2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with only a small “P400e” badge distinguishing it from other models. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible. This design choice was appreciated, as it kept the vehicle's aesthetic clean and appealing, despite the added 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 looks. Inside, the cabin was filled with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV design, with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It shared familial styling cues with other Volvo models, such as “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, featured a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent and pleasing, with every element blending seamlessly.

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. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, achieving only 28.4 miles before the gas engine kicked in. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, which was an improvement over previous models but still left room for efficiency gains. 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, making smooth stops difficult. Off-road capability remained strong, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup. The base FWD T4 had a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The electric Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kWh battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, making it quicker than some competitors. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness over performance, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a higher price tag and less cargo space due to the battery placement under the raised cargo floor, reducing the space to 27.5 cubic feet. The interior comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The optional refrigerated center console bin limited practical storage, but the dual-glove-box design helped. The panoramic glass roof and 4-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort and appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox door, helped make up for the lack of space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was well-designed to hold a phone, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which could be frustrating to use despite its advanced capabilities. Setting up the system required time and patience, and it sometimes behaved unpredictably. The lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the challenge. While the system provided easy access to primary functions and maintained a clean interior aesthetic, it could be overwhelming for technophobes.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The lack of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature added to the modern, tech-forward experience.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge also featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.