I paid £43,000 for my Land Cruiser 100 series in 1998. Considerably more than Defender money and no VAT back or tax relief. That is £76200 adjusted for inflation. Mid range Range Rover Sport money today.
I am going to completely dispute your claim that a ranger tows as well as a 100 series. rubbish. Trailer pushes you all over the road in a ranger and it doesn't have the right gearing. That said, the ranger is a decent pick up and it tows similarly to a Hilux. An immaculate 100 series is 20k now (and increasing all the time). If buying now, they are a much better use of money for a work vehicle than a new defender.