2020 Land Rover Discovery vs. 2020 Volvo XC60

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Discovery. But it costs extra on the XC60.

Both the Discovery and the XC60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Land Rover Discovery weighs 661 to 996 pounds more than the Volvo XC60. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The Discovery’s 3.0 supercharged V6 produces 90 more horsepower (340 vs. 250) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (332 vs. 258) than the XC60 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The Discovery’s 3.0 supercharged V6 produces 24 more horsepower (340 vs. 316) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (332 vs. 295) than the XC60 T6’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl.

The Discovery’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 4 more horsepower (254 vs. 250) and 185 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 258) than the XC60 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The Discovery’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 295) than the XC60 T6’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl.

As tested in Motor Trend the Land Rover Discovery is faster than the Volvo XC60:

The Discovery Diesel’s standard fuel tank has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (22.4 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Discovery Gas’ standard fuel tank has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60’s standard fuel tank (23.8 vs. 18.8 gallons).

For better stopping power the Discovery’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the XC60:

The Discovery stops much shorter than the XC60:

For better traction, the Discovery’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC60 (285/40R22 vs. 265/35R22).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Discovery has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC60. The Discovery’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XC60.

The Discovery offers an optional full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the XC60, it requires you to depend on a temporary spare that has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

The front and rear suspension of the Discovery uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60that uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Discovery’s wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer than on the XC60 (115 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Discovery is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the XC60.

For greater off-road capability the Discovery has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XC60 (8.7 vs. 8.5 inches), allowing the Discovery to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Discovery Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 2.6 inches higher than on the XC60 (11.1 vs. 8.5 inches).

The front grille of the Discovery uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The XC60 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Discovery offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the XC60 can only carry 5.

The Discovery has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, .3 inches more rear hip room and 3.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Discovery’s middle row seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the Discovery when its optional tailgating rear seats are deployed, allowing people to sit facing out of the liftgate. (Do not use while vehicle is in motion.) The XC60 doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

The Discovery’s cargo area provides more volume than the XC60.

The Discovery’s cargo area is larger than the XC60’s in almost every dimension:

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the Discovery’s optional second and third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The XC60 doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

The Discovery’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC60’s (8201 vs. 3500 pounds).

The engine in the Discovery is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Discovery HSE/HSE Luxury’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Discovery’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The XC60’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Discovery to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Optional air-conditioned the front and second row seats keep the Discovery’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The XC60 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.