2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 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 for their estates, the Range Rover emerged in 1969 as a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, defining the brand's identity. 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, 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 unique styling touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was a practical choice in the compact crossover segment, with styling that blended in with its competitors. While its exterior design was not its selling point, the CR-V offered subtle distinctions like its grille and chromed plastic features. Available in eight colors, the CR-V's palette was mostly subdued, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and options for wood panels and chrome accents. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a functional 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, with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. 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 ensured a comfortable ride and off-road capability.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid versions. With an acceleration time of about 7.8 seconds to 60 mph, the CR-V offered smooth and steady performance for everyday driving. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its unitized body structure and suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for daily commutes.

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 enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Both configurations had 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, facilitating easy loading and tailgating. The interior included a convenient center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating ample luggage. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with the LX and EX requiring manual operation, while the EX-L and Touring trims offered power and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting roof storage options on lower trims. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone integration, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve and had occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like 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 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included standard features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which became standard on the EX trim and above. Honda's approach to safety made advanced features accessible across all trims.