Ford Expedition vs Land Rover Defender
The Ford Expedition and Land Rover Defender are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 20 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 4 measured categories, the Ford Expedition leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Ford Expedition
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 49 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Expedition | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 17 mpg | 18 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 24 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,100 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 441 g/mi ✓ | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 49 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Expedition vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Expedition or the Land Rover Defender?
The Ford Expedition and Land Rover Defender are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 20 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Expedition runs about $3,100 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $700 per year.
What engines do the Expedition and Defender offer?
Ford Expedition: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Expedition and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: ford-expedition-vs-land-rover-defender