2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, striking a balance with its low roof and steeply-raked windshield, which gave it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar's broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its performance-oriented look. Inside, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 namesake, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that made occupants feel enveloped in luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. Positioned between the XC40 and XC90, the XC60 shared Volvo's SPA platform, offering a near-luxury experience with a focus on safety and innovation. Its elegant, tailored design featured short overhangs and crisp details, with the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights adding a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by thoughtful details like the elegant HVAC vents. The XC60's interior was a harmonious blend of textures and colors, providing a serene and rewarding environment for occupants.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as dominant as some competitors, and its large size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 model increased output to 316 horsepower with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, featured a plug-in hybrid system with a combined output of up to 415 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided confident handling, and its serene cabin and smooth suspension made it an excellent choice for long road trips. The T8 PHEV offered impressive fuel economy, with up to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. However, this did not translate to more interior space, as competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 offered more legroom and headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed with comfort and practicality in mind, offering a well-thought-out interior with smart storage solutions. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, while the heating system excelled in cold weather conditions. The XC60's cargo space was generous, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with them folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for light towing needs. The interior's functionality and elegance were complemented by intuitive controls and ample storage options, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which included dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system boasted high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, although the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system was a tablet-style interface that divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to easily access audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. While intuitive for some, the system required a learning curve. The XC60 offered comprehensive smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was a standout feature, delivering exceptional sound quality. Volvo's On Call app added remote functionality, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, and some features required additional cost.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for certain models. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC60's extensive list of standard safety features, including collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping aid. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's decision to limit the XC60's top speed to 112 mph further emphasized its focus on safety.