VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6400
518hp @ 6500
Torque
260lb-ft @ 4800
461lb-ft @ 2500
Towing
3500lbs
8200lbs
Engine
3.6 L/220cc
5.0 L/305cc
Choosing between the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Jeep Wrangler delivers 285hp @ 6400 while the Land Rover Defender produces 518hp @ 6500. Pricing starts at $49,740 for the Wrangler and $63,500 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6400
518hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 4800
461lb-ft @ 2500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.6 L/220cc
5.0 L/305cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Supercharged
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.5gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
188.4in
180.5in
Width (in)
73.9in
79.1in
Height (in)
73.6in
77.5in
Wheelbase (in)
118.4in
101.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4594lbs
5445lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
8200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Wrangler
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Jeep Wrangler
Lower starting price ($49,740)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Wrangler or Defender?
The Wrangler produces 285hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Defender delivers 518hp @ 6500 and 461lb-ft @ 2500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Wrangler and Defender?
The Wrangler starts from $49,740 and the Defender from $63,500. The Wrangler is cheaper by $13,760 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Wrangler or Defender?
The Wrangler has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Defender can tow 8200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Wrangler or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.