DecodedCarsAudi Q8 e-tron vs Land Rover Defender
2025 Audi Q8 e-tron vs 2025 Land Rover Defender — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $3,400 a year less in fuel for the Audi Q8 e-tron (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Audi Q8 e-tron is the bigger car, about 23 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi Q8 e-tron has had fewer recall campaigns (1 vs 18).
The two cars
The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron is a standard SUV powered by electricity and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,534 lb.
The 2025 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).
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q8 e-tron if…
- You want an EV with more range (272 miles)
- You want more room (23 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (1 vs 18 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Land Rover Defender if…
- You want something easier to park (23 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2025 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
2025 Land Rover Defender
- 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.
Full 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron specs →Full 2025 Land Rover Defender specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →