Denza B8 vs Land Rover Defender 90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Denza B8 the more affordable entry point by $7,400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $100,100 and $108,240 respectively.
The Denza B8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Land Rover Defender 90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B8 by roughly $9,170 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B8 and Land Rover Defender 90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 90 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control. The Land Rover Defender 90 adds a 360-degree camera that the Denza B8 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Denza B8 features a 17.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza B8 stands out with Devialet audio that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 90 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 872mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 147L in the Denza B8 and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Land Rover Defender 90 a 250L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $475/year for the Denza B8 and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $1,834 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.
Estimated annual total: $475 (Denza B8) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90). The Denza B8 saves you roughly $1,834 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B8 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Denza B8 will save you roughly $1,834 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Land Rover Defender 90 has a clear edge. The Denza B8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B8 and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Denza B8 is the cheapest at $91,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Land Rover Defender 90 by $7,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B8 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B8 and Land Rover Defender 90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the largest boot at 397L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B8 makes the most power at 425kW. The Denza B8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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