2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo XC40 captivates with its punchy 247 hp engine and superior urban efficiency, achieving a combined 26 MPG, making it a sharp, accessible entrant into the premium crossover segment starting at an MSRP of $40,650. Conversely, the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport exudes rugged luxury, boasting a slightly higher torque figure of 269 lb-ft and significantly more hauling muscle with 32.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft. While the Discovery Sport offers a more commanding presence at 180.9 inches long, it trails notably in running costs, consuming more fuel with only 20 combined MPG. This comparison pits the XC40’s fuel-sipping agility against the Discovery Sport's brute capacity and heft, with a notable $9,250 sticker price discrepancy favoring the pragmatic Swede.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is the clear winner for commuters due to its segment-leading 26 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport provides substantial family utility, offering 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Volvo XC40
The XC40’s slightly higher horsepower (247 hp vs 246 hp) and better efficiency suggest a more spirited and less compromised driving experience.
2025 Volvo XC40
The XC40 offers comparable power for $9,250 less and achieves 6 MPG better efficiency, delivering superior overall value.
Choose the Volvo XC40 if...
- You prioritize minimizing trips to the fuel pump, benefiting from the 26 MPG combined rating.
- Your budget mandates a starting MSRP under $41,000, as the XC40 costs $40,650.
- You prefer a more compact footprint in the city, with a length of 174.8 inches.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- Maximum cargo hauling is essential, leveraging the robust 32.4 cu ft rear storage area.
- You prefer the immediate pulling power delivered by its higher 269 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the slightly larger dimensions (180.9 inches long and 67.9 inches tall) for on-road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC40 | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.8" | 180.9" |
| Width | 73.7" | - |
| Height | 65.0" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.4" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 326.6/426.0 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 250W | 400W |
| Speaker System | 8 | 11 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Manual 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 |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 19 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
How does the fuel efficiency gap between the XC40 and Discovery Sport impact ownership costs?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 delivers 26 MPG combined, beating the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating by 6 MPG. Over 15,000 annual miles, this difference translates into significant annual savings, especially considering the XC40 only recommends premium unleaded, while the Land Rover uses regular.
Is the extra cargo space in the Discovery Sport worth the higher price?
The Discovery Sport boasts 32.4 cu ft of cargo space, a substantial advantage over the XC40's 20.4 cu ft. If you frequently haul bulky items, the $9,250 price increase may be justified by this nearly 60% greater storage volume.
Which crossover has the better performance metrics based on specs?
The Volvo XC40 edges out the Land Rover slightly on power, boasting 247 hp compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp. However, the Discovery Sport counters with superior torque at 269 lb-ft versus 258 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end pull.
Does the difference in MSRP greatly affect the base value proposition?
Yes, the $40,650 MSRP of the XC40 makes it a compelling value entry point compared to the $49,900 price tag of the Discovery Sport. The Volvo provides strong performance and superior fuel economy while undercutting the Land Rover by $9,250.
Are there any powertrain differences besides horsepower?
The powertrains utilize different transmissions; the XC40 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Discovery Sport upgrades to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles feature standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
How much larger is the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport physically?
The Discovery Sport is notably longer and taller than the XC40. It measures 180.9 inches in length and 67.9 inches in height, making it 6.1 inches longer and 2.9 inches taller than the compact 174.8-inch long Volvo.
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