2026 Discovery vs. 2026 Volvo XC90
Looking for a luxury SUV that delivers exceptional comfort for every day and confident capability for every adventure? The adventure-focused 2026 Discovery takes you further, without leaving luxury behind. Designed with three rows of seating, the Discovery can seat up to seven or fit extra cargo, depending on your needs, even offering towing strength, when properly equipped.
Wondering how this luxury SUV for sale near you measures up to a rival like the new 2026 Volvo XC90? Let's find out. We'll compare both SUVs' performance, comfort, and technology to help you decide which one is the better fit for you.
Engine Performance, MPG, and Capability
The new 2026 Discovery starts off strong with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, standard in the Discovery S and Discovery Dynamic SE, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Discovery Gemini and Discovery Tempest are equipped with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, producing 355 horsepower and 368.8 pound-feet of torque.
For Discovery fuel efficiency, you can expect up to an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (city/highway/combined)1 with the Discovery S and Discovery Dynamic SE. Although MPG numbers for the Discovery Gemini and Discovery Tempest are not yet available on the manufacturer's page, all models offer a 23.8-gallon fuel capacity.
When properly equipped, the Discovery boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,952 pounds with the Discovery S and Discovery Dynamic SE trim levels and a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds with the Discovery Gemini and Discovery Tempest trim levels, allowing you to bring a trailer or boat along on your next adventure.
Can the 2026 Volvo XC90 boast the same numbers? This SUV offers two mild hybrid powertrains to choose from: the B5 AWD and B6 AWD. The B5 AWD produces 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 AWD gives you a boost with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. An automatic transmission is standard.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the B5 AWD powertrain gives you an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (city/highway/combined),2 while the B6 AWD gives you an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (city/highway/combined).2 Fuel capacity is 18.8 gallons. When properly equipped, the Volvo XC90 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
It's clear that the 2026 Discovery pulls ahead in the performance category, offering higher horsepower and torque numbers as well as greater towing capacity. The Volvo XC90 does have a slight edge in fuel efficiency, but the Discovery offers the larger fuel tank of the two SUVs. If you value stronger performance and capability, the Discovery is the optimal choice; however, if you prioritize saving more at the pump, the Volvo XC90 might be the best SUV for you.
| Performance | 2026 Land Rover Discovery | 2026 Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L 4-cyl / 3.0L 6-cyl | B5 AWD / B6 AWD (Mild Hybrid) |
| Horsepower | 296 hp / 355 hp | 247 hp / 295 hp |
| Torque | 295 / 368.8 lb-ft | 266 / 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Efficiency (Combined) | 21 MPG1 (S / Dynamic SE) | 26 MPG / 23 MPG2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.8 gallons | 18.8 gallons |
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 8,200 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
Interior Comfort, Space, and Luxury Design
When it comes to comfort, both SUVs are designed with cabins that cater to you and your passengers' needs. Offering seating for seven, the 2026 Discovery is designed with standard DuoLeather seats, with the top trim level, the Discovery Tempest, offering extended Windsor leather.
Heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel all come standard.
Higher trim levels upgrade you to four-zone climate control, and the Discovery Tempest adds cooled front seats and treats backseat passengers to extra comfort with heated and cooled second-row seats and heated third-row seats.
Storage solutions abound, including in-facia storage, central hinged twin-lidded storage, lower center console storage, first- and second-row door bins, and third-row storage. Other conveniences include a cargo space cover as well as luggage tie-downs and hooks in the cargo space. 60:40 electric folding rear seats make adjusting the cabin simple.
Speaking of cargo space, the Discovery gives you:
- Cargo space behind the third row: 6.07 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind the second row: 32.56 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind the first row: 70.52 cubic feet
The Volvo XC90 seats six or seven occupants, offering Quilted Nordico, a smooth, leather-free upholstery, in the first two trim levels and ventilated nappa leather upholstery in the top trim level. Navy herringbone weave textile upholstery is optional for the top trim level.
Heated front and rear seats come standard as well, and in the top trim level, front seat ventilation is added. Not only that, a heated steering wheel and a four-zone climate system come standard.
For storage, the Volvo XC90 offers a storage compartment under the cargo compartment floor where you can hide small items. Here's a breakdown of cargo space, based on a six- or seven-seat configuration:
6 Seats:
- Cargo capacity (third row up): 9 cu. ft.
- Cargo capacity (second row up): 23 cu. ft.
- Cargo capacity (first row up): 41 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (third row up): 10.6 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (second row up): 34.6 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (rows folded): 85.7 cu. ft.
7 Seats:
- Cargo capacity (third row up): 9 cu. ft.
- Cargo capacity (second row up): 23 cu. ft.
- Cargo capacity (first row up): 40 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (third row up): 10.6 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (second row up): 34.6 cu. ft.
- Max cargo capacity (rows folded): 85.7 cu. ft.
Technology and Driver Assistance
No matter the destination, advanced technology and driver-assistance features are designed to enhance your experience on the road.
The Discovery interior features a standard 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and wireless device charging for greater convenience on the go. A Meridian™ Sound System comes standard and is upgraded to a Meridian™ Surround Sound System in the Discovery Tempest for even better sound quality, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite playlist.
Similar to the Discovery, the Volvo XC90 interior features a standard 11.2-inch center display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and wireless phone charging. A High Performance audio system comes standard on the first two trim levels, and you'll get a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System in the top trim level, with the option of upgrading to an available Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system.
Both models also prioritize safety and driver convenience. The Discovery offers a long list of driver-assistance features, including:
Discovery Driver-Assistance:
- Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Assist
- 3D Surround Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Condition Monitor
- Lane Keep Assist
- Front and Rear Parking Aid
- Rear Traffic Monitor
- Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter
- Wade Sensing
Volvo XC90 Driver-Assistance:
- Pilot Assist
- Park Assist Camera, rear
- Available 360° camera
- Road Sign Information
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Available Head-up display
- BLISâ„¢ and Cross Traffic Alert
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Collision Mitigation support, rear
- Slippery road alert
- Park Assist, rear and front
- Available Park Assist, front, rear and sides
Discovery vs. XC90: Frequently Asked Questions
The Discovery is slightly bigger than the Volvo XC90, measuring 74.3 inches high, 195.1 inches long, 87.4 inches wide (with mirrors out), and is designed with a 115.08-inch wheelbase. The Volvo XC90 measures 69.9 inches high, 195 inches long, and 84.3 inches wide (with mirrors), and is designed with a 117.5 inch wheelbase.
The Discovery SUV is the one you'll want for towing heavier loads, offering up to 8,200 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. In contrast, the Volvo XC90 offers a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
Yes, the Discovery is good for off-roading, offering all-wheel drive and features like Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control. This SUV even offers ClearSight Ground View, which provides a camera feed from underneath the hood to show the terrain ahead as you drive. Not only that, the Discovery is designed to offer a maximum wading depth of 35.43 inches.
Both SUVs come with versatile interior space. The Discovery offers convenient 60:40 electric folding rear seats, and the Volvo XC90 offers individually folding seats, making it easy to make room for more cargo whenever you need to.
We recommend the Discovery for outdoor adventures, as it's equipped to handle rugged terrain, offering features like Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, ClearSight Ground View, and a 35.43-inch maximum wading depth.
2026 Discovery vs. 2026 Volvo XC90 Pricing
Let's see how these two new SUVs compare in terms of cost. We'll take a look at the Discovery SUV's price by trim level and the Volvo XC90's MSRP by trim level below.
| 2026 Discovery Pricing4 | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Discovery S | $60,200 |
| Discovery Dynamic SE | $64,600 |
| Discovery Gemini | $70,800 |
| Discovery Tempest | $83,500 |
| 2026 Volvo XC90 Pricing5 | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| XC90 Core | $62,445 |
| XC90 Plus | $66,445 |
| XC90 Ultra | $71,045 |
As you can see, both models offer fairly similar price points, but which one offers more value for you? Every driver has different preferences, so it depends on what you want most out of your SUV. If you're focused on performance and towing strength, the 2026 Discovery SUV offers higher horsepower and towing capacity than the Volvo XC90's towing capacity. But if fuel efficiency is more important to you, the Volvo XC90 is the most fuel-efficient option of the two.
Discover the Difference at Land Rover Livermore
The new 2026 Discovery is well-suited for adventure-seeking drivers who want more power and capability without giving up creature comforts, while the 2026 Volvo XC90 caters to drivers who prefer sleeker styling and better fuel efficiency. If you're still not sure which SUV is right for you, the best way to find out is to test-drive both SUVs and experience the comfort, features, and driving feel each one offers.
If you have further questions about the 2026 Discovery, we're here to help! Feel free to contact us online or visit us at our convenient location. We'll be happy to tell you more about this luxury SUV's features, capability, and availability.
Disclaimers
1All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
2EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD) and 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
3EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD) and 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
4Starting at price shown is the current Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and subject to change. Excludes destination/handling charge ($1,275 for Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, $1,375 for Range Rover Velar, $2,150 for Range Rover, $1,850 for Range Rover Sport, Defender and Discovery), tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Total Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price includes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.
5Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes destination fee of $1,395. Images may reflect a more expensive trim level with optional equipment and accessories. Taxes, title, registration, license, insurance, maintenance, and other retailer fees are excluded from starting MSRP. Retailer sets actual price. See authorized Volvo Cars retailer for details.
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Land Rover Livermore
3500 Las Positas Rd
Livermore, CA 94551
- Sales: (925) 273-9555
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