2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$48,900 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport (Car 1) and the 2026 Volvo XC40 (Car 2) is the $9,000 MSRP difference, with the Discovery Sport starting at $48,900 versus the XC40's $39,900. This price premium buys the Land Rover 52 more horsepower (246 hp vs. 194 hp) and 48 lb-ft more torque (269 lb-ft vs. 221 lb-ft). Conversely, the Volvo claims superior efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Land Rover's 20 combined MPG, equating to a 7 MPG advantage, although Car 2 requires premium fuel. Dimensionally, Car 1 is substantially longer at 180.9 inches versus 174.8 inches for Car 2, yet the Discovery Sport offers a significant cargo volume advantage of 32.2 cubic feet over the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet. The powertrain differences are also notable: Car 1 uses AWD paired with a 9-speed automatic, while Car 2 utilizes FWD with an 8-speed transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 wins for commuting due to its superior 27 combined MPG rating, translating to lower operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport is better suited for families needing space, offering 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 20.4 cubic feet in the XC40.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Discovery Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts, producing 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the XC40's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 provides substantially better overall value by starting $9,000 lower and delivering 7 more MPG in combined driving.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

Maximum cargo space is critical, as the Discovery Sport provides 32.2 cu ft versus 20.4 cu ft.
Higher engine output is preferred, with 246 hp available from the 2.0L engine.
All-wheel drive capability and a 9-speed automatic transmission setup are mandatory requirements.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Operating costs are a priority, demonstrated by the 27 combined MPG rating (vs. 20 combined MPG for Car 1).
The initial purchase price must be kept low, as the XC40 saves $9,000 on the MSRP.
A smaller exterior footprint (174.8 inches in length) is beneficial for urban navigation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Discovery Sport	Volvo XC40
Length	180.9"	174.8"
Width	-	76.3"
Height	67.9"	65.2"
Wheelbase	107.9"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Post-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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	246 hp @ 5500 rpm	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1500 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	9-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/23 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	336.3/407.1 mi.	355.0/454.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	380W	250W
Speaker System	10	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Antenna Type	Diversity	—
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.6 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Size	N/A	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

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 Discovery Sport and 2026 Volvo XC40.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirements between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport uses regular unleaded fuel, which is generally less expensive per gallon. In contrast, the 2026 Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded, potentially offsetting some of the savings gained from its higher 27 combined MPG rating.

How much more powerful is the Land Rover Discovery Sport than the Volvo XC40?

The Discovery Sport is significantly more potent, generating 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This is a 52 hp and 48 lb-ft advantage over the XC40's 194 hp and 221 lb-ft output.

Which vehicle offers better space utilization inside the cabin?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers substantially more dedicated storage space, boasting 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Volvo XC40 provides 20.4 cubic feet, indicating a significant difference in utility for hauling larger items.

Does the difference in MSRP account for the performance disparity?

Yes, the $9,000 price difference at the base level strongly correlates with the performance gap; the more expensive Land Rover offers 25% more horsepower than the Volvo.

Which car is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 180.9 inches in length compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches, and it is also taller at 67.9 inches versus 65.2 inches.

What is the difference in the transmission and drive type setup?

Car 1, the Discovery Sport, features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Car 2, the XC40, comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.