2025 Volvo XC90 vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a premium three-row SUV like the 2025 Volvo XC90 and the rugged 2026 Land Rover Discovery often boils down to balancing luxury utility with running costs. If your daily commute eats up miles, the XC90’s 26 MPG combined efficiency significantly outpaces the Discovery’s 20 MPG combined rating, saving money over the long haul since the Volvo only recommends premium fuel while the Land Rover requires it. However, for those needing more pep, the Discovery steps up with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the XC90’s 247 hp and 266 lb-ft. While both sit at similar lengths (195.0 vs 195.1 inches), the Discovery offers substantially more height at 74.3 inches versus 69.9 inches. The difference in initial cost is modest, with the XC90 starting at $57,400 and the Discovery at $60,200.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC90
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Discovery's 20 MPG.
2025 Volvo XC90
Families prioritizing long-term, lower running costs will appreciate the Volvo's better fuel efficiency and slightly lower starting MSRP of $57,400.
2026 Land Rover Discovery
Driving enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Land Rover Discovery for its higher output of 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Volvo XC90
The XC90 offers better value by delivering solid performance and significantly lower operational costs, starting $2,800 cheaper at $57,400.
Choose the Volvo XC90 if...
- You need to maximize fuel economy, as the XC90 delivers 26 MPG combined versus 20 MPG.
- You want a slightly lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $57,400 compared to $60,200.
- You prefer an engine that only recommends premium unleaded fuel rather than one that requires it.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery if...
- You desire more performance, benefiting from the Discovery’s 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a taller stance, as the Discovery boasts a height of 74.3 inches for potentially better ground clearance.
- You prefer a more powerful base offering, making up a 49 hp difference over the Volvo.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC90 | Land Rover Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.0" | 195.1" |
| Width | - | - |
| Height | 69.9" | 74.3" |
| Wheelbase | 117.5" | 115.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 295 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 | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Single-Speed |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 452.2/547.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 23.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | 400W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 56.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Captain's Chairs | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Terrain |
| Tire Size | 275/45R20 | — |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 XC90 and 2026 Land Rover Discovery.
How much more powerful is the Land Rover Discovery than the Volvo XC90?
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery offers significantly more power, boasting 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts with the 2025 Volvo XC90's 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, representing a 49 hp advantage for the Land Rover.
What is the practical difference in fuel costs between these two SUVs?
The fuel economy gap is substantial, with the XC90 achieving 26 MPG combined, while the Discovery only hits 20 MPG combined. Over a year, this 6 MPG difference will result in considerably higher spending at the pump for the Discovery, especially since both use premium fuel.
Is the 2026 Land Rover Discovery taller than the 2025 Volvo XC90?
Yes, the Discovery is noticeably taller, measuring 74.3 inches high compared to the XC90’s 69.9 inches. This difference of nearly five inches affects cargo loading and overall exterior presence.
Are both SUVs similarly sized externally?
They are almost identical in length, with the XC90 measuring 195.0 inches and the Discovery measuring 195.1 inches. Their overall length footprint for parking is nearly the same, despite the significant difference in height.
Does the XC90's lower price justify the trade-off in horsepower?
The XC90 starts at $57,400, saving you $2,800 over the Discovery's $60,200 MSRP. For many drivers, this saving, combined with the better MPG, outweighs the 49-horsepower deficit, leading to a stronger value proposition.
Are there any major differences in their driveline requirements?
Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, but their primary drive systems differ; the XC90 is AWD, while the Discovery is designated as FWD. Additionally, the Volvo recommends premium fuel, while the Discovery explicitly requires it.
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