Compare

Land Rover Defender vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Land Rover Defender

2026 Land Rover Defender

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 1Land Rover Defender wins 4 of 5 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

That works out to about $3,550 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Tesla Model Y is the bigger car, about 18 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Land Rover Defender has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 43).

The two cars

The 2026 Land Rover Defender is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,819 lb (110 5 Seat 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 Defender and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl
Engines
EV
4-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

20 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
18 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$4,100
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

626 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
–
Seats (most)
5
170.5 in
Length
188.6 in
79.1 in
Width
78 in
77.6 in
Height
63.8 in
4,819 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
12
3
Recalls (2026)
8
18
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
6
Owner complaints (latest year)
424

Interest

25,171
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Land Rover Defender if…

  • You want something easier to park (18 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (18 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want more room (18 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Land Rover Defender

  • Strong performanceUp to 626 hp, versus about 493 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Land Rover Defender specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →