2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design without any unnecessary styling changes. This approach was appreciated as it kept the vehicle's aesthetic appeal intact, despite the added cost of the hybrid powertrain.

Priced at $79,000, the Range Rover Sport PHEV included HSE trim, with the test vehicle totaling $93,200 due to nearly $13,000 in options. The Firenze Red paint, black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels enhanced its already attractive appearance. Inside, the cabin was filled with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag. However, some practical aspects, such as the narrow inboard armrests, were less impressive.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the familiar look of its gas-only siblings, with minor distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The LED fog lights and rear bumper design were slightly different, but overall, it was hard to tell it apart from the standard CR-V. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid featured unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking.

Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the CR-V Hybrid came standard with AWD, with prices ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested at $37,920, included features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system. The interior boasted a two-tone contrast with Ivory leather, though the fake wood trim was less appealing. Despite the lack of further upgrades, the CR-V Hybrid offered a comfortable and practical cabin.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 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 range of 31 miles, but the test vehicle struggled to achieve this, often switching to the gas engine unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV's adaptive air suspension and various driving modes provided a comfortable and athletic driving experience. The regenerative brakes, though grabby, worked effectively. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. However, recharging the battery proved frustrating, often not reaching full capacity even after 14 hours of charging.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric assist motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. The added weight of the battery pack improved weight distribution and maintained the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

On the testing route, the CR-V Hybrid returned 33.7 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration, smooth handling, and a comfortable ride. The driving character met expectations, though it didn't match the efficiency of competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's higher price tag came with a compromise in cargo space. The battery's placement under the raised cargo floor reduced the available space to 27.5 cubic feet, and items tended to fall out when the tailgate was opened. However, the SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the black-on-black interior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seat offered remarkable space, with good leg support and comfort. Interior storage was impressive, though the wireless smartphone charger took up significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid provided 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, though this was less than the standard CR-V and competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and sometimes frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system occasionally behaved unexpectedly, with delayed reactions and a lack of haptic feedback. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could be bewildering for technophobes.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its modern appearance. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice-recognition technology was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for better interaction. The navigation map was cluttered, and the HondaLink connected services were minimal. However, the Touring's nine-speaker audio system sounded good, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM, and Pandora.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though the technology could be distracting. The new steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were aggressive, leading to head-toss and discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The systems worked smoothly and consistently, though the CR-V lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.