Land Rover Defender 130 vs Audi Q8
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$136,000RRP
- with the Audi Q8's standard kit: $136,000 (nothing to add; 4 with no data, not charged)
$143,415RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Land Rover Defender 130 starts from $136,000 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 opens at $143,415. That makes the Land Rover Defender 130 the more affordable entry point by $7,415.
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 $149,600 and $157,757 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Land Rover Defender 130 by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Land Rover Defender 130
- REC-006645 · published 2 Jul 2026Driver airbag clock spring connector fretting corrosionYear range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006642 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the connection to the driver’s airbag clock spring may corrode over time and lead to an increased resistance in the airbag circuit.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006638 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the front-end auxiliary drive belt idler pulley may over rotate and cause damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- 12 more on the model page.
Audi Q8
- REC-006473 · published 5 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing issue, the modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2024
- REC-005898 · published 15 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger airbag may not have been installed correctly.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Land Rover Defender 130 features a 11.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Land Rover Defender 130 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Meridian audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi Q8. The Audi Q8 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Land Rover Defender 130 uses a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 257kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.
The Audi Q8 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 250kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 130 has the clear power advantage at 257kW vs 250kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q8 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Land Rover Defender 130 measures 5,099mm long on a 3,022mm wheelbase, 93mm longer than the Audi Q8 at 5,006mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130 and 605L in the Audi Q8, giving the Audi Q8 a 216L advantage. The Land Rover Defender 130 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130 and $2,622/year for the Audi Q8. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Land Rover Defender 130 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q8: Level on the CarSorted Score at 65, ahead on the category wins, but the Land Rover Defender 130 is $7,415 cheaper
The Audi Q8 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 65), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 10), reliability (Audi Q8 ahead by 6), value (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 5). The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Land Rover Defender 130 and Audi Q8?
The Land Rover Defender 130 is the cheapest at $136,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $7,415.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Land Rover Defender 130 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Land Rover Defender 130 and Audi Q8 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 605L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Land Rover Defender 130 makes the most power at 257kW. The Audi Q8 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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