Against 145 other V8 cars rated 2024–2026, the Defender beats their 16.5 mpg average by 2.2 mpg, about $274 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 3L 6-cyl Hybrid (2020–2026), does 19.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.9L 8-cyl (1993–1995), 12: $1,221 a year apart.
Every Land Rover Defender engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl Hybrid | 17.6 / 21.9 | 2020–2026 | $1,979 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 18 / 20.9 | 2020–2026 | $2,010 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 14 / 18.6 | 2022–2026 | $2,400 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 12 / 14 | 1997–1997 | $2,954 | |
| 3.9L 8-cyl | 11 / 13.7 | 1993–1995 | $3,200 |
Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2020–2026 model years, a hybrid Defender asks a median $520 more than a gas one of the same year. At 19.6 against 17.8 mpg it saves about $198 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 2.6 years. Hybrids make up 41% of the gas and hybrid Defender listings we track from the last ten model years.
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Cadillac Escalade gets 17 mpg, the Lexus TX 25.5 mpg and the Toyota Grand Highlander 30 mpg, next to 18.7 mpg for the 2026 Defender.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.171 |
| Fuel per year | $2,053 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,265 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2024–2026 | −$274 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,585 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Land Rover Defender gives up 4 mpg in town: 20.7 on the highway against 16.7 in the city, $444 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 16.7 mpg | $2,299 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20.7 mpg | $1,855 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (24%) | Typical for its type |
How the Defender changed over the years
The Defender peaked in 2021 at 19 mpg (17.5 city, 21.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 10 — 9 mpg apart, or $1,819 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 18.7. The biggest single-year change came in 1994: 10 to 13 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16.7 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 2025 | 16.7 / 19.3 | 3 | $2,133 | |
| 2024 | 16.7 / 20.3 | 3 | $2,098 | |
| 2023 | 16.7 / 21 | 3 | $2,098 | |
| 2022 | 16.3 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,133 | |
| 2021 | 17.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2020 | 17.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 12 / 14 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1995 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1994 | 12 / 15 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1993 | 9 / 11 | 1 | $3,840 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 23 EPA ratings of the Land Rover Defender — 5 engines across 1993–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,585. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Land Rover Defender get?
18.7 mpg combined, 16.7 city and 20.7 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 16 to 20. Across every year since 1993 the Defender has averaged 17.3 mpg.
Is the 2026 Defender more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 18.7 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Defender year has the best gas mileage?
The 2021, at 19 mpg combined (17.5 city, 21.5 highway).
Does the Defender get better gas mileage than the Cadillac Escalade?
Yes: 18.7 mpg for the 2026 Defender against 17 for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade, about $206 a year less to run.
Is the Defender hybrid worth the extra cost?
In our listings a hybrid asks a median $520 more than a gas Defender of the same year and saves about $198 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 2.6 years.
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