2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, significantly outselling the Land Rover Discovery. 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 nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel and tire mounted to the hatch, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering unparalleled choice in the SUV market.

The interior of the Defender was designed with function and durability in mind, featuring rubbers and plastics that resisted stains and moisture. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality was excellent, the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive compared to the more opulent Range Rover. However, its continued strong sales in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique appeal.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, with the latter offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain for enhanced performance and efficiency. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued and earthy paint palette, aligning with its luxury SUV status focused on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim, offering options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added a touch of class, and Volvo provided buyers with the flexibility to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit their preferences.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, although most owners likely didn't utilize these features. On-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 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. However, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less desirable for highway driving.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The XC90's Power mode enabled a five-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. While the XC90 Recharge T8 was quick, it didn't offer thrilling handling, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement. The SUV's suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal, and the steering lacked sharpness and communication.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third-row seating. The Defender 130 provided 2,180 litres of cargo space with the third row and second row folded. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various off-road accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The SUV offered seating for seven or six with second-row captain's chairs. The XC90's cargo capacity reached up to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat folded. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin on hot days, and access to the third-row seat was tight for adults.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with options for a 10-inch or 11.4-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender offered heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors as standard features. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the digital voice assistant provided a generally rewarding experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with certain driving conditions.