Is the 2025 Land Rover Defender a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B-6.5/10
The Land Rover Defender 110 is an excellent choice for those who want a luxury SUV that can handle serious off-roading while providing comfort and style. However, be prepared for higher maintenance and potential reliability issues.
Pros
- Iconic rugged design
- Capable off-road performance
- Luxurious interior
Cons
- Below average reliability
- Expensive maintenance
- Average fuel economy
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
18 mpg
Maintenance cost
$3,000/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Electrical system faults
- Infotainment glitches
- Suspension air bag failures
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (2)
The 2025 Land Rover Defender has 2 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Air Bags — Frontal (campaign 26V389000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- 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…
- 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.