18 MPG combined. That’s what the EPA estimates for the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s thirsty. But a Defender isn’t bought for efficiency like a Prius. It’s bought for its unmatched off-road ability, its iconic design that reflects its heritage, and its ability to handle nearly any terrain. The fuel bill is simply what you pay if capability and image are more important than using less gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA also estimates the Defender 110 gets 17 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the frequent stops of urban driving, made worse by the Defender’s weight and standard four-wheel-drive system. The highway number, while a bit better, still isn’t as good as many competitors. This is because of the Defender’s boxy shape. It’s not aerodynamic compared to sleeker SUVs, so it needs more power to maintain highway speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and helps use fuel efficiently when it can, but it can only do so much given the vehicle’s design and purpose. Understanding these numbers requires understanding the Defender’s mission: it’s built to climb rocks and ford rivers, not to have the best gas mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Expect to spend a lot of money keeping the Defender fueled, especially if you drive more than average or live where gas prices are higher. Buyers should include this expense in their budget, along with insurance, maintenance, and any ways they want to change the vehicle. For those who carefully consider all Land fuel economy data, the $3,200 number won’t be a surprise.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates give you a target, real-world fuel economy often changes. Driving style, terrain, and climate all affect your MPG. Driving hard, often off-roading, and cold weather will likely decrease fuel efficiency. But gentle acceleration and steady highway driving might give you slightly better results. Don’t expect to go far beyond the EPA estimates, but don’t be surprised if your actual MPG changes within a reasonable range. The ROVER MPG across all years shows that fuel economy is not typically the top priority for Land Rover buyers.

How it compares

The Defender’s fuel economy is noticeably lower than some of its rivals. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 2.0L turbo engine gets around 22 MPG combined. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its larger inline-six engine, manages around 23 MPG combined. The Toyota 4Runner is similar, getting around 17 MPG combined. The difference is important because those shopping for these vehicles might want fuel efficiency as well as off-road ability. Someone choosing between a Defender and an X5 might value image and all-terrain capability more than a few extra miles per gallon. However, the Wrangler comparison is more direct, since it also focuses on off-road driving. The Defender buyer accepts the MPG difference in exchange for better refinement and a more distinctive design.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Defender 110 is not very fuel-efficient, you can do things to improve its MPG. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard. The turbocharged engine works well if you use a light touch, and smoother driving will reduce fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep the recommended PSI, which you can find on the doorjamb.

Reduce weight as much as possible. Carrying extra cargo adds weight and decreases fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need from the vehicle to make it lighter.

Think about your drive mode. The Defender has different drive modes for different terrains. Use the right mode for the conditions, but don’t keep it in a low-range setting unless you need to, since this greatly reduces fuel efficiency.

Don’t idle. Letting your engine idle burns fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save gas.