Used 2021 Land Rover Defender for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Land Rover Defender cost?

Prices have softened 14.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 732 listings available, which gives you a meaningful pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender a good car?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender earns an 8/10 expert rating and is positioned as a midsize SUV that blends serious off-road ability with a more modern, upscale personality than many rugged SUVs.

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

It fits you best if you want a trail-ready SUV that still feels contemporary and distinctive, with a spacious cabin and strong capability. The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and poor handling, plus interior materials that feel cheap.

37.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests you can still find competitive offers if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender reliable?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is presented as a modern, thoroughly developed SUV with extensive durability testing behind it, and its standard equipment includes a broad set of safety and driver-assistance features. The expert review also describes it as more capable, more reliable, and less expensive than a fully restored classic Defender when maintained properly.

Its performance setup is built around full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response, which supports confident use in demanding conditions. The tech package also includes remote software updates through Land Rover’s electronic architecture, which helps keep the vehicle current without dealership visits.

If you buy used, long-term ownership risk is still something to weigh carefully because premium off-road hardware and complex systems can make upkeep more demanding than on a simpler SUV.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report on every listing, even if the vehicle looks clean in photos. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, electronics, and signs of hard off-road use. Pay close attention to cabin wear, underbody condition, and whether the vehicle’s equipment matches the trim level you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup emphasizes the Defender’s core rugged look and capability, while higher trims add more equipment and a more upscale feel. Base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to feature gaps and make sure the vehicle has the comfort and convenience items you want.
• Powertrain: The Defender offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp. The standard 4WD system, low range, and Terrain Response are central to its capability.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, emergency braking, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. Some advanced features are available rather than standard, so check the exact build carefully.
• Infotainment: The Defender 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.
• Fuel efficiency: The Defender is described as having poor fuel economy.

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 S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, and base.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point if you want the Defender’s core capability at the lowest starting price. It makes the most sense if you care more about the SUV’s off-road character and less about luxury extras.
• Defender 90 S: This is a sensible step up if you want a little more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder. It should suit you if you want a shorter-wheelbase Defender with a better balance of value and features.
• Defender 90 X-Dynamic S: This trim adds a more distinctive look and a richer feel than the lower trims. It’s a good fit if you want the 90’s compact footprint but want something that feels more special.
• First Edition: This is the trim to consider if you want a more exclusive, well-equipped Defender with strong appeal right out of the gate. It suits buyers who want a limited-run feel and don’t mind paying more for it.
• X: This is the most expensive 90-series trim and the one for buyers who want the most upscale, most fully equipped version. It’s the right choice if you want the Defender experience with fewer compromises.
• Defender 110 S: This is the practical starting point for the longer-wheelbase Defender. It’s a strong choice if you want more space and everyday usability without jumping immediately to the pricier trims.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more polished mix of equipment while staying below the upper luxury-focused versions. If you want the sweet spot, start here.
• X-Dynamic SE: This trim adds a more premium appearance and a more upscale presence than the SE. It makes sense if you want extra style and equipment without going all the way to the top.
• X-Dynamic HSE: This is for buyers who want a more luxurious Defender 110 with a stronger feature set. It’s a good fit if comfort and presentation matter as much as capability.
• X: This is the top-end 110 trim and the one to buy if you want the most complete version of the Defender 110. It’s the right pick if you want maximum equipment and are comfortable with the price.
• base: If you’re comparing the 90 and 110 lineups, the base 110 is the most affordable way to get the larger body style. It’s the practical choice if passenger and cargo space matter most.

The safety package is extensive across the lineup, but some advanced features are not standard, so verify the exact equipment on any used example.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 37.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 732 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 87.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $39,464, 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 $39,464 sits slightly below last year's $46,230.

That price movement suggests the Defender has softened enough to help used buyers, but it also means sellers may need to be realistic on asking price. If you plan to resell later, the current market points to a vehicle that may hold appeal for the right buyer, but not one that is likely to command a premium simply because of age.

For you, that means buying well matters more than ever. A clean, well-equipped example should be easier to justify than one with visible wear or missing features.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender safe?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

It comes with an extensive list of standard safety features, including 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.

The review also notes that neither NHTSA nor IIHS crash-test ratings were released for this model year. That means you should lean more heavily on the standard safety equipment and the vehicle’s condition when evaluating a used example.

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:

• 37.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.64% compared with last year.
• It combines strong off-road ability with a modern, upscale personality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,512, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $39,464 average.
• It emphasizes rugged capability and a roomier feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $42,837, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $39,464 average.
• It adds a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and a broader trim and powertrain lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and current-market availability, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the lower-cost path; if you want newer tech and more options, the 2022 is worth the extra money.

How does the 2021 Land Rover Defender compare to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Land Rover Defender:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Spacious.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Poor handling, Interior materials feel cheap.

2021 Jeep Wrangler:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Multiple powertrain options.
• Cons: Lacking curtain airbags, Poor ride quality, Poor handling.

Our experts score the 2021 Land Rover Defender 8/10 and the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 7.7/10. The Defender feels more upscale and spacious, while the Wrangler counters with more powertrain variety and a lower average used price. If you want the more refined all-around package, the Defender has the edge; if you want a cheaper, more traditional off-road choice, the Wrangler is the easier buy.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.