.
• It pairs strong off-road capability with a more modern, upscale personality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $37,265, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $40,545 average.
• It emphasizes rugged capability and comfort over luxury polish.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $44,350, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $40,545 average.
• It adds a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and a broader trim lineup.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the sweet spot if you want the Defender’s modernized ruggedness with a softer used-market price than the 2022. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer tech and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.