Jeep Wrangler vs Land Rover Defender
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Jeep Wrangler wins on money kept: 63% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 276 275 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Wrangler | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 315 900 | R 1 839 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 23 000/m | R 32 150/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 830 137 | R 1 106 412 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 485 763 | R 732 988 |
| Value after 5 years | R 638 912 | R 817 038 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Premium (established) |
Jeep Wrangler →
Sold locally since Jeep's mid-1990s return, the Wrangler has a devoted off-road community and holds its value far better than the rest of the Jeep range. The current JL sells in two-door and four-door Unlimited form, from about R1.32 million, with the Rubicon the popular pick. Older TJ and JK models remain sought after used, especially unmolested examples.
Known for: solid-axle off-road ability and cult following
Land Rover Defender →
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.
Known for: go-anywhere image and strong demand
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Jeep Wrangler or the Land Rover Defender?
The Jeep Wrangler. It keeps about 63% of its price after three years against 60% for the Land Rover Defender, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Jeep Wrangler loses about R 485 763 over three years and the Land Rover Defender loses about R 732 988. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Jeep Wrangler runs about R 23 000 per month and the Land Rover Defender about R 32 150, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.