Chevrolet Suburban vs Land Rover Defender
The Chevrolet Suburban is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Chevrolet Suburban leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Chevrolet Suburban
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Chevrolet Suburban | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,250 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi ✓ | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Diesel, Regular, Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Suburban vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Chevrolet Suburban or the Land Rover Defender?
The Chevrolet Suburban is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Chevrolet Suburban runs about $3,250 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $550 per year.
What engines do the Suburban and Defender offer?
Chevrolet Suburban: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Chevrolet Suburban and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: chevrolet-suburban-vs-land-rover-defender