Toyota 4Runner vs Land Rover Defender
The Toyota 4Runner is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota 4Runner leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Toyota 4Runner
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 42 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota 4Runner | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 23 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 26 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,650 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 380 g/mi ✓ | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, 4.0 | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (S5) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 42 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4Runner vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota 4Runner or the Land Rover Defender?
The Toyota 4Runner is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota 4Runner runs about $2,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the 4Runner and Defender offer?
Toyota 4Runner: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, 4.0. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota 4Runner and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More 4Runner comparisons
Comparison id: toyota-4runner-vs-land-rover-defender