2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added luxurious touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with its charging port cleverly integrated into the grille. Priced at $79,000, the Sport PHEV included the HSE trim, with options pushing the price to over $93,000. The interior boasted quality materials and a range of options, such as Firenze Red paint and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its presence. Despite its good looks, the Sport PHEV's interior space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing cargo capacity and making it less practical for carrying larger loads.

The 2020 Range Rover offered a diverse selection 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 the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. 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 ensured a comfortable ride and off-road capability.

The 2020 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 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, averaging 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop. The Sport PHEV's adaptive air suspension and various driving modes provided a comfortable and athletic driving experience, though the regenerative brakes were grabby. Off-road capability was retained, with the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. However, recharging the battery proved frustrating, with inconsistent results from a standard household outlet.

The 2020 Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. Interior storage was adequate, with decently sized compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the standard version’s 27.5-cubic-foot space. Despite this, it comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The interior featured a dual-glove-box design and optional refrigerated center console bin. A panoramic glass roof and 4-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort, though entry and exit could be challenging without optional side steps.

The 2020 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, seat settings, and Terrain Response. The system had a learning curve, with occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2020 Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system required a steep learning curve, with occasional unexpected behavior and delayed reactions. Despite the complexity, Land Rover provided easy access to primary functions while maintaining a modern interior aesthetic. However, the lack of haptic feedback and occasional system quirks could frustrate even tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. 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 Range Rover Sport included advanced driver-assistance systems, though the steering-assist system could be distracting. The lane-keeping assist system worked abruptly, leading to its deactivation during testing. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Sport's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.