2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was designed to blend seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts. Aside from a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate, it featured no gratuitous styling changes or aerodynamic trickery. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding that design is a key decision factor for buyers, ensuring the PHEV remained visually appealing despite its higher price tag.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport PHEV exuded quality with premium materials throughout the cabin. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. The interior was equally impressive, with everything reflecting the vehicle's premium price. However, the practicality of some features, like the narrow inboard armrests, left something to be desired.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4, with squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights. This familiar look was a stark contrast to the smoother contours of the current Discovery, which hadn't resonated as well with customers. The Defender's design was purposeful and classic, akin to a Burberry trench coat, with functional details like step plates and a ladder, though some were more for show than practical use.

Inside, the Defender's cabin was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. Cloth seats were standard, with an optional center jump seat that could delete the center console. Exposed screws and a powder-coated aluminum bar added to the rugged aesthetic. The HSE trim, one step below the top-tier X, offered some leather and additional features but still felt more utilitarian than luxurious. The Defender's interior was more about functionality, with water-resistant materials and practical storage solutions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claimed an all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles, but real-world testing revealed inconsistencies, with the gas engine frequently kicking in. Despite these frustrations, the SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models.

Driving the Range Rover Sport PHEV was a mixed experience. It offered quick acceleration and felt athletic on mountain roads, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops challenging. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. Recharging the battery proved frustrating, with the vehicle often not reaching full capacity despite extended charging times.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender, with its optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild-hybrid system ensured consistent power and quick engine restarts. The Defender's performance was impressive, with standard air springs providing a plush ride over various surfaces. The eight-speed automatic transmission's sport mode offered aggressive launches, though the vehicle's weight and design made it feel more like a traditional SUV.

Off-road, the Defender excelled with its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension. It handled challenging trails with ease, offering a blend of throttle, gearing, and torque routing for any scenario. The Defender's off-road prowess was complemented by its ability to tow up to 8,200 pounds and its impressive ground clearance and water fording capabilities.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's higher price tag came with a compromise in cargo space. The battery's placement beneath the raised cargo floor reduced the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot space behind the back seat. This made it challenging to secure items, which could easily fall out when the tailgate was opened. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport PHEV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a range of adjustments. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and good thigh support, with features like 4-zone automatic climate control enhancing the experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability. The two-door 90 model, arriving in 2021, offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to fit six people. The four-door 110 model had an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The interior was designed for ease of use, with simple controls and a new infotainment interface. Cargo space varied by model, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58 cubic feet with them folded. The four-door 110 provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting up the system, it often behaved unpredictably, showing information that wasn't requested or exhibiting delayed reactions. The lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the frustration. While the system provided easy access to primary functions, it required patience and familiarity to navigate effectively.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. With two SIM cards handling streaming data and over-the-air updates, the system was designed for better performance and reliability. The interface was simpler, though some user interface issues remained. The Defender's technology was geared towards off-road capability, with features like front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. The base Defender 110 came with a range of standard features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 360-degree cameras, with additional niceties available on higher trims.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though the technology could be distracting. The new steering-assist system, part of the optional Driver Assist Package, could induce head-toss, a phenomenon where the driver's and passengers' heads waggle over uneven pavement. The lane-keeping assist system also worked too abruptly, leading to its deactivation. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies and lacked knee and rear side airbags. However, it came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.