17 miles per gallon combined, at first glance, feels like a number that should be met with a furrowed brow. But for the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 MHEV 4.4L 8-cylinder, it’s not an indictment, but rather a badge of honor, showing what this vehicle fundamentally represents: uncompromised capability, strong luxury, and a spirit of adventure. This isn’t a vehicle chasing efficiency for efficiency’s sake; it’s a nearly 6,000-pound rolling fortress designed to conquer everything from urban commutes to remote expeditions, all while coddling its occupants in refined comfort. The buyer drawn to the 4.4L V8 Defender understands that such performance and presence come with an associated consumption, and frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way. They covet the effortless power, the distinctive rumble, and the sheer confidence that only an engine of this caliber can provide. This is a vehicle for those who value the journey as much as the destination, and whose priorities extend far beyond the pump.

City and highway performance

Diving into the EPA figures reveals a 15 MPG city rating and 19 MPG on the highway for the 2025 Defender 110 with its 4.4L MHEV V8. The city figure, predictably, is where the Defender’s mass and powerful engine are most evident. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent accelerations, and lower average speeds naturally lead to higher fuel consumption. This isn’t unique to the Defender; any large, powerful SUV will exhibit similar characteristics in an urban environment. However, Land Rover’s mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology does play a subtle role here, using a small electric motor and battery to assist the engine, particularly during start-up from idle and light acceleration, marginally improving efficiency and smoothness. This system functions virtually imperceptibly, contributing to the refined driving experience without making grand claims about electric-only range.

On the open road, the 19 MPG highway figure shows the Defender 110’s ability to settle into a more efficient rhythm. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is a masterclass in smooth, intelligent gear selection, keeping the potent V8 in its optimal rev range for cruising efficiency. With its long wheelbase and air suspension, the Defender devours highway miles with remarkable composure and comfort, making long journeys surprisingly less fatiguing than its rugged exterior might suggest. The highway is where the 4.4L V8 truly shines, providing immense reserves of power for effortless overtaking and maintaining speed even when climbing steep grades or loaded with gear. For the Defender owner, knowing that they can traverse continents with confidence and a respectable, albeit not class-leading, highway MPG is part of the appeal. You can explore all Land fuel economy data for a broader perspective on the brand’s offerings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 MHEV 4.4L 8-cyl to be $3,400. This precise figure is calculated based on an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, distributed between city and highway driving according to standardized cycles, and using national average fuel prices, which fluctuate but are updated regularly by the EPA. This $3,400 figure serves as a standardized benchmark, allowing prospective buyers to compare the Defender’s running costs against other vehicles in its class or even across different segments. It’s important to understand that this is an estimate; individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the mix of city versus highway driving will all influence actual annual expenditure. For the buyer of a high-performance, luxury off-roader like the V8 Defender, this annual fuel cost is typically seen as a reasonable trade-off for the vehicle’s unparalleled capabilities and prestige. It represents a commitment to owning a specialist machine, where performance and utility take precedence over outright frugality.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 4.4L V8 can expect fuel economy figures that closely mirror, or slightly fall below, the EPA estimates, depending heavily on driving style and conditions. The instantaneous gratification of stomping on the accelerator to unleash 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque is undeniably addictive, and frequent indulgence in such power will naturally reduce overall efficiency. Aggressive driving, towing heavy loads, or engaging in serious off-road excursions, exactly what this vehicle is built for, will see the MPG dip. The V8 Defender encourages exploration, and off-road driving, with its lower average speeds and often demanding terrain, is inherently less fuel-efficient than highway cruising. Conversely, drivers with a lighter foot, who use adaptive cruise control on long trips, and allow the MHEV system to operate efficiently, might find themselves routinely hitting the higher end of the EPA’s highway range. The character of this vehicle truly dictates its real-world fuel performance; it’s a tool for adventure, and adventures rarely prioritize ultimate efficiency above all else. For more insights into how different powertrains perform, examine ROVER MPG across all years.

How it compares

When placed alongside its peers, the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 MHEV 4.4L 8-cylinder’s fuel economy of 17 MPG combined positions it squarely within the expectations for large, powerful, luxury off-road SUVs. Consider alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz G 550, which with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8, typically achieves around 17 MPG combined (16 city/18 highway). The Lexus LX 600, powered by a 3.4L twin-turbo V6, manages a slightly better 19 MPG combined (17 city/22 highway), but with noticeably less horsepower than the Defender V8. Even within Land Rover’s own stable, the high-performance Range Rover Sport P550e plug-in hybrid offers a phenomenal 53 MPGe combined, but that figure is heavily reliant on regular charging and primarily reflects electric-only operation, a fundamentally different mission than the V8 Defender. The Defender 110 V8 buyer isn’t cross-shopping a plug-in hybrid, they are evaluating ultimate capability, reliable construction, and a certain level of unadulterated power that only larger displacement or forced-induction V8s can deliver. The Defender’s figures are competitive and entirely expected for its class, justifying its position as a go-anywhere luxury vehicle without pretending to be a fuel sipper.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 isn’t designed for outright efficiency, there are still practical ways for owners to optimize their fuel consumption without compromising the vehicle’s inherent character. Maintaining proper tire pressure, as recommended by Land Rover, is critical; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and force the engine to work harder. Use the various driving modes judiciously; while Dynamic mode is thrilling, Eco mode or simply a more relaxed Comfort mode will optimize transmission shifts and throttle response for better economy during routine driving.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, progressive inputs are the enemy of wasted fuel. The Defender’s substantial mass means it carries momentum well, so maintaining a steady speed and coasting when appropriate can contribute to significant savings over time.

On the highway, engage the adaptive cruise control and maintain a reasonable speed. The aerodynamic penalty of a vehicle like the Defender becomes more pronounced at higher velocities, so resisting the urge to push past legal limits will yield noticeable improvements in highway MPG.

Given the Defender’s intended use, regularly removing unused roof racks, cargo boxes, or other external accessories when not needed will reduce aerodynamic drag and weight. These seemingly minor considerations add up, especially on longer journeys, and can help claw back a mile or two per gallon.