Compare the2026 Land Rover Range Rover VelarVS 2026 Volvo XC40

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 XC40.

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Range Rover Velar and the XC40 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.

The battery on the Range Rover Velar is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Range Rover Velar’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The XC40’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 50 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Land Rover higher than Volvo.

The Range Rover Velar P250’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 53 more horsepower (247 vs. 194) and 48 lbs.-ft. more torque (269 vs. 221) than the XC40 B4’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Range Rover Velar P250’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (269 vs. 258) than the XC40 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The Range Rover Velar’s optional 3.0 turbo/supercharged 6-cylinder hybrid produces 148 more horsepower (395 vs. 247) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 258) than the XC40 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The Range Rover Velar has 7.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC40 (21.9 vs. 14.2 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 (6 out of 10) than the Volvo XC40 (4). This means the Range Rover Velar produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the XC40 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the Range Rover Velar’s brake rotors are larger than those on the XC40:

The Range Rover Velar’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the XC40 are solid, not vented.

The Range Rover Velar stops much shorter than the XC40:

For better traction, the Range Rover Velar has larger standard tires than the XC40 (255/50R20 vs. 235/55R18). The Range Rover Velar’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC40 (265/45R21 vs. 245/45R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Range Rover Velar has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC40. The Range Rover Velar’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XC40 B5 Ultra.

The Range Rover Velar offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The XC40’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Range Rover Velar has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Range Rover Velar’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The XC40 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Range Rover Velar’s wheelbase is 6.6 inches longer than on the XC40 (113 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Range Rover Velar is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the XC40.

The Range Rover Velar’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.1% to 49.9%) than the XC40’s (57.9% to 42.1%). This gives the Range Rover Velar more stable handling and braking.

The Range Rover Velar handles at .82 G’s, while the XC40 B5 Plus AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the XC40 B5 Plus AWD (26.2 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Range Rover Velar has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XC40 (8.4 vs. 8.1 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 1.8 inches higher than on the XC40 (9.9 vs. 8.1 inches).

The design of the Land Rover Range Rover Velar amounts to more than styling. The Range Rover Velar has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the XC40 (.34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Range Rover Velar get better fuel mileage.

The Range Rover Velar has .5 inches more front shoulder room and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the XC40.

The Range Rover Velar has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC40 with its rear seat up (30.9 vs. 20.4 cubic feet). The Range Rover Velar has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC40 with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

The Range Rover Velar’s cargo area is larger than the XC40’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 XC40 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Range Rover Velar’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40’s (5291 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo XC40 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 XC40.

The engine in the Range Rover Velar is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC40. 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 XC40 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Range Rover Velar offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The XC40 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Range Rover Velar to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The XC40 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Range Rover Velar offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The XC40 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Range Rover Velar keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The XC40 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Range Rover Velar has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the XC40.

The Range Rover Velar HSE has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the XC40.

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Volvo charges extra for Homelink® on the XC40.

The Range Rover Velar’s optional Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC40’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Range Rover Velar third among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The XC40 isn’t in the top three in its category.