2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a seamless design, indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a discreet “P400e” badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, preserving the SUV's sleek aesthetic. This approach underscored Land Rover's commitment to design, ensuring the PHEV's appeal remained intact despite its higher price point. The test vehicle, adorned with nearly $13,000 in options, including Firenze Red paint and 21-inch aluminum wheels, exuded a commanding presence. Inside, the cabin was a testament to quality, with premium materials reflecting the vehicle's price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V, a staple in Honda's lineup since 2017, offered a familiar and functional design. Its exterior, with soft, curvy lines, resembled Honda's sedans, presenting a modern family vehicle look. Inside, the CR-V's cabin was a mix of textures, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather clashing with lower-quality plastics. Despite this, the CR-V's interior was spacious, offering ample head and legroom. The cargo area was versatile, with a two-position load floor and a total of 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, making it practical for family use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to external factors like climate control usage or terrain. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's 5,400-pound weight was noticeable.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The CR-V's performance was commendable, with quick acceleration, especially in Sport mode. Its car-like handling and low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its nimble road manners. The CR-V excelled in fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg, placing it among the top in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot area. Despite this, the SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a panoramic glass roof enhancing the interior ambiance. However, practical storage was limited, and the optional refrigerated center console bin further reduced space.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent seating positions and visibility. The CR-V's cargo area was versatile, with a two-position load floor and a total of 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, like the deep center console bin and large door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, lacking haptic feedback and requiring multiple steps to access features. While the SUV offered advanced technology, it could be overwhelming for some drivers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, providing better navigation than Honda's system. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including a new steering-assist system. However, the SUV's high center of gravity and adaptive air suspension could lead to head-toss, requiring smooth driving to mitigate. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's weight provided a sense of security.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing system as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected only a small number of vehicles.