2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Initially favored by affluent British landowners, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a hallmark of the brand since its introduction in 1969. By 2020, the Range Rover offered various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The HSE trim added 20-way power-adjustable front seats and upgraded leather, while the Autobiography and SVAutobiography trims offered even more luxury and customization.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, was a familiar sight on the roads, known for its curvy, car-like design. It shared a family resemblance with Honda's sedans, offering a modern take on family transportation. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims, contrasting with some lower-quality plastics. The CR-V was available in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with a starting MSRP of $26,270 for the base LX. All-wheel drive was an option across all trims. The CR-V's design focused on practicality, with features like a retractable moonroof and roof rails on the Touring model, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid powertrain offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it one of the most capable vehicles on the market.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by replacing the previous base engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers ensured the CR-V's transmission provided a responsive and efficient driving experience. The CR-V's car-like demeanor translated to excellent road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The CR-V achieved an EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon combined for FWD models and 29 mpg for AWD models, placing it among the most fuel-efficient in its class. A hybrid version was also introduced for 2020, offering even higher fuel economy.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB), both with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but provided exceptional comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with them up, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet of total cargo space. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing convenience for loading large items. The front row included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl provided good head- and legroom, while the cargo compartment matched the Tiguan in volume despite the CR-V's shorter length. Clever storage solutions included a deep center console with a sliding cover and a two-position load floor in the rear, allowing for 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's door pockets were spacious, making it easy to store and access items.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat controls, and Terrain Response settings. Integrated dials in the lower screen changed functions based on the selected menu. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with limited features, while higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. The CR-V Touring trim included a wireless phone charger, and higher trims featured multiple USB ports for charging devices. However, the CR-V's infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of features and ease of use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the "Honda Sensing" system as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, a recall affected a small number of CR-Vs for a rear subframe issue.