2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Volvo XC90

$56,900 · Crossover

$57,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical distinction between the 2025 Land Rover Defender and the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the 7 MPG gap in combined fuel economy, with the XC90 achieving 26 MPG versus the Defender's 19 MPG. This efficiency difference is coupled with a 49 horsepower deficit in the Volvo, as the Defender produces 296 hp compared to the XC90's 247 hp, translating to superior straight-line performance potential. The Defender, despite its smaller stature at 180.5 inches long, commands a lower initial outlay at an MSRP of $56,900 versus the XC90's $57,400. Furthermore, the Defender offers 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the XC90's 266 lb-ft. However, the XC90 compensates with a larger physical footprint, being 19.5 inches longer, and also possesses a significantly lower height profile at 69.9 inches compared to the Defender's 77.5 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC90

The 2025 Volvo XC90 is the superior commuter due to its 26 MPG combined rating, which beats the Defender's 19 MPG significantly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo XC90

The 2025 Volvo XC90 is the preferred choice for families due to its substantial 195.0-inch length, suggesting greater potential interior volume over the 180.5-inch Defender.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender wins for performance enthusiasts by delivering 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the XC90's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offers better immediate value by carrying a lower MSRP of $56,900 compared to the XC90's $57,400.

Choose the Land Rover Defender if...

Your priority is maximizing power, as the Defender provides 296 hp.
You seek a lower initial purchase price, listed at $56,900.
You require substantial torque delivery, boasting 295 lb-ft compared to 266 lb-ft.

Choose the Volvo XC90 if...

Fuel economy is critical, evidenced by the XC90's 26 MPG combined rating (a 7 MPG advantage).
You prefer a lower profile vehicle, as the XC90 stands 69.9 inches tall versus 77.5 inches.
Maximum exterior length is needed, with the XC90 measuring 195.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Defender	Volvo XC90
Length	180.5"	195.0"
Width	-	-
Height	77.5"	69.9"
Wheelbase	101.9"	117.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	296 hp @ 5500 rpm	247 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	266 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	428.4/499.8 mi.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	400W	220W
Speaker System	11	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	9.0 in
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	40.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Shoulder Room	—	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	37.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	56.5 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R19	275/45R20
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and 2025 Volvo XC90.

How does the fuel economy compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Volvo XC90 is considerably more efficient, achieving a combined 26 MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Land Rover Defender is rated lower at 19 MPG combined, representing a substantial 7 MPG difference for daily driving assessments.

Which vehicle offers superior engine performance based on horsepower figures?

The 2025 Land Rover Defender holds a clear advantage in raw power, producing 296 hp. The 2025 Volvo XC90 generates 247 hp, meaning the Defender has 49 more horsepower available.

What is the starting price difference between the 2025 Defender and the 2025 XC90?

The 2025 Land Rover Defender has a lower MSRP starting at $56,900. The 2025 Volvo XC90 is priced slightly higher at $57,400.

Are there significant dimensional differences between these two AWD vehicles?

Yes, the vehicles differ notably in length and height; the XC90 is 195.0 inches long while the Defender is 180.5 inches, yet the Defender is significantly taller at 77.5 inches compared to the XC90’s 69.9 inches.

Do both models utilize the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 Land Rover Defender and the 2025 Volvo XC90 list premium unleaded as the recommended fuel type for operation.

How close are the torque ratings for these competitors?

The torque figures are relatively close, with the Defender leading slightly at 295 lb-ft. The XC90 delivers 266 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 29 lb-ft gap between the two models.