Volvo XC60 vs Land Rover Defender

What's the difference?

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Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60

2026 price

Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

$94,942 - $325,532

2025 price

Summary

2026 Volvo XC60
2025 Land Rover Defender
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Supercharged V8, 5.0L
Fuel Type
-

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

12.7L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

8
Dislikes
  • Facelift is too subtle
  • Gremlins in media system
  • Big price jumps between trims

  • Auto shifter is fiddly
  • Less-than-ideal fuel consumption
  • 3000kg towing capacity is below segment standard
2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd. 

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

View full pricing & specs
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

2026 Volvo XC60 2025 Land Rover Defender

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