Agricultural land plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food security and improving farmers’ living standards. However, its utilization faces sustainability challenges due to greenhouse gas emissions and associated environmental impacts. Improving agricultural land use benefits (ALUB) has become imperative for achieving sustainable agricultural development. This study combines the SDGs with agricultural land systems to construct a theoretical framework and evaluation index system for ALUB based on the ”element-structure-function-benefit-interaction” model. Using county-level data (2000-2020) from Hubei Province, we quantified ALUB indices for 75 counties, analyzed spatiotemporal patterns via a Mechanical Equilibrium Model, and identified key influencing factors using Optimal Parameters Geographical Detector. Results show: (1) Economic, social, and comprehensive benefits grew fluctuantly, while ecological benefits remained stable; (2) The 2020 average coordination level (0.378) indicated ”basic coordination,” with stable non-high-coordination spatial patterns; (3) Socioeconomic factors (e.g., GDP density, rural labor force) predominantly influenced trade-off/synergy relationships. Through deviation distribution analysis, the counties were categorized into three distinct typologies: (Quadrant I) excellent ecological benefits but weak economic and poor social benefits, (Quadrant II) excellent economic benefits but weak ecological and poor social benefits, and (Quadrant VI) excellent ecological benefits but weak social and poor economic benefits. Based on these classifications, tailored optimization strategies were proposed to enhance coordination among ALUB dimensions. This study not only enriches the conceptual framework of ALUB formation and its interrelationships but also provides practical guidance for sustainable agricultural land management.