19 MPG combined is what you can expect when owning a 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Let’s be honest: Nobody buys a short-wheelbase Defender because it’s good on gas. They buy it for its indomitable off-road capabilities, its distinctive look, and the Land Rover brand. The 2.0L engine provides enough power, but the heavy, aerodynamically challenged body means the fuel economy is firmly in the “thirsty” category.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Defender 90 2.0L will achieve 18 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the constant stop-and-go driving and idling common in urban environments, conditions in which a heavy, non-hybrid SUV tends to struggle. The highway number improves slightly, but its tall profile creates significant wind resistance at higher speeds, reducing any potential gains usually seen with highway driving. Plan ahead for your road trips; frequent gas station fill-ups are a given with the Defender 90.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 2.0L is $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and fuel prices in your area. Someone who drives only in the city will likely exceed this annual cost, while someone who primarily does highway driving and drives conservatively could potentially come in slightly below this estimate. Compare this figure to the annual fuel costs of other SUVs you may be considering. See all Land fuel economy data on our site if you would like more information.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized estimate, but real-world fuel economy for the Defender 90 often falls short of the official numbers, especially if you spend a lot of time off-road. Off-roading can absolutely destroy your mileage, so be prepared. Aggressive tires, low-range gearing, and the wheelspin associated with traversing challenging terrain all negatively impact fuel consumption. Drivers who frequently use the Defender for its intended purpose, going beyond paved roads, should expect numbers closer to the mid-teens.

How it compares

The Defender 90’s fuel economy places it at the lower end of the SUV spectrum. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 2.0L turbo engine achieves around 22 MPG combined, making it noticeably more economical. Even the more powerful Toyota 4Runner, with its naturally aspirated V6, manages around 17 MPG combined, close to the Defender’s figures. The BMW X3 xDrive30i gets a significantly better 25 MPG combined. For the Defender buyer, this comparison may be irrelevant; they’re prioritizing off-road prowess and iconic design over fuel efficiency, but consider the trade-offs. If you are unsure about any Land Rover car, you can see ROVER MPG across all years on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Defender 90 2.0L isn’t fuel-efficient, but you can take steps to improve your mileage. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 2.0L engine needs to work hard to get the heavy Defender moving, so a gentle touch on the accelerator will reduce fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the manufacturer’s recommended levels, especially before long trips.

Minimize unnecessary weight. The Defender 90 is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying around unnecessary cargo. Removing extra gear from the vehicle will lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.

Consider your driving environment. City driving is the Defender’s downfall. Avoid peak-hour traffic and plan routes that minimize stop-and-go conditions. Combine shorter trips into longer ones to allow the engine to operate at its optimal temperature and efficiency.