Land Rover Defender vs Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 21 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Dodge Durango leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
2015–2027
Dodge Durango
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 65 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Land Rover Defender | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 20 mpg | 21 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 18 mpg | 19 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 23 mpg | 26 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,800 | $2,950 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 444 g/mi | 414 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI | 6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Midgrade, Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2020–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 54 | 65 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Defender vs Durango: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Land Rover Defender or the Dodge Durango?
The Dodge Durango is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 21 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Dodge Durango runs about $2,950 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $850 per year.
What engines do the Defender and Durango offer?
Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI. Dodge Durango: 6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Land Rover Defender and the Dodge Durango as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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