Volvo XC90 vs Land Rover Defender
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volvo XC90 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2016–2027
Volvo XC90
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
2020–2026
Land Rover Defender
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 54 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volvo XC90 | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg ✓ | 18 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,800 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 131 g/mi ✓ | 444 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2027 | 2020–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 54 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
XC90 vs Defender: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volvo XC90 or the Land Rover Defender?
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Land Rover Defender, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volvo XC90 runs about $2,800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,800 for the Land Rover Defender — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the XC90 and Defender offer?
Volvo XC90: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI. Land Rover Defender: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Defender as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More XC90 comparisons
Comparison id: volvo-xc90-vs-land-rover-defender