Volvo XC60 vs Land Rover Defender

What's the difference?

VS
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60

$47,999 - $94,990

2024 price

Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

$94,942 - $325,532

2025 price

Summary

2024 Volvo XC60
2025 Land Rover Defender
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Supercharged V8, 5.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.6L/100km (combined)

12.7L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

8
Dislikes
  • Cabins of rivals have more visual impact
  • The stop/start idling feature can be clumsy
  • Option packs are expensive

  • Auto shifter is fiddly
  • Less-than-ideal fuel consumption
  • 3000kg towing capacity is below segment standard
2024 Volvo XC60 Summary

Volvo is a brand that has some strong images associated with it. High-end safety, five km/h below the speed-limit-driving-styles, sitting close to the steering wheel, sweater-sets, ‘bloody Volvo driver’ expletives… ahem (present company excluded, of course).

Those who are watching the brand closely know those images are almost defunct because that’s old Volvo and this is new Volvo.

Comfort and safety still appear to be at the top of the brand's priority list but style is being retuned to make this medium-sized SUV a true competitor against its luxury rivals, the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX.

I’ve been family-testing the new Ultimate B5 Bright grade for the last few weeks and have thrown road-trips, kids and pets at it!

In this review I’ll unpack how the XC60 has handled life with my family of three.

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2025 Land Rover Defender Summary

The Land Rover Defender 130 is the big dog of the Defender line-up. It’s bulky and long, roomy inside (with three rows of seats) and offers plenty in terms of onboard features and optional extras.

The latest generation has managed to retain the old beloved Landie spirit and combine it with contemporary styling.

But that’s not worth noting. What is worth noting right at the get-go is the fact that the last of the V8s on offer in the range – the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 pumping out 368kW/610Nm – is in our test vehicle, the Land Rover Defender 130 P500.

Also worth noting, the V8 has the option of 'Captain Chairs'. This second-row seating choice comprises two individual seats, with winged headrests and arm rests, separated by an aisle for walk-through access to the third row. 

So, while the short-wheelbase Defender 90 is likely the best choice for the more adventurous off-roaders among us, is the Defender 130, as large and in charge as it is, the better choice for a family?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volvo XC60 2025 Land Rover Defender

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