2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a hallmark that defined the brand since its introduction in 1969. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including 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 luxury touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling while adding character with softer lines and distinctive LED headlights. The XC90 was available in several trims, including the flashy Inscription and sporty R-Design, with wheel options ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, the XC90 offered a minimalist interior with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery. The cabin featured thoughtful design elements, such as an Orrefors crystal shifter, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine 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's V8 was 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. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capability, featuring the Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes for various conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base T5 was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD. Despite the power, the XC90's small engine struggled with acceleration, especially in all-electric mode. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2020 Land Rover 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 unique two-piece configuration, enhancing its practicality. Interior storage was adequate, with decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious, aided by an optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The XC90 offered 11.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage space was limited, but a hands-free power tailgate was standard.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate and seat settings. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided some tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though some menu text was hard to read while driving. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were optional, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2020 Land Rover 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 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist was praised for its smoothness and quick reactions, though it struggled with highway curves.