2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Volvo XC90

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4 appealed more to customers than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents like the dome, faux-metal step plates, and skylights paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a variety of choices for consumers.

Inside, the Defender's interior was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality over luxury. Despite its high price, the interior featured rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains, with exposed screws and plain air vents contributing to its utilitarian feel. While the build quality was excellent, the interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, making the Defender feel less luxurious despite its high cost. However, its unique character and excellent build quality continued to attract buyers in Canada.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, in contrast, showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language. Gone were the days of boxy, utilitarian designs; the XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid and assertive, with the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear, but its design was far from the utilitarian shapes of the past. The Ultimate trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint, added a touch of drama and richness to the vehicle's appearance.

Inside, the XC90's interior was a blend of elegance and minimalism. The two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery created a sophisticated atmosphere. The minimalist design extended to the dashboard, with wood deco inlays adding a touch of nature. However, the minimalist approach led to some space and storage frustrations, with limited cubby space for smaller items. Despite these minor inconveniences, the XC90's interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, offering a peaceful and pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any terrain, although most owners would not fully utilize its off-road capabilities. On the road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. However, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less desirable, with only 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the new B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6 engine offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the T6 but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the load on the engine and improving fuel economy. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, and minimal road and wind noise. The brakes inspired confidence, and the XC90's handling was impressive for its size, although it lacked the customizable driving dynamics of some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility as an everyday SUV, with unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row for up to eight passengers. The large glass windows and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 2,237 litres available in the 110 model. The Defender also offered a range of practical features, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging, and the available space was limited. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. While the XC90 drove like a smaller car, its interior space fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender also offered a range of features, including heated front seats, keyless entry, and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering was centred around a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS. The system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, with standard safety features including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked some airbags and did not offer a self-steering highway assist.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position.