Land Rover Defender value and depreciation
Known for go-anywhere image and strong demand.
Projected value of a new Land Rover Defender
We class the Land Rover Defender as a premium (established) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 60% after three years and 44% after five. German and established luxury compacts and mid-sizers. A hard first-year knock, then steady losses that accelerate once the motorplan expires.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 79% | R 1 461 244 | R 1 285 895 |
| 3 years | 60% | R 1 106 412 | R 973 643 |
| 5 years | 44% | R 817 038 | R 718 993 |
| 7 years | 32% | R 595 751 | R 524 261 |
| 10 years | 20% | R 363 951 | R 320 277 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 1 839 400; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
The classic Defender was a farm and safari staple in South Africa until 2016, and the monocoque reinvention that arrived in 2020 turned the nameplate into JLR SA's biggest seller. It spans 90, 110 and 130 bodies with diesel, petrol and V8 power. Demand stays strong and it holds value better than any other Land Rover product.
What used Defender years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Defender | R 1 839 400 | R 1 618 672 | Details → |
| 2025 Defender | R 1 385 065 | R 1 218 857 | Details → |
| 2024 Defender | R 1 142 391 | R 1 005 304 | Details → |
| 2023 Defender | R 942 235 | R 829 167 | Details → |
| 2022 Defender | R 767 484 | R 675 386 | Details → |
| 2021 Defender | R 625 144 | R 550 127 | Details → |
| 2020 Defender | R 509 202 | R 448 098 | Details → |
| 2019 Defender | R 409 541 | R 360 396 | Details → |
| 2018 Defender | R 329 385 | R 289 859 | Details → |
| 2017 Defender | R 264 918 | R 233 128 | Details → |
| 2016 Defender | R 213 068 | R 187 500 | Details → |
| 2015 Defender | R 171 366 | R 150 802 | Details → |
Defender against its rivals
Land Rover Defender: common questions
What is a Land Rover Defender worth after 3 years?
A Land Rover Defender bought new today for R 1 839 400 is projected to be worth about R 1 106 412 after three years, which is 60% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 973 643.
Does the Land Rover Defender hold its value?
We class the Land Rover Defender as a premium (established) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 60% after three years and 44% after five. German and established luxury compacts and mid-sizers. A hard first-year knock, then steady losses that accelerate once the motorplan expires.
What does a used Land Rover Defender cost?
As a guide: a 2024 model is worth about R 1 142 391 retail today, while a 2015 model sits around R 171 366. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a Land Rover Defender cost per month?
Financing a new Land Rover Defender at R 1 839 400 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 32 150 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.