The ever-improving Defender reliability reflects a priority to providing a luxury experience for decades. A sturdy chassis and updated engine configurations let modern Defender models handle any upcoming vacations while inspiring confidence every step of the way. If you are considering a pre-owned Defender, knowing how its reliability stacks up to the modern standard can be a big boon.
At Land Rover Scarborough, we're proud to present the Defender as your next travel companion. Join us as we explore this SUV and see how it protects you and your family.
Safety is central to the performance of a Defender. The Defender S, for example, allows for immediate access to a comprehensive array of safety technologies, like:
A newly updated infotainment system, presented through a 13.1" Touchscreen for 2026, provides intuitive customization. These improvements have created a stable interior experience, unmarred by significant technical glitches.
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | J.D. Power Overall Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1001 | 79/1001 |
| 2025 | 82/1001 | 79/1001 |
| 2024 | 78/1001 | 76/1001 |
| 2023 | 79/1001 | 76/1001 |
| 2022 | 73/1001 | 75/1001 |
| 2021 | Not Rated This Year | 75/1001 |
| 2020 | Not Rated This Year | Not Rated This Year |
The 2026 Defender 90 refers to a two-door, five-seat SUV with up to 58.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity and up to 395 horsepower. This compact body style has historically been the most consistent and longest-lasting in the Defender lineup, with reviews from Kelley Blue Book® rating it an astounding five out of five stars for reliability.2 If that's enough to sway you, this model's two-door configuration offers confidence through value:
Of our new Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery SUVs for sale, the Defender 90 is one of the easiest to drive while staying versatile. A compact companion, perfect for commuters who still want to benefit their family, awaits a test drive at our location.
Where the Defender 90 is a two-door, five-seat SUV, the Defender 110 extends the wheelbase and can seat up to seven with an available third row. The Defender 110 uses a familiar engine but provides up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo volume and up to 8,200 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.
According to Kelley Blue Book®, the Defender 110 is an extremely reliable model, with a 4.2 out of five stars from its consumers.3 This slight difference in reliability is largely due to size: the Defender 110 is larger than the Defender 90, which adds some extra weight to the engine. As a result, the Defender 110 may require additional attention to the engine.
However, in terms of inspiring confidence, the Defender 110 is a trustworthy model built to last. It has the same driver-assistance software as the Defender 90. It also has a similar 13.1" Touchscreen. In the case of an accident, the Defender 110 has a larger wheelbase and additional possible crumple zones, reducing passenger impact.
The Defender 130 is the largest Defender variation. It offers up to 89 cubic feet of cargo space and seats up to eight passengers. It also comes with the familiar list of safety and control features to keep your drive comfortable and confidence-inspiring.
However, of the three Defender variations, the Defender 130 is the least reliable. The Defender 130 has a curb weight of 5,525 pounds, nearly 1,000 more than the Defender 90; the 3.0-liter 296HP V6 gasoline engine puts in the extra effort to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Responsive performance is important for your luxury lifestyle. While this engine is durable and long-lasting, it requires careful inspection to ensure the oil and filters are well maintained.
Defender reliability requires effort to maintain its integrity. If you want your model to achieve the highest performance metrics and stay fully in control, we recommend taking the following precautions:
Our Land Rover dealership strives to be your partner throughout your ownership journey. If you have questions about a new Defender, or are interested in a pre-owned Defender and want a licensed technician to look into it, we can help. After picking out your preferred size and trim level, let our team apply any of our available Defender specials before discussing any future standard maintenance schedules. We're ready to be your automotive source!
According to JD Power, the modern Defender model years are the most reliable. Both the 2025 and 2026 Defender scored an 82/100 from JD Power,1 which is above average for any model and far above the standard for a luxury SUV. However, any Defender can be a reliable travel companion with the proper maintenance and inspections.
For proper service, you should bring your Defender into an official Land Rover dealership every six months, or between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. This lets a licensed technician check your oil, filters, and brakes to help prevent complications. You should not go more than 12 months or 10,000 miles between official inspections.
We recommend considering a newer Defender, such as one from 2025 or 2026, if you want the best, most reliable year. More modern models avoid issues from earlier in the generation and generally receive higher ratings for quality and reliability. For classic Defender SUVs, consider any model from 1994 to 1998.
07/03/2026
Corey was a huge help in helping my fiancée get a car. We had just moved back to Maine and needed to hit the ground running. He got us in and out in one day, went the extra mile with inspections, and helped us test-drive the car before we even got there to test-drive it ourselves. He was amazing to work with throughout the entire process. I would absolutely go back to Land Rover Scarborough to work with him again, maybe next time to purchase a brand-new Defender!
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/land-rover/defender-90/2026/
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/land-rover/defender-110/2026/
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