Compare the2023 Land Rover Range Rover VelarVS 2023 Volvo XC60

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

Both the Range Rover Velar 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Land Rover vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 63 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Land Rover higher than Volvo.

Both the Range Rover Velar and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All Range Rover Velars have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The Range Rover Velar has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60 (21.7 vs. 18.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Land Rover Range Rover Velar higher (7 out of 10) than the Volvo XC60 (5 to 7). This means the Range Rover Velar produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the XC60 every 15,000 miles.

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

The Range Rover Velar stops shorter than the XC60:

For better traction, the Range Rover Velar has larger standard tires than the XC60 (255/50R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The Range Rover Velar’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

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

The Range Rover Velar 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, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

The Range Rover Velar has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The XC60 Ultimate suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the Range Rover Velar uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, which 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.

The Range Rover Velar handles at .82 G’s, while the XC60 Recharge Core pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the XC60 B5 Core AWD (26.2 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Range Rover Velar has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XC60 w/Air Suspension (8.4 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the Range Rover Velar to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Range Rover Velar w/Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 1.4 inches higher than on the XC60 (9.9 vs. 8.5 inches).

The Range Rover Velar has 1.1 inches more front headroom and .9 inches more rear headroom than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Range Rover Velar’s available rear seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Range Rover Velar has a much larger cargo volume than the XC60 with its rear seat up (30.9 vs. 24.4 cubic feet).

The Range Rover Velar’s cargo area is larger than the XC60’s in almost every dimension:

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Range Rover Velar’s optional rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The XC60 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Range Rover Velar’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC60’s (5291 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo XC60 is only 3500 pounds. The Range Rover Velar offers up to a 5511 lbs. towing capacity.

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on the Range Rover Velar, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the XC60.

The engine in the Range Rover Velar 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 Range Rover Velar’s standard Entry and Exit Mode raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Range Rover Velar’s available Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.