Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs Land Rover Defender
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $650 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2016–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 92 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,150 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 99 g/mi ✓ | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2026 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 92 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
GLE-Class vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class or the Land Rover Defender?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $650 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class runs about $3,150 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $650 per year.
What engines do the GLE-Class and Defender offer?
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More GLE-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-gle-class-vs-land-rover-defender