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

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 extraneous styling changes. This approach was appreciated, as it kept the vehicle's aesthetic appeal intact despite the additional cost of the hybrid powertrain. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive presence. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it had some distinguishing features like the grille and chromed plastic accents, it wasn't a vehicle chosen for its exterior looks. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though the more vibrant options were limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with higher trims featuring wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. Despite its less distinctive styling, the CR-V's design was functional, prioritizing comfort and practicality for its passengers.

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 the test vehicle struggled to achieve this, often switching to the gasoline engine prematurely. Despite this, the SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile trip and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, outperforming previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration, adaptive air suspension, and various driving modes, making it both athletic and comfortable. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the vehicle's off-roading capabilities remained intact with its 4WD system and multiple traction settings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, powered by a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, provided smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered a less engaging driving experience compared to rivals with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, ensured decent handling and ride quality. Overall, the CR-V prioritized predictability and comfort over performance thrills.

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. Despite this, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The optional 4-zone automatic climate control and panoramic glass roof added to the interior's appeal, though practical storage was limited.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and functionality. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it offered ample room for passengers and their gear. The tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims featuring power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unpredictably, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the challenge. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could be a source of frustration for less tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a more straightforward approach to technology. The base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the top Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's technology was user-friendly and accessible across most trims.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), but the technology could be distracting. The new steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were particularly aggressive, leading to a less smooth driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's substantial weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Honda's commitment to making advanced safety features accessible to all buyers set the CR-V apart from its competitors.