2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 Genesis GV80
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference lies in utility, with the 2026 Genesis GV80 offering 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly outpacing the 2025 Land Rover Defender's 15.6 cu ft—a difference of over 130%. The GV80 also edges out the Defender in efficiency, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the Defender's 19 combined MPG. Power metrics are closely matched; the GV80 provides 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, slightly better than the Defender's 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the Defender is physically more compact, measuring 180.5 inches long compared to the GV80's 194.5 inches, which is notable given the GV80’s superior interior volume. The MSRPs are competitive, at $56,900 for the Defender and $57,700 for the GV80, demonstrating that the added utility and efficiency of the GV80 come at a marginal $800 premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 offers superior fuel economy at 21 combined MPG compared to the Defender's 19 combined MPG.
2026 Genesis GV80
With 38.7 cu ft of cargo space, the GV80 provides more than double the hauling capability of the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.
2026 Genesis GV80
The GV80 generates higher peak performance figures with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the Defender's 296 hp and 295 lb-ft.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender achieves a lower starting MSRP of $56,900 while still offering standard all-wheel drive.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- Your budget is strictly capped near the $56,900 MSRP mark, which is $800 less than Car 2.
- Maneuverability in tight urban spaces is crucial, as its 180.5-inch length is considerably shorter than the competition.
- You prefer the robust capability suggested by the Defender’s standard all-wheel drive system.
Choose the Genesis GV80 if...
- Maximum storage for gear or luggage is a priority, as it boasts 38.7 cu ft versus Car 1's 15.6 cu ft.
- Slightly better fuel economy is desired, achieving 21 combined MPG compared to 19 combined MPG.
- You seek the highest output figures, delivering 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Defender | Genesis GV80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.5" | 194.5" |
| Width | - | 77.8" |
| Height | 77.5" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 101.9" | 116.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Full Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 19/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 428.4/499.8 mi. | 400.9/506.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.8 gal. | 21.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 400W | — |
| Speaker System | 11 | 9 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 27.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 2-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 2-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 60.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.6 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 58.3 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R19 | P265/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and 2026 Genesis GV80.
How do the exterior dimensions of the 2025 Defender and 2026 GV80 compare?
The Genesis GV80 is significantly larger, measuring 194.5 inches long and 67.5 inches high. In contrast, the Land Rover Defender is more compact at 180.5 inches long and substantially taller at 77.5 inches.
Is the performance difference between the two crossovers significant enough to notice?
The difference is minor but measurable; the GV80 produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is 4 hp and 16 lb-ft more than the Defender's 296 hp and 295 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better utility based on cargo volume?
The 2026 Genesis GV80 is the clear utility leader, offering 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is more than double the 15.6 cu ft provided by the 2025 Land Rover Defender.
What is the difference in fuel economy for daily driving?
The GV80 demonstrates better efficiency across the board, achieving 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway). The Defender trails slightly with 19 combined MPG (18 city/21 highway).
Since both recommend premium fuel, which offers a better cost-to-entry proposition?
The Land Rover Defender has a slightly lower entry price at $56,900 compared to the GV80's $57,700 MSRP.
Does the drivetrain configuration affect driving dynamics for these models?
Yes; the Defender comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the Genesis GV80 configuration provided is rear-wheel drive, potentially offering a different feel during spirited driving.
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