The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl gets 18 MPG combined. No one expects Prius-like efficiency from a Defender, they buy it for its go-anywhere reputation, its iconic design, and its promise of adventure. That 18 MPG is simply the cost of owning a modern, luxurious, and very capable off-roader. Its buyers are affluent, value capability over economy, and often have other, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 17 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway show the Defender’s biggest challenge. The constant stop-and-go of city driving hurts the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, is constantly shifting to keep the engine in its optimal power band, impacting fuel consumption. The Defender does a bit better on the open road at a steady cruise. However, its boxy shape and significant weight (over 4,700 pounds) create aerodynamic drag, preventing impressive highway mileage. This vehicle is designed to tackle terrain, not slip through the air.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This is a benchmark for potential buyers that provides a way to compare the Defender’s running costs against other vehicles. Your annual fuel cost will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a guide, real-world fuel economy for the Defender can vary. Owners who frequently drive off-road, tow trailers, or live in mountainous areas are likely to see lower figures than the official estimates. Drivers who stick to highway commuting with a light foot might achieve slightly better results. Manage your expectations and understand that achieving the EPA numbers will require effort and specific driving conditions. Check owner forums and user reviews to see what other drivers are experiencing. For more information, check out all Land Rover fuel economy data.

How it compares

The Defender’s fuel economy is comparable to others in its class. A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, similarly equipped for off-road, often sees combined MPG in the low 20s with its 2.0L turbo engine because it’s lighter and has fewer luxury features. A competitor like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with its powerful V8 engine, might get combined MPG numbers closer to 16 MPG. Even the BMW X5 xDrive40i, a luxury SUV with some off-road ability, delivers around 23 MPG combined. The Land Rover Discovery, a more comfort-oriented SUV from the same manufacturer, manages around 19 MPG with its standard engine. MPG data across all ROVER years shows the brand’s fuel economy trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire inflation is important for optimizing fuel economy on any vehicle, but especially on the Defender due to its weight and off-road-oriented tires. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended level on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which translates to lower MPG.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The turbocharged engine responds well to a gentle touch, and easing into acceleration will help you conserve fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and try to maintain a smooth speed. Every burst of power or stop consumes extra fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight; extra cargo in your Defender adds to its overall weight and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unneeded items from the cargo area and roof rack. Even a few pounds can make a difference, especially in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed, which minimizes fluctuations in fuel consumption; use cruise control. Be mindful of using cruise control in hilly areas, as the transmission may downshift frequently leading to less fuel savings. Consider Adaptive Cruise Control if equipped, as it manages speed variations more efficiently.

Consider using the Defender’s Eco driving mode, if equipped. This mode typically adjusts throttle response and shift patterns to prioritize fuel efficiency, and it might slightly reduce performance but can help you save fuel during everyday driving. Experiment with the different driving modes to see which one best suits your driving style and conditions.