2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, creating a stunning visual appeal.

The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats, available as a bench or separate captain's chairs, were almost as good as the front. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, showcasing simplicity and quality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with no gratuitous styling changes to differentiate it from other versions. The charging port was cleverly integrated with the grille, maintaining the SUV's clean lines. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks and presence.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport PHEV offered a luxurious cabin with quality materials throughout. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and highly adjustable, though the narrow, adjustable inboard armrests were less comfortable than the center console armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position with good thigh support, and the 4-zone automatic climate control was a hit with younger passengers. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the black-on-black interior.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and 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, with a supercharger and all-wheel drive, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 still lagged in acceleration and shift quality compared to competitors. Fuel economy was unimpressive, 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, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 miles of electric range. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 remained more comfortable than sporty.

The 2020 Land Rover 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 31 miles of electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, often switching to the gas engine. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and felt athletic on mountain roads, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. The steering was responsive, and the regenerative brakes worked well, though they were grabby. The SUV retained its off-roading capability, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. However, recharging the battery was frustrating, with inconsistent results from a standard household outlet.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a compromised cargo area due to the battery beneath the raised floor, reducing the space to 27.5 cubic feet. The SUV comfortably seated five people, though practical storage was limited. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, but the inboard armrests were less so. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good thigh support and a tall riding position, with 4-zone climate control adding to the comfort. The panoramic glass roof brightened the interior, and gesture control operated the sunshade.

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 model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and sometimes frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system occasionally behaved unexpectedly and lacked haptic feedback. While touchscreen technology was necessary to manage the SUV's complexity, it could be confusing and bemusing for drivers.

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 Range Rover Sport came with advanced driver-assistance systems, but the technology could be distracting. The new steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were abrupt and could induce head-toss. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.