2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The 2022 model featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design, nodding to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood, reminiscent of the original version and classic Series Land Rovers. Despite these retro elements, the Defender's design was thoroughly modern, with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights. The interior offered more space and comfort than its predecessor, with a rugged yet refined design featuring exposed metal and screws, leather upholstery, and suede. The Defender's interior was practical, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration, emphasizing functionality without compromising its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and agile, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine alongside two existing powertrains. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the mid-level option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The V8 engine delivered 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models used a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Defender's V8 model included an electronic active rear differential and sportier suspension tuning, though it felt less poised than the six-cylinder model. Despite its off-road focus, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well and minimal noise from the 22-inch tires.

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. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing needs. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the AWD system and heated features made it winter-ready.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access in the two-door Defender 90. The four-door Defender 110 offered more versatility, with two-row and three-row configurations. Three-row models provided 160 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,826 litres with the second row folded. The interior 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, catering to its adventurous spirit.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. While the system was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with better performance noted when using Apple CarPlay. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with USB ports for device charging.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central 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 available. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch to respond. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display. The Defender's technology package catered to both on-road and off-road needs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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. While the Defender lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, it offered a solid suite of safety features typical of luxury brands.