“My Defender provides reliability, safety and technology. I would have wanted better seat fabric, but everything else is perfection on the Defender.”
2021 Land Rover Defender: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2021 is the arrival of the shorter two-door Defender 90 in the US, joining the four-door 110. Land Rover also expands the range with the tougher-looking X-Dynamic trim family.
About the 2021 Land Rover Defender
L663 generation, second US model year; Defender 90 launch year and X-Dynamic introduction.
Land Rover positions the Defender as its toughest and most capable vehicle, but not as a stripped-down trail toy. The pitch is a modern adventure SUV that mixes real off-road hardware, strong towing ability and clever terrain technology with upscale materials, a large touchscreen and daily-driver comfort. What sets it apart is that it feels deliberately rugged inside and out, yet it still delivers the connectivity, visibility aids and premium polish many luxury-SUV shoppers expect.
The 2021 lineup stretches from straightforward turbo-four models to six-cylinder mild-hybrid versions with more comfort and off-road equipment. The 90 First Edition stands out with a folding fabric roof and configurable terrain modes, while the X adds air suspension, an active rear differential and a head-up display. X-Dynamic models sit in the middle with darker exterior details and hard-wearing cabin materials.
What changed, by category
Structural
The shorter two-door Defender 90 joins the US lineup alongside the four-door Defender 110.
Styling
The new X-Dynamic family adds gloss-black exterior details, satin-finish accents and more durable interior trim. X-Dynamic S and SE join the lineup, while the former HSE is renamed X-Dynamic HSE.
Powertrain
The 395-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine spreads to more configurations, including the Defender 90 First Edition and X-Dynamic S.
2021 Land Rover Defender specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, MHEV, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 296 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 296 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7716 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 7716 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb | 8201 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft | 58.3–78.8 cu-ft | 58.3 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft | 58.3 cu-ft | 78.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6–39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 39.1 in | 36.6–39.1 in | 36.6 in | 39.1 in | 36.6 in | 39.1 in |
| Seats | 6–7 | 6–7 | 7 | 6–7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2021 and 2020 Land Rover Defender?
The biggest difference is the addition of the two-door Defender 90 for 2021. The 2020 US launch lineup centered on the four-door 110, while 2021 offers both body styles.
Was 2021 the first US model year for the new Defender 90?
Yes. The new-generation Defender 90 reaches the US lineup for 2021 as the shorter, two-door alternative to the four-door Defender 110.
What changed in the 2021 Defender trim lineup?
The X-Dynamic S and X-Dynamic SE trims join the lineup, and the former HSE is renamed X-Dynamic HSE. X-Dynamic sits between the regular Defender trims and the X, using darker exterior details and more durable-looking interior materials.
Did the 2021 Land Rover Defender get an all-new engine?
No all-new engine is introduced for 2021. The lineup continues with a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a 395-hp turbocharged mild-hybrid six-cylinder, but the six-cylinder spreads to more Defender configurations.
Is the 2021 Defender a full redesign?
No. The 2021 Defender is the second US model year of the L663 generation, so this is a lineup expansion rather than another complete redesign.
2021 Land Rover Defender Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Land Rover Defender.
4.3
2021 Land Rover Defender
(205 reviews)
“So fun, luxurious, comfortable, enjoyable to drive, roomy, attention to detail, user-friendly, loading capacity, very safe, looks amazingly unique.”
“it is a fantastic vehicle from looks to performance if you like the icon that it is”