Land Rover Defender vs Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 105 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 85 mpg advantage and costs about $3,100 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Tesla Model X leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
2016–2026
Tesla Model X
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 41 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Land Rover Defender | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 20 mpg | 105 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 18 mpg | 110 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 23 mpg | 101 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,800 | $700 ✓ |
| 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 | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2020–2026 | 2016–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 54 | 41 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Defender vs Model X: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Land Rover Defender or the Tesla Model X?
The Tesla Model X is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 105 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 85 mpg advantage and costs about $3,100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Tesla Model X runs about $700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $3,100 per year.
What engines do the Defender and Model X offer?
Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI. Tesla Model X: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Land Rover Defender and the Tesla Model X as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: land-rover-defender-vs-tesla-model-x