2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed with a focus on easing the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. It closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 Recharge featured distinctive design elements such as the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, all contributing to its premium appearance. Inside, the XC40 showcased Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious lines and a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood, reminiscent of the original version. While it paid homage to its roots, the Defender embraced modern design with rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. The interior was spacious, offering improved headroom and legroom compared to its predecessor. The Defender's rugged character was highlighted by exposed metal and screws, along with a mix of leather and suede upholstery, making it both stylish and practical for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque through dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, it achieved a combined fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km. The gasoline XC40 models, T4 and T5, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower, a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower, and a new 518-horsepower V8 engine. The V8 propelled the Defender 90 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, delivering exhilarating performance. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a 4WD system, low range, and Terrain Response 2 system. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided extra storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were a bit tight for a middle passenger.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, providing flexibility for cargo and passengers. The two-door Defender 90 offered limited cargo space, while the four-door Defender 110 provided more room with up to 1,875 litres of cargo space. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The Defender also offered optional roof racks and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It featured the Android Automotive operating system, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play integration. The XC40 Recharge supported over-the-air updates and included a heat pump to extend its range. However, the range display showed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The Defender offered a surround-view camera system, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, and a head-up display. The interface was user-friendly, though the touchscreen required a firm touch to respond.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo’s Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.