Land Rover Discovery vs. Volvo XC90: Which Premium SUV Reigns Supreme in Europe?

Both the Discovery and XC90 are aimed at families who value space, luxury, and some off-road capability although let’s be honest: yo’ll see them 99% in towns, not offroad.

Ocassionaly they are bought by rich football players with big egos for themselves or their mistresses.

Exterior Design and Style

The Discovery boasts a rugged, adventurous look, while the XC90 exudes a more refined, understated elegance. The Discovery’s boxy design maximizes interior space, while the XC90’s sleek lines offer better aerodynamics. Build quality in both is generally good, with solid construction and robust materials. Personally, I prefer the timeless elegance of the Volvo, but aesthetics are subjective.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, both offer premium materials and comfortable seating. The Discovery can accommodate up to seven passengers, while the XC90 offers five or seven seats depending on the configuration. Legroom is generous in both, even for taller passengers, although the Discovery’s boxy design provides a slightly more upright seating position and better headroom. The XC90’s interior is known for its minimalist Scandinavian design and high-quality materials. Both vehicles offer advanced technology, including large touchscreens, premium sound systems, and various driver-assistance features.

Regarding legroom, both the Discovery and XC90 offer ample space for even taller individuals. The Discovery, with its higher roofline, might be marginally better for exceptionally tall passengers, but the difference is negligible. Both offer comfortable seating for long journeys.

Performance

Both the Discovery and XC90 offer a range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. The Discovery generally offers more powerful engine options, suitable for towing, while the XC90 focuses on fuel efficiency and refined performance. For example, a Discovery with a 3.0L petrol engine can output around 250 kW (340 hp), while a comparable XC90 T6 might offer around 235 kW (320 hp). In real-world driving, you can expect fuel economy figures of around 9-11 L/100km for the Discovery and 8-10 L/100km for the XC90, depending on the engine and driving style.

Features and Technology

Both vehicles are packed with technology. The Discovery features Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, while the XC90 boasts Volvo’s Sensus system. Both offer intuitive interfaces, smartphone integration, and advanced navigation. Safety features are comprehensive in both, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Value for Money

The Discovery generally has a higher starting price than the XC90. However, considering the Discovery’s off-road capabilities and potential for towing, it might represent better value for some buyers. The XC90, with its focus on luxury, safety, and fuel efficiency, offers a compelling alternative. Regarding resale value, both brands hold their value reasonably well, but the Volvo generally has a slightly better reputation for reliability and therefore might retain its value slightly better over time.

Pros and Cons Summary

Land Rover Discovery

• Pros: Spacious, off-road capable, powerful engines, commanding driving position.
• Cons: Higher starting price, can be thirsty, some reliability concerns.

Volvo XC90

• Pros: Stylish design, luxurious interior, fuel-efficient engines, strong safety reputation.
• Cons: Less off-road capable than the Discovery, potentially less exciting to drive.

Maintenance Cost

Typical service items for both include oil changes, brake pad replacements, and filter changes. A broken windshield replacement could cost around €500-€800 for both. A front bumper replacement for a Discovery might cost around €1000-€1500, while for the XC90, it could be slightly less, around €800-€1200. Rear bumper replacements are similarly priced.

Common Problems:

Land Rover Discovery:

• Air suspension issues
• Electrical gremlins
• Diesel particulate filter problems (for diesel models)
• Infotainment system glitches

Volvo XC90:

• Issues with the Sensus infotainment system
• Problems with the automatic transmission (some models)
• Minor electrical issues

Sales and Popularity

Both the Discovery and XC90 are popular choices in the European SUV market. The XC90 consistently sells well, known for its safety and family-friendly features. The Discovery, while not as ubiquitous as the XC90, enjoys a loyal following thanks to its off-road heritage and practicality.