2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. The new Defender echoed the vibe of previous generations with modern touches like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The flat-topped fenders, fender flares, and floating roof were callbacks to its heritage, while the interior featured exposed structure elements, beefy controls, and luxury leather seating. The Defender's fit and finish were first-rate, and it presented much better in person than in pictures. The 2022 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. Its body had a forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo wagons. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and a choice between Nappa leather and tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's cabin was airy and spacious, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and it provided a sanctuary from extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds. The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available in FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8 had an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined rating of 66 MPGe. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats for three-across seating and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The 110 had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but not for adults. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. It was the first Land Rover to use the Pivi Pro system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available. The 2022 Volvo XC90 used the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was sometimes slow to respond. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app. The $1,650 Advanced package added a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing in harsh conditions. The 2022 Volvo XC90 had a well-earned reputation for safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.