DecodedCars2023 Land Rover Defender
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 110 5 Seat 4dr SUV, 110 5+2 Seat 4dr SUV, 130 4dr SUV, 90 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 296–395 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 170.5–200.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,819–5,525 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Land Rover Defender is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,819 lb (110 5 Seat 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway), 6% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Defender — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Defender →
Trims, performance & features
Engine395 hp3.0L 6-cyl hybrid
Engine296 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
130 X-Dynamic SE110 X-Dynamic SE110 SE110 S130 SE
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsOptional
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Nitra, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Defender configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 5 Seat 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 118.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,819 lb | 49/51 |
| 110 5+2 Seat 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 118.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,945 lb | 49/51 |
| 130 4dr SUV | 200.8 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 118.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 5,525 lb | 48/52 |
| 90 4dr SUV | 170.5 in | 79.1 in | 77.6 in | 102 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,835 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 110 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Defender 90 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Defender 90 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 465 |
| Defender 130 P300 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 480 |
| Defender 130 P400 MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 480 |
| Defender 110 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 492 |
| Defender 90 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 545 |
| Defender 110 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 563 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Land Rover Defender.
Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Land Rover Defender (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (9)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Sep 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V599000 · 23,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jun 12, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V389000 · 250,857 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 driverâs air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driverâs air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Apr 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V248000 · 170,169 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit · Jan 16, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V016000 · 28,370 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Filter/Screen · Jun 17, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V450000 · 2,013 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N908.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners · Nov 22, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V789000 · 121 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition. The brake calipers may not be reinstalled properly, allowing the brake calipers to detach.
- Risk
- Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reinstall the brake calipers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N848.
Child Seat › Vehicle Tether Anchor · Mar 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V137000 · 812 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.
- Risk
- A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication · Feb 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V044000 · 6,724 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the engine cam carrier and related components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N763.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Jul 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V523000 · 4,927 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.
- Risk
- Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N720.
Not every 2023 Land Rover Defender is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
87Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
61,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Land Rover Defender buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 42 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 14 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Defender years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Defender | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Defender | 20 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2025 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 13 |
| 2024 Defender | 20 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 27 |
| 2022 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 76 |
| 2021 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 9 | 42 |
| 2020 Defender | 19 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 7 | 58 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Land Rover. How we calculate this →