2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek arching shoulder crease. The interior was equally impressive, offering a blend of beige leather and aluminum, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats. The seats were designed for comfort, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The XC90's cabin was a showcase of craftsmanship, with details like a Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a unique blend of sleek styling and traditional SUV elements. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, while the broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rover vehicles. The Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 namesake, featuring high-quality leather upholstery and metal trim, creating a more cockpit-like feel. However, the avant-garde styling came at the cost of interior space, with limited headroom and a somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere. Despite these drawbacks, the Velar maintained a respectable towing capacity and offered a range of off-road technologies, staying true to its Land Rover heritage.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on 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 was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the XC90's weight. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not a performance vehicle, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight of the hybrid system negated the expected speed benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, and the T8 offering limited improvement.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine for the first time in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but it felt large on tight roads, limiting its agility. The rest of the powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar also featured a range of off-road technologies, although its road-focused design limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured an improved Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children only. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's styling contributed to a cramped interior feel, with limited visibility and a challenging 360-degree camera system. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined 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 exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, although onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire pressure readings.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, which fit the minimalist cabin design but were prone to glare.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although 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 innovative safety systems, such as curtain airbags and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a lower priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available, while other automakers offered more advanced systems.