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Ford Ranger vs Land Rover Defender comparison

Compare performance (281 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (48,400 £ vs 57,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Ranger or Land Rover Defender?

Ford Ranger vs Land Rover Defender: Key differences

Ford Ranger

  • somewhat cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
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Land Rover Defender

4 (1 Reviews)
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  • clearly more power
  • a bit more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Ranger

The Ultimate Comparison: Ford Ranger vs Land Rover Defender

When it comes to rugged vehicles that promise both adventure and utility, few names command as much respect as the Ford Ranger and the Land Rover Defender. Both vehicles, deeply rooted in off-road heritage, offer robust engineering and innovative features aimed at explorers and work enthusiasts alike. This article pits the 2023 Ford Ranger against the 2024 Land Rover Defender, highlighting their technical aspects and innovations to help you decide the ultimate off-road champion.

Defender

Powertrain and Performance

The Ford Ranger presents a versatile array of engine choices, including diesel and petrol options, accompanied by both manual and automatic transmissions. Notable figures include power outputs ranging from 170 to 292 horsepower, ensuring an agile response across varied terrains with a top speed breaching the 180km/h mark.

In contrast, the Land Rover Defender offers a broader spectrum with options such as Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, and pure Petrol engines, all paired with an automatic gearbox. With power outputs soaring up to 525 HP, the Defender provides an electrifying driving experience complemented by robust torque figures as high as 650 Nm. For those environmentally conscious, the plugin hybrid offers an electric range of 45 km, showcasing Land Rover's commitment to modern eco-friendly advancements.

Ranger

Consumption and Efficiency

Fuel economy remains a pivotal factor for adventurers venturing far from civilization. The Ranger's fuel consumption fluctuates between a respectable 8.4 to 13.8 L/100km dependent on the powertrain configuration. Its CO2 emissions hover around 220 g/km, reflecting a sturdy yet slightly less eco-conscious ride.

The Defender puts forth a competitive consumption range from an efficient 2.6 L/100km with the plugin hybrid to a more substantial 14.2 L/100km for the range-topping models. This remarkable breadth in fuel efficiency is paired with a hybrid option, aligning well with modern emission standards.

Defender

Dimensions and Practicality

Practicality plays a crucial role, especially when loading gear for off-the-grid escapes. The Ford Ranger stands tall with a length of up to 5420 mm, boasting a payload capacity that stretches to 1108 kg, catering well to those demanding substantial haul potential.

Meanwhile, the Defender, with its off-roader archetype, delivers multiple body configurations ranging from compact to roomy. Its apex version stretches to 5358 mm in length and presents considerable trunk capacity, ranging up to 786 liters, ensuring no adventure gear is left behind.

Innovation and Features

Both models assert their presence with cutting-edge innovations in driving technology. The Ranger integrates advanced suspension dynamics that promise enhanced comfort across bumpy trails. Simultaneously, it offers driver-assist features that elevate safety and control in unpredictable environments.

The Defender, however, excels with its Terrain Response system – a hallmark of Land Rover's technological prowess. This system adapts the vehicle’s characteristics to suit different terrains, resulting in a seamless drive across diverse topographies. The compatibility of its systems with various electronics further elevates the driving experience.

End Note: Which Suits You Better?

In summation, the choice between the Ford Ranger and Land Rover Defender boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If sheer power and diversity in fuel options intrigue you, the Defender is a formidable contender, especially with its hybrid technology and adaptive terrain systems. Meanwhile, the Ranger appeals through its utilitarian ethos with a robust build quality, suitable for both labor and leisure. Choose your adventure – cityscapes or wild terrains await.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Ranger

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Ford Ranger is somewhat cheaper – starting at 48,400 £ , while the Land Rover Defender costs 57,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,418 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Ranger uses 3.1 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Land Rover Defender with 6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.9 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Land Rover Defender offers a bit more range – reaching up to 48 km, about 6 km more than the Ford Ranger.

Defender

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Land Rover Defender offers clearly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 354 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Land Rover Defender is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Ford Ranger takes 8.7 s. That’s about 4.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Land Rover Defender delivers only slightly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 697 Nm. That’s about 53 Nm more.

Ranger

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Land Rover Defender offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Land Rover Defender is very slightly lighter – 2,300 kg compared to 2,405 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Ranger carries moderately more – 989 kg compared to 819 kg. That’s a difference of about 170 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Land Rover Defender is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £57,900
Defender

Land Rover Defender

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6 - 14.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 48 km
Ford Ranger
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a workhorse with the manners of a grown-up pickup—practical, tough, and surprisingly civilized on the road. It’s the sort of truck that laughs at mud on the weekend and performs like a sensible daily driver during the week, making it an easy sell for buyers who want capability without theatrics.

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Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender looks like it could shrug off a weekend of serious off-road abuse while still turning heads on the high street. Inside it balances practical, no-nonsense utility with enough creature comforts to make daily driving feel less like an expedition and more like a stylish commute—rugged charm with civilized manners.

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Ford Ranger
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption

Price
48,400 - 57,500 £
Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
Consumption L/100km
3.1 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
42 km
Electric Range
48 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
70 - 265 g/km
co2
135 - 324 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
Off-Roader
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
2 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,405 - 2,511 kg
Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,918 mm
Width
2,008 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
845 - 989 kg
Payload
494 - 819 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
240 - 281 HP
Power HP
200 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
600 - 697 Nm
Torque
500 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
177 - 207 kW
Power kW
147 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
2,261 - 2,993 cm3
Engine capacity
1,997 - 5,000 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
Brand
Ford
Brand
Land Rover
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.