Used 2021 Land Rover Defender for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2021 Land Rover Defender cost?

Prices have softened 14.24% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 734 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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.

It blends serious off-road ability with modern design, technology, luxury, and comfort, so it fits you best if you want a capable adventure SUV that still works for everyday use. The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and poor handling, plus interior materials that feel cheap. Even so, the Defender’s spacious cabin and strong capability make it appealing if you value character and utility more than on-road polish.

With 39.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender reliable?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is presented as a durable, thoroughly tested SUV with extensive development miles in harsh conditions, and its standard full-time 4WD hardware and off-road-focused engineering support that image. The expert notes also point to a vehicle that feels solid and comfortable in daily driving, which matters if you plan to use it as a regular commuter or family SUV.

Its performance setup includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 3.0-liter mild-hybrid inline-six, an eight-speed automatic, full-time 4WD with low range, and Terrain Response. The cost-effectiveness notes also say a properly maintained Defender may be on its way to becoming a classic in its own right.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a premium, highly capable SUV can become expensive to own if prior maintenance was skipped.

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 title alone does not tell you how hard the SUV was used. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the drivetrain, suspension, and underbody, especially if the vehicle may have seen trail use. Focus on overall condition, since wear from off-road driving can show up in places that are easy to miss during a quick walkaround.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Defender 90 and Defender 110 are the entry points, while higher trims add more equipment and capability. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more if you care about features and comfort.
• 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 with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. 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 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, and X.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point if you want the Defender’s core capability at the lowest starting price, but it is also the trim most likely to feel sparse compared with the better-equipped versions.
• Defender 90 S: This is a sensible step up if you want a little more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Defender 90 X-Dynamic S: This is a stronger pick if you want more style and a more upscale feel while staying in the shorter-wheelbase body.
• First Edition: This suits you if you want a special early-run version and value exclusivity as much as equipment.
• X: This is the most expensive trim and the one for buyers who want the fullest equipment and are willing to pay for it.
• Defender 110 S: This is a practical choice if you want the longer-wheelbase body and a better balance of space and value.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful equipment without jumping all the way to the top of the range.
• X-Dynamic SE: This is a good fit if you want the SE’s balance with a more distinctive appearance and a richer feature set.
• X-Dynamic HSE: This is for buyers who want a more premium Defender 110 with more content and a higher-end feel.
• X: This is the top Defender 110 trim for shoppers who want the most expensive, most fully equipped version.

The safety package is extensive across the lineup, but the available driver-assistance content is especially important to compare if you are cross-shopping trims.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 734 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.24% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 87.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $39,960, 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 $39,960 sits slightly below last year's $46,593.

That drop suggests the market has moved in buyers’ favor, which can help you get into the vehicle at a better price today. For a future seller, though, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle was maintained. If you buy carefully and keep it in strong shape, you’ll be better positioned when it’s time to sell.

Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender safe?

The 2021 Land Rover Defender has not received crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

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

It comes with a long list of standard safety features, including 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 gives you a strong standard safety foundation, even without published crash-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:

• 39.4% 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 14.24% compared with last year.
• It blends serious off-road ability with modern design, technology, luxury, and comfort.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $36,685, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $39,960 average.
• It offers a rugged, capable feel with more comfort than the old-school Defender.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $43,980, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $39,960 average.
• It adds a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and a V8 option.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the best mix of capability, modern features, and current-market pricing. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value play; if you want newer tech and more power, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.