2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 had come a long way from the brand's boxy designs of the past decades. Retaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image, Volvo had edged into the luxury class. After being sold to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo had developed new platforms, leading to the creation of the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) used in the XC90. The original XC90 debuted in 2003 and evolved into the flagship model launched in 2016.

The 2022 XC90's exterior exuded confidence and elegance. It sported a forward-tilting stance, a sleek roofline, and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athletic nature. The snub nose, reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon's grille, added to its charm. The LED headlights, named "Thor's Hammer," cleverly nodded to its Swedish heritage, reinforcing the premium fit and finish of the vehicle.

Inside, XC90 showcased "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" through the extensive use of natural wood and metal trim. Luxurious touches, like the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector, signaled its high-end status. Despite Volvo’s commitment to going leather-free by 2030, the 2022 model offered options of Nappa leather or "tailored wool blend" upholstery. Test drives highlighted the comfort and usability of the leather seats, especially during extreme weather conditions, making the wool blend worth comparing before a final decision.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Defender outsold the Discovery by a significant margin, thanks to its quintessential Land Rover look. Customers favored the boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. Sporting square-jawed facades, rectangular hoods, doors set parallel to the ground, and sharply chopped tails, the Defender embodied a classic truck design. It retained several nostalgic accents, including faux-metal step plates on the hood and skylights along the sides of the roof. The full-size spare mounted on the hatch was both functional and visually striking.

The Defender lineup offered multiple body styles: the two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length 130. Each trim brought varied embellishments, from base models with nostalgic white steel wheels to the blacked-out 22-inch wheels on V8 models. The X trim featured a two-tone design and distinctive accessories like ladders and roof racks.

Inside, the Defender’s interior prioritized function and durability, even in high-end trims. Practical rubber and plastic coatings replaced opulent materials. Visible screws and basic air vents underscored its utilitarian ethos. However, the build quality remained meticulously high, ensuring minimal complaints about the stark design choices. The rugged character of the Defender appealed to those valuing performance over luxury, even if the price tag reached elevated levels like the test car’s MSRP of $120,000.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three distinct powertrains. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available in FWD or AWD. The T6 models enhanced this engine with supercharging and turbocharging, upping the power to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the force of its gasoline engine and electric motor, achieving a potent 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of combined torque, exclusively in AWD.

Fuel efficiency varied across the range. The T5 FWD earned an EPA rating of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, whereas the T5 AWD had slightly lowered figures of 20/28/23 mpg. The T6 AWD's fuel economy stood at 19/27/22 mpg. The T8 hybrid reached 27 mpg combined on gas-only and 55 MPGe with an EV range of 18 miles, extendable to 36 miles in the extended-range variant.

Driving the XC90, especially the top-tier T8 Inscription extended range, was a joy. The electric motor's early torque mitigated turbo lag, ensuring smooth and spirited acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission facilitated fluid gear changes, making the XC90 surprisingly nimble for its size with minimal body roll.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road. Its gripping capabilities, wheel articulation, and clearance were unmatched, thanks in part to the air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. However, off-road prowess introduced compromises in on-road behavior. Significant body roll, slow and imprecise steering, and noticeable wind noise detracted from a luxurious driving experience. Braking induced front dive, an unsettling feel in such a tall and heavy vehicle.

The Defender's three engines each brought unique traits. The 518 hp and 461 lb-ft V8 transformed the Defender into a powerhouse, capable of remarkably quick acceleration despite the vehicle’s bulk. The 395 hp and 406 lb-ft mild-hybrid inline-six provided ample performance and seamless engine restarts, while the turbocharged inline-four (296 hp and 295 lb-ft) felt underpowered for highway use.

Fuel economy was consistent with expectations for a heavy, capable SUV. The mild-hybrid inline-six achieved 18/23/20 mpg on the 110 model, superior compared to the turbo-four’s 17/20/18 mpg and far exceeding the dismal 14/19/16 mpg of the V8.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six or seven-passenger configurations, with flexible seating arrangements and easy third-row access via one-handed slide-and-fold second-row seats. The third row, ideal for children, offered limited legroom and support for adults. Cargo capacity was notably substantial, holding 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 85.7 cubic feet when both rear rows were down. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, adequate for light trailers and recreational equipment.

The XC90’s interior was designed for utility and comfort. With substantial storage spaces including door pockets, console compartments, and a spacious glove box, it catered well to families. Comfort was amplified by the standard panoramic moonroof and a highly efficient air conditioning system, proving its worth during testing under sweltering conditions.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender showcased flexible seating configurations across its three body styles. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six with a jump seat, mimicking an old pickup’s layout. The four-door 110 offered an optional third row for two, while the extended 130 model included a broader third row for up to eight passengers. The third row boasted features like a separate moonroof, dedicated climate controls, USB ports, and armrests, creating a unique space catering to many needs.

Cargo space varied by model. The 90 provided 16 to 58 cubic feet, the 110 offered up to 79 cubic feet with seats down (69 cubic feet on three-row variants), and the 130 topped out at 77 cubic feet. Notably, the Defender’s versatility extended to its roof capacity, supporting up to 360 pounds in motion or 661 pounds stationary, suiting camping aficionados.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a pioneering tablet-like interface. While the nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen wasn't flawless—displaying some sluggishness and glitches—it was intuitive for tech-savvy users. Connecting to Apple CarPlay resolved many responsiveness issues, although Android Auto was also supported. Additionally, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided customizable, crisp visuals. The Advanced package offered a highly recommended head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and refined air cleaner.

Standard Harman Kardon audio could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, excelling in surround sound. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot enhanced convenience, as did the Volvo Care app with remote control functionalities.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender employed the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a choice of 10-inch or 11.4-inch screens. Both were user-friendly and reliable, the larger screen providing superior legibility. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Heated seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors were also standard.

Higher trims like the X added luxuries such as upgraded suspension, enhanced Terrain Response 2, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, cabin air purifier, and customizable ambient lighting. These additions enhanced the practicality and tech-savvy appeal of the Defender.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy for safety. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Pilot Assist combined several features for semi-autonomous driving on highways. The XC90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but secured a five-star score in Euro NCAP crash tests. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and optional features like a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system. Despite these, the Defender lacked some advanced airbag protections and self-steering highway assist.