VS
At a Glance
Power
467 kW
380 kW
Torque
750 Nm
910 Nm
Fuel
13.5 l/100km
20.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2200 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
4.9 s
Engine
4395 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Volvo Ex90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 467 kW while the Volvo Ex90 produces 380 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 13.5 l/100km while the Ex90 uses 20.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 749 900 for the Defender and R2 650 000 for the Ex90. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
467 kW
380 kW
Torque
750 Nm
910 Nm
0-100 kph
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
8
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.5 l/100km
20.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
111 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
301 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5003 mm
5037 mm
Width
2064-2105 mm
1964-2113 mm
Height
1995 mm
1744 mm
Wheelbase
3023 mm
2985 mm
Ground Clearance
323 mm
210-250 mm
Kerb Weight
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
2712 DIN / 2787 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
786-1875 l
324-697-1316 + 46 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
—
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Ex90
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (467 kW)
Better fuel economy (13.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher starting price
Volvo Ex90
Lower starting price (R2 650 000)
Higher fuel consumption (20.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Less power than rival (380 kW vs 467 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Ex90?
The Defender uses 13.5 l/100km and the Ex90 uses 20.7 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Defender or Ex90?
The Defender produces 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the Ex90 delivers 380 kW and 910 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Ex90?
The Defender starts from R3 749 900 and the Ex90 from R2 650 000. The Ex90 is cheaper by R1 099 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Ex90?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Ex90 can tow 2200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Ex90?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.