The 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 with the supercharged 5.0L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. To be clear, buyers considering this Defender aren’t primarily motivated by fuel efficiency. They want the visceral thrill of a potent V8 in a uniquely capable and stylish off-roader, and they’re willing to pay the price at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Defender 90 achieves 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures largely reflect the realities of a short-wheelbase, heavy vehicle powered by a thirsty supercharged engine. The city MPG suffers due to frequent stop-and-go driving, where the engine spends more time at lower, less efficient RPMs pushing a substantial curb weight. The highway number is somewhat better, but still unremarkable, as aerodynamic drag and the engine’s inherent thirst become more prominent factors at higher speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, does little to mitigate the engine’s inherent inefficiency. For more information, including all Land fuel economy data, you can explore the provided link.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 5.0L 8-cyl. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This is a significant expense compared to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Potential buyers should carefully consider this figure and its impact on their overall budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving style, terrain, and environmental conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent off-roading, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel consumption. However, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help to improve fuel efficiency, albeit marginally. Owners should anticipate that consistently achieving the EPA’s 16 MPG combined rating will require conscious effort and a restrained driving style, a challenge given the V8’s readily available power. For a broader perspective on ROVER MPG across all years, refer to the linked resource.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the Defender 90 V8 is undeniably poor compared to other SUVs, even within the luxury off-road segment. For example, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6L V6 achieves a combined EPA rating of around 20 MPG. A comparable Mercedes-Benz G550, while also powered by a V8, manages roughly 17 MPG combined. Even Land Rover’s own Range Rover Sport with the mild-hybrid inline-six offers significantly better fuel economy, with EPA combined ratings in the low 20s. This difference matters because even buyers who prioritize performance understand the practical limitations of frequent fuel stops and high running costs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Defender 90 V8’s inherent thirst, squeezing out every possible mile per gallon requires a deliberate approach. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The supercharged V8 delivers ample power even with moderate throttle inputs, so resist the urge to constantly exploit its full potential.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly translates to reduced fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo or adding heavy accessories will negatively impact fuel consumption. Remove any items you don’t need and consider the weight implications of aftermarket modifications like roof racks or heavy-duty bumpers.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and prioritize routes with consistent speeds. Frequent stop-and-go driving significantly reduces fuel economy, particularly in a vehicle like the Defender 90 V8. Consider using navigation apps to identify the most efficient route based on real-time traffic conditions.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy by minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Use cruise control on long stretches of highway to optimize fuel consumption.