The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl gets 19 MPG combined. This might surprise buyers comparing it to mainstream SUVs. The vehicle attracts a specific kind of buyer, one who values reliable capability, iconic design, and adventure over saving money at the pump. For them, the Defender is a statement.

City and highway performance

The Defender 110 achieves 18 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the Defender’s weight and shape affect efficiency. The highway number improves slightly, thanks to more consistent speeds, but it’s not thrifty. The automatic (S8) transmission tries to keep the engine in its best range, but moving this much mass requires energy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl at $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and current national average fuel prices. Fuel prices change, so this is an estimate. However, it provides a sense of what to expect. This is a substantial amount and a key factor for potential owners, especially those planning to use the Defender daily. If you are curious, you can view all Land fuel economy data to see where the defender lands when compared with other models from the British auto maker.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving style, terrain, and cargo all matter. Fast acceleration and off-roading will reduce MPG. Carrying heavy loads or towing strains the engine, decreasing fuel efficiency. Drivers in urban environments may see numbers near the city estimate, while those on open highways may do slightly better. Expect your mileage to drop when off-pavement.

How it compares

Consider the competition to understand the Defender 110’s fuel economy. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, with its 2.0L turbo engine, gets around 20 MPG combined. The Toyota 4Runner, known for reliability, achieves 17 MPG combined. Even the BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its inline-six engine and all-wheel drive, returns 23 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC gets 22 MPG combined. The Defender may lack the efficiency of those SUVs, but its off-road ability and unique design offer reasons to choose it. These buyers will trade fuel economy for the Defender’s capabilities and image. It’s also worth comparing ROVER MPG across all years to get a better sense of how the Defender stacks up in the brand’s overall lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Defender 110 2.0L isn’t the most fuel-efficient, but you can improve its gas mileage. Accelerate gently. Avoid quick bursts of speed and maintain a steady pace. The turbocharged engine responds well to smooth input.

Regular maintenance is also critical. Keep your tires properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. Maintain scheduled oil changes to keep the engine running smoothly.

Reduce weight. The more weight, the harder the engine works. Remove any unneeded items, especially heavy gear that is not needed.

Use cruise control on the highway. This maintains speed and minimizes acceleration, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Be careful using cruise control on hills, as it can cause less efficient gear changes.

Think about your tire choice. The Defender has standard tires for off-road, but switching to less aggressive tires with lower rolling resistance can improve fuel economy if you mostly drive on pavement.