The 2020 Land Rover Defender is Shockingly Thirsty
The 2020 Land Rover Defender combines luxury and the ultimate off-roading abilities that don’t come cheap. But the Land Rover Defender isn’t exactly very fuel-efficient and will have you spending tons on gas.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is a gas guzzler
According to Cars.com, the 2020 Land Rover Defender has many great qualities and only a few disappointments. The most shocking problem involves the fact that this SUV has a terrible fuel economy, despite having a mild-hybrid powertrain.
The Land Rover Defender is supposed to get an EPA estimated 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. But the team at Cars.com discovered that the four-cylinder engine did slightly worse by only managing to get 18 mpg combined.
There are two engine options to consider. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a lot of power, but if you need more, you can upgrade to the 3.0-liter mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine for 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
If only the diesel engine was available in the United States, then we could benefit from a better fuel economy. But we will have to settle for the gasoline powertrains over here, and you might find yourself pulling over to fill up the 23.4-gallon fuel tank pretty often.
Is the Land Rover Defender worth buying?
Yes, the 2020 Land Rover Defender is a great SUV option to buy. It’s comfortable and capable. With the high starting price of about $49,900, maybe you can afford not to worry about its gas bill.
We realize that the MSRP is high, but you get a lot of standard goodies such as four-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension. The cabin is filled with rubber surfaces, but that’s for functionality. These surfaces are easy to clean after being splattered with mud, snow, slush, and more. However, it can turn some buyers looking for a luxurious option away.
The mild-hybrid engine isn’t short of power. According to Edmunds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. This is pretty sporty, but some may expect it to be faster. However, with a weight of 5,571 lb, it’s one heavy beast to get moving.
While having off-roading prowess, the Land Rover Defender still drives like a luxury SUV. The transmission is incredibly smooth with precise steering and smooth stops. Rivals like the Jeep Wrangler are notorious for having a bumpier ride.
Land Rover Defender Features
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is pretty comfortable thanks to its quiet cabin and supportive seats. You can include heated and ventilated seats to stay comfortable. The rear seat is spacious for adults.
Take advantage of the 10-inch infotainment touch screen to quickly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice control system works well, and there are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin.
The swing-out tailgate can be a little cumbersome, but it also allows loading to be easier. Note that the tire on the back makes the tailgate heavier. With the tow package, you can tow up to 8,200 lb, but the package doesn’t include a trailer brake control. You’ll want one to help control and adjust the trailers’ brakes.
