Rivian R1S vs Land Rover Defender
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.
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Rivian R1S | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 85 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 94 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 77 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $900 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | Not available | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | Not available | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 94 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
R1S vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Rivian R1S or the Land Rover Defender?
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 R1S and Defender offer?
Rivian R1S: no engine data on record. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Rivian R1S and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More R1S comparisons
Comparison id: rivian-r1s-vs-land-rover-defender