2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with “air blades” for a sportier appearance and a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Defender outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one, thanks to its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design theme was consistent, with a square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and an abruptly chopped tail. Tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and body-color squares separating the side glass paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender was available in three body styles: 90 (short two-door), 110 (medium-length four-door), and 130 (extended-length four-door). The interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to wick moisture and resist stains, exposed screws, and plain-looking air vents. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior felt basic and barren, though build quality and fit were excellent.

For the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 only in AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while permanent 4WD and a differential lock ensured stability. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, provided thrilling acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid inline-six delivered seamless engine restarts and quick response at low speeds. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft, was less suitable for highway driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, the six-cylinder 18/23/20 mpg, and the four-cylinder 17/20/18 mpg.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat, the 110 offering an optional third row, and the 130 seating up to eight. The 130 featured a panoramic moonroof and rear moonroof, while the 90 and 110 offered a folding power fabric roof. Cargo space varied, with the 130 providing 77 cubic feet with the third row and second row folded, and 14 cubic feet with all rows upright. The 90 offered 16 cubic feet and 58 with the rear seats folded, while the 110 provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 with them folded. The Defender's versatility extended to off-road and all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories like a console refrigerator and heated windshield.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The new system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. Standard features included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added heated 12-way power seats, a Meridian stereo, fog lights, surround sound, and cooled front seats. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. Standard safety features included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and automatic steering when reversing a trailer. A self-steering highway assist was not available.