Land Rover Defender 90
17.5 MPG The 2026 Land Rover Defender 90 is EPA-rated at 17.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 20 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 857 gallons, $2743 a year in fuel, or $0.183 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1994–2026 run it averages 16.5 MPG, improving by 4.5 MPG over 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.171 | $1714 | $2571 | $3429 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.183 | $1829 | $2743 | $3657 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.229 | $2286 | $3429 | $4571 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.257 | $2571 | $3857 | $5143 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.286 | $2857 | $4286 | $5714 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $4425 | 508 | 2 |
| 2025 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $4425 | 508 | 2 |
| 2024 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $4425 | 505 | 2 |
| 2023 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $4425 | 505 | 2 |
| 2022 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $4425 | 506 | 2 |
| 2021 | 19 MPG | 18 | 21 | $4050 | 466 | 1 |
| 2020 | 19 MPG | 18 | 21 | $4050 | 466 | 1 |
| 1997 | 13 MPG | 12 | 14 | $5950 | 684 | 1 |
| 1995 | 13 MPG | 12 | 15 | $5950 | 684 | 1 |
| 1994 | 13 MPG | 12 | 15 | $5950 | 684 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 standard sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Land Rover Defender 90 ranks 65 on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW X5 xDrive50i (18), Chevrolet Suburban 4WD (18), Ford Expedition 4WD (18), Ford Explorer AWD FFV (18), GMC Yukon XL 4WD (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 508 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Land Rover Defender 90 get?
The 2026 Land Rover Defender 90 is rated at 17.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 20 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 16.5 MPG, ranging from 13 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Land Rover Defender 90 cost in fuel per year?
At 17.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 857 gallons — roughly $2743 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.183 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $4425.
Has the Land Rover Defender 90 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 13 MPG in 1994 to 17.5 in 2026 — an improvement of 4.5 MPG, or 35% across 10 model years.
Is the Land Rover Defender 90 efficient for its class?
It ranks 65 of 105 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG. That is 2.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.