Land Rover Defender vs Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 65 mpg advantage and costs about $2,900 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Land Rover Defender | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 20 mpg | 85 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 18 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 23 mpg | 77 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,800 | $900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 444 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2020–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 54 | 94 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Defender vs R1S: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Land Rover Defender or the Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 65 mpg advantage and costs about $2,900 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $2,900 per year.
What engines do the Defender and R1S offer?
Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Land Rover Defender and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: land-rover-defender-vs-rivian-r1s