2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, enhancing its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive features that emphasized the vehicle's width and stability. The interior, with its Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather and aluminum accents, exuded a sense of luxury and craftsmanship, highlighted by details like the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design reminiscent of the 2016 LR4, with squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and roundish headlights. The Defender's exterior was designed for functionality, with features like step plates, a three-piece ladder, and "alpine lights" for better visibility. The taillights, external spare tire, and various customization options, including mudflaps, snorkels, and steel wheels, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats, exposed screws, and a simple layout focused on durability and ease of use. The optional jump seat and third-row seating provided flexibility for different passenger and cargo needs.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range did not significantly improve performance or fuel economy.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission offered a sport mode for aggressive launches. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 296 hp and 295 lb-ft, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. Off-road performance was exceptional, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender excelled in challenging terrains, offering impressive capabilities such as climbing steep angles and wading through deep water. However, its on-road handling was less refined, with slow steering, significant body roll, and a heavy feel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system offering quick responses and easy navigation. The seven-seat configuration was ideal for families, with an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat option was available on certain trims, providing generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior design. The two-door 90 model offered an optional jump seat, allowing for six passengers or additional cargo space. The four-door 110 model had an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The interior featured simple controls and a new infotainment interface, with generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. Cargo space varied, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet and 58 with the rear seats folded, while the four-door 110 provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 with them folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel could display maps but lacked extensive customization options.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was simpler, with a muted grayscale theme, though some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground underneath the front hood, a rearview mirror doubling as a screen, and various off-road guides. The base Defender 110 included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and 360-degree cameras, with additional luxury options available on higher trims.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts upon exiting the vehicle.