Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B6.5/10
This is a solid choice for adventurous drivers who value off-road capability and luxury features but are aware of the ongoing maintenance demands.
Get the full AI verdict — free
Pros
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Luxurious interior
- Advanced technology features
Cons
- Mediocre fuel economy
- High maintenance costs
- Questionable reliability
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
18 mpg
Maintenance cost
$5,000/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment glitches
- Electrical system faults
- Suspension wear
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (6)
The 2022 Land Rover Defender has 6 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Air Bags — Frontal (campaign 26V389000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Oil/Lubrication — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil c…
- Equipment — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised…
- Electrical System — Propulsion System — Dc/Dc Converter — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 202…
- Air Bags — Frontal — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
Compare similar cars
This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.