Used Land Rover buying guide
About Land Rover
The name Land Rover couldn’t be more appropriate for this iconic off-roader. The iconic British brand was launched in 1948 and hit the US market in 1987, becoming part of the Jaguar Land Rover group in 2013. What started as very utilitarian-by-design vehicles have morphed into luxurious SUVs. These days, you’re likely to see recognizable models — such as the Discovery, Defender, and various types of Range Rover — easily straddling the line between practicality and opulence.
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Land Rover FAQs
When deciding on the best year for a used Land Rover, check reviews to find what suits your lifestyle. For example, if we look at the Land Rover Range Rover, Edmunds has rated the four most recent models 8.1 out of 10, with the 2021 model dropping to 6.9. These reviews alongside our research pages will help you determine the best year for a used Land Rover.
Mileage is important but you need to look beyond the odometer. When considering a used Land Rover, review its history report to see what work it's had done and how well it's been maintained as this is an important consideration alongside mileage and age. Read our comprehensive guide on why mileage and maintenance matter for more information.
There are many models of Land Rover across different model years. Look out for the range of SUVs including the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Defender, LR2, and LR4. Some of the key features of the best-loved models include off-roading capabilities and luxury interiors.
For the Defender, Edmunds reviews highlight the heaviness of the rear hatch door as a common problem. Another issue for Land Rovers in general is ongoing maintenance. Land Rover has a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 2.5 out of 5.0, meaning it could require fairly regular work.
Land Rover’s RepairPal Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, and the brand ranks 31st out of 32. This means that any used Land Rover you buy could require regular maintenance work, with a 16% chance of yearly repairs being severe. According to RepairPal data, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has the highest reliability rating at 3.0 out of 5.0.
Compare used Land Rover models
The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport truly highlight the best of British performance engineering, each designed to deliver a unique driving experience for you and your family. So, whether your daily commute is looking for more calm and serenity or you want to add some exhilarating driving experience, there is a Range Rover for you. The Range Rover feels like a luxurious retreat on wheels, offering a smooth ride thanks to its electronic air suspension. Keep an eye out for the long-wheelbase version (2014+) that adds an extra touch of comfort and space for rear-seat passengers. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Sport is ideal for those who enjoy a lively, sporty drive, with its bold stance, firmer suspension, and a stylish interior. The Sport shines in city driving, offering agility and quick cornering, making it an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts. Both models are celebrated for their excellent all-terrain capabilities and impressive towing capacity, with the 3rd-row version offering serene comfort and spaciousness for seven passengers (Range Rover from 2022+ and Sport from 2006-2022).
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The Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar beautifully showcase a mix of stylish, upscale design, seamlessly blending urban agility with modern elegance. The smaller Evoque is a friendly, compact SUV, great for navigating city streets and parking with ease. Despite its smaller size, it still offers impressive off-road capability. Meanwhile, the Velar, with its midsize profile, will catch your eye with its sleek design and clever, flush deployable door handles. It offers a smoother, more comfortable ride thanks to its longer wheelbase and optional electronic air suspension. While the Evoque delivers a lively, engaging driving experience, the Velar offers a more family-friendly, spacious, luxurious retreat, with significantly more cargo space and a more powerful engine. In short, the Evoque is ideal for the trendy city-dweller seeking a luxury escape, while the Velar appeals to families seeking elegance and versatile practicality.
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The Land Rover Defender 90 and Defender 110 are two sides of the same coin: one focused on agility, the other on size and versatility. The Defender 110 is ideal for families, with a spacious four-door design, generous cargo space, and an optional "5+2" third row, making it a versatile and luxurious choice. Its longer wheelbase ensures a smooth and stable ride on long drives, giving you confidence on the highway. On the other hand, the Defender 90 is a charming two-door that's more agile than its larger stablemate. Its compact size enables better off-road angles and easier parking in the city. Both models boast ruggedness and advanced off-road technology, but the 110 feels like a practical home base for group adventures, while the 90 stands out as a spirited, stylish option for solo explorers or couples looking for a great experience.
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The Land Rover Discovery and Defender 130 are the brand's top luxury multi-row vehicles, each offering a unique "premium sanctuary" experience. The Defender 130 comfortably seats eight with a special 2-3-3 layout, giving it the biggest third row in the lineup. It showcases rugged performance with a unibody design and optional powerful V8 engines for off-road fun. On the other hand, the Discovery makes a wonderful family retreat, with stylish interior details and a stadium-style seating layout that can help reduce motion sickness on long trips. While the 130 shines with its passenger capacity and advanced driver aides, the Discovery provides more cargo space and a smoother, more relaxing ride. Ultimately, either the Defender 130 or the Discovery will be ideal for camping, towing, and everyday luxury driving.
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The Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are both wonderful options that warmly introduce you to the Land Rover family, each thoughtfully designed for different lifestyles. The Discovery Sport is a versatile, friendly choice for active families, offering cozy 5+2 seating and a roomy cargo area that's great for all your gear-heavy adventures. It focuses on performance and versatility, featuring a sturdy 4x4 system that handles towing and wading through streams with ease. On the other hand, the Evoque captures urban elegance, blending a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a lower roofline and compact size that make city driving effortless. While it sacrifices slightly less rear visibility and cargo space to maintain its stylish silhouette, it offers the latest infotainment and advanced terrain management systems. Think of the Discovery Sport as your versatile do-all family hauler for every adventure, and the Evoque as your chic, luxurious escape for exploring the city with flair.
For more in-depth comparisons, be sure to explore our CarMax Comparison Tool.
Most reliable Land Rover models
1. Land Rover Discovery
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.