2025 Audi Q8 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical separation between the 2025 Audi Q8 (Car 1) and the 2025 Land Rover Defender (Car 2) is the MSRP, where the Audi commands a $17,500 premium, starting at $74,400 versus the Defender’s $56,900. Power figures also diverge, with the Q8 producing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Defender’s 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles share an identical 19 MPG combined EPA rating, though the Q8 achieves a slightly better highway rating of 23 MPG compared to the Defender’s 21 MPG. Dimensionally, the Q8 is longer at 196.0 inches, while the Defender is substantially taller at 77.5 inches versus the Q8's 67.0 inches. Cargo volume shows a clear imbalance, with the Q8 offering 33.7 cu ft versus the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q8
The Audi Q8 provides superior on-road fuel economy metrics, achieving 23 MPG highway compared to the Defender's 21 MPG highway.
2025 Audi Q8
The 2025 Audi Q8 offers more than double the usable storage space with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 15.6 cu ft in the Defender.
2025 Audi Q8
The Q8 generates 39 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque, offering a clear performance advantage over the Defender.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender provides comparable fuel economy (19 combined MPG) while saving the buyer $17,500 on the initial purchase price.
Choose the Audi Q8 if...
- You require the maximum available cargo volume, as the Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft.
- Performance is a priority, demonstrated by the Q8’s 335 hp output.
- You insist on a mandatory premium fuel requirement for a slightly better highway MPG rating of 23.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- You need to minimize initial outlay, saving $17,500 compared to the Q8’s MSRP.
- Maximum vertical presence is desired, given the Defender’s 77.5-inch height.
- You prefer a vehicle where premium fuel is recommended rather than required for operation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q8 | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.0" | 180.5" |
| Width | 79.0" | - |
| Height | 67.0" | 77.5" |
| Wheelbase | 118.0" | 101.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 17/23 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 382.5/517.5 mi. | 428.4/499.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 23.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 400W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 11 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.1 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 285/45R21 | 255/65R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q8 and 2025 Land Rover Defender.
What is the primary difference in ownership cost between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the Land Rover Defender?
The immediate difference is the MSRP, with the Audi Q8 being $17,500 more expensive ($74,400 vs $56,900). Additionally, the Q8 requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Defender only recommends it, potentially impacting ongoing running costs.
How does the power output compare between the two crossover models?
The 2025 Audi Q8 holds a measurable performance edge, delivering 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Land Rover Defender produces 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 39 hp deficit for the Defender.
Are there significant differences in efficiency despite similar combined MPG figures?
While both are rated at 19 MPG combined, the Q8 is slightly more efficient on the highway at 23 MPG compared to the Defender's 21 MPG highway rating. Both models use an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and are AWD.
Which vehicle is dimensionally larger and how does that affect cabin utility?
The Audi Q8 is significantly longer (196.0 inches vs. 180.5 inches) and boasts substantially more cargo space at 33.7 cu ft versus the Defender's 15.6 cu ft. However, the Defender is notably taller at 77.5 inches, providing a more imposing stature.
Do both vehicles utilize the same drivetrain components?
Both utilize an all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Q8 mandates premium fuel, while the Defender's fuel recommendation allows for the use of lower octane without the same operational requirement.
If I prioritize space, which vehicle should I select?
The 2025 Audi Q8 is the clear winner for pure cargo utility, offering 33.7 cubic feet. The Land Rover Defender's 15.6 cu ft capacity suggests a smaller footprint and potentially less usable rear storage space for large items.
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