2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the boxy, rugged design that many enthusiasts missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a purposeful look. The Defender's design was a stark contrast to the smoother contours of the current Discovery, which failed to capture the same rugged appeal. The Defender's exterior featured practical elements like step plates, a ladder, and alpine lights, although some of these were more for show than function. The taillights and external spare tire added to its classic, utilitarian appearance.

Inside, the Defender's cabin was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and an optional center jump seat. Exposed screws and a powder-coated aluminum bar added to the rugged aesthetic. While leather options were available, many models featured water-resistant synthetic materials. The interior was functional but lacked the luxury expected at its price point. The Defender's interior felt more like a commercial vehicle, emphasizing durability over opulence.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its current-generation design. It retained Volvo's traditional boxy profile and rectangular grille but added softer lines and more chrome, giving it a modern yet recognizable look. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90's exterior was elegant and understated, avoiding the radical styling changes seen in some competitors.

Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and wool upholstery option added a unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter, while high-end, seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's cabin was designed to be luxurious without overwhelming the senses, offering a serene and comfortable environment.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance. Its standard air springs provided a plush and quiet ride on various surfaces. The optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, aided by a mild hybrid system. This setup ensured consistent power delivery and quick engine restarts. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission had a sport mode for aggressive launches, although its steering and handling felt more like older SUVs.

The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. Off-road performance was exceptional, thanks to Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender tackled challenging trails with ease, making it a versatile vehicle for both off-road adventures and daily driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 engine, with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, resulting in 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

While the T8 provided ample power, the small engine struggled to deliver the same flexibility as larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered different levels of efficiency and performance, but Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth and quiet ride. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, although it fell short of some competitors in this regard.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality. Its interior was designed to withstand harsh conditions, with rubber floors and water-resistant materials. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Defender's ladder and roof carrier added to its practicality, and it had an impressive towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a more luxurious interior with six-seat or seven-seat configurations. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The XC90's upright roof profile and optional power moonroof created a spacious feel. The range-topping Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage. However, storage space was limited, and cargo capacity was near the bottom of the segment, with 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It had two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The interface was more user-friendly, although some elements were still challenging to read. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground underneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, although the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also featured a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by any U.S. crash testing agency. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts upon exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It scored top marks in all IIHS crash tests and received high ratings for front-crash prevention tech. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid.