2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country

$56,900 · Crossover

$66,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 Land Rover Defender and the 2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Defender starting $10,000 lower at $56,900 compared to the Volvo's $66,900. This price gap is complemented by a substantial 6 MPG advantage for the V90 Cross Country, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Defender's 19 combined MPG. Performance metrics are tightly matched; both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive, though the V90 possesses slightly more leverage with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Defender's 295 lb-ft, while horsepower is nearly identical at 295 hp (Volvo) versus 296 hp (Land Rover). Dimensionally, the Defender is significantly taller at 77.5 inches versus the V90's 60.7 inches, but the Volvo is nearly 15 inches longer, measuring 195.2 inches in overall length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country

The V90 Cross Country offers superior efficiency with 25 combined MPG versus the Defender's 19 MPG, resulting in lower long-term operating costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country

The V90 Cross Country's significantly longer body at 195.2 inches likely translates to more interior passenger and cargo volume than the Defender's 15.6 cu ft capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country

While horsepower is equal, the V90 Cross Country's 310 lb-ft of torque provides better low-end responsiveness than the Defender's 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Defender

The Defender offers nearly identical power specifications for a $10,000 lower entry price point of $56,900.

Choose the Land Rover Defender if...

You require a lower initial purchase price, as the Defender starts $10,000 less expensive at $56,900.
Taller stature and greater height (77.5 inches) are prioritized for off-road or ground clearance reasons.
You prefer slightly more base horsepower (296 hp) relative to the V90's 295 hp output.

Choose the Volvo V90 Cross Country if...

Fuel economy is a top concern, given the V90's 25 combined MPG rating against the Defender's 19 MPG.
Maximum torque output is desired, as the V90 generates 310 lb-ft versus the Defender's 295 lb-ft.
A longer vehicle footprint (195.2 inches) that may yield better rear-seat space is necessary.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Defender	Volvo V90 Cross Country
Length	180.5"	195.2"
Width	-	73.9"
Height	77.5"	60.7"
Wheelbase	101.9"	115.8"

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	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
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	295 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 2100 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 (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	428.4/499.8 mi.	349.8/461.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
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	600W
Speaker System	11	14
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	9.0 in
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Harman/Kardon
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 Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	38.7 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	42.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	10-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	—	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.4 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	35.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	55.7 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R19	235/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and 2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country.

What is the primary fuel economy difference between the two crossover models?

The 2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country holds a significant advantage, achieving 25 combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway). Conversely, the 2025 Land Rover Defender is rated for only 19 combined MPG (18 City/21 Highway).

How do the price points and powertrain specs compare side-by-side?

The Land Rover Defender starts at $56,900 with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is $10,000 more expensive at $66,900 but offers marginally higher torque at 310 lb-ft, while horsepower remains virtually the same at 295 hp.

Are there major differences in overall vehicle size and utility?

Yes, the V90 is nearly 15 inches longer at 195.2 inches, suggesting greater length. However, the Defender is substantially taller, standing at 77.5 inches compared to the V90's 60.7 inches, which affects interior headroom versus overall length.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and do they share the same transmission?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and require premium unleaded fuel; however, the Defender specifies premium as 'recommended' while the V90 specifies it as 'required'.

Which vehicle offers better outright utility based on provided cargo numbers?

Based on the provided data, the Land Rover Defender specifies a cargo capacity of 15.6 cu ft. The V90 Cross Country's cargo specification was not provided, making a direct comparison of storage volume inconclusive.

What is the differential in ground clearance potential based on vehicle height?

While exact ground clearance figures are unavailable, the Defender's 77.5-inch height indicates a much more upright, potentially higher-riding stance than the V90's 60.7-inch height, suggesting differences in off-road approach capabilities.