2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim featured luxurious amenities like massaging front seats, a premium audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs, while the interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials and offered customization options.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, creating a visual link to other Land Rover models. Its interior was more rugged and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, with trims including S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics. Standard features included alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass roof. The Defender offered various options, such as premium leather upholstery and a power-retractable cloth roof, catering to both modern and classic styling preferences.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The XC90's performance was lively, but its handling was not thrilling, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, produced 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender could tow up to 7,716 pounds with the six- and eight-cylinder engines. The V8-powered Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2, and all-terrain progress control. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds. Overall, the Defender offered a pleasant on-road ride with minimal body roll.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded lighting. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity reached 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender blended luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, rubberized floors, and ample cargo compartments. The multifunctional climate control dials required an extra button press to switch functions. The Defender's seating capacity ranged from five to eight, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, while the Defender 130 had three seats in the third row, though space was limited. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the two-door Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, and the cabin included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant, activated by saying "Hey Google," was generally effective. The XC90 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen, though smaller than some competitors, was simple and suited the Defender's utilitarian nature. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a balance of refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. It included features like large-animal detection and a traffic movement alert system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, was used extensively during testing but struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error when exiting a freeway.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other features included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, but they could be deactivated. The Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.