2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of elegance and functionality. Its exterior featured classic elements like the silver vertical bars on the grille, enhanced by a modern blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease added a sense of stability. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with padded materials for safety and quality, and details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob highlighted the craftsmanship.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and off-road capability. Its design was rooted in its origins, combining rugged 4x4 underpinnings with a luxurious SUV experience. The Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. The Range Rover's interior was spacious, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a front console refrigerator. The SVAutobiography trim stood out with unique styling touches and nearly every available feature, making it a top choice for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.

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, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T6 Polestar tune increased output to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not particularly sporty, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. Fuel economy was 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, with an electric range of 18 miles, but its added weight and cost did not significantly enhance performance or fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a diverse range of powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim offered a non-hybrid version with 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The P525 and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVAutobiography Dynamic's V8 delivered 557 hp and 516 lb-ft. The Range Rover's performance was impressive, with the V8 options providing exhilarating acceleration. Its electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while the Terrain Response System offered exceptional off-road capability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was praised for its organization, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover's interior was luxurious, with options for second-row captain's chairs and a unique two-piece power liftgate. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the digital control panel allowed for additional storage space. The Range Rover's interior was well-appointed, though it offered less cargo space than some competitors.

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 was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire readings.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and media, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag, it offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, 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 whiplash protection.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a solid list of standard safety features, including 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's safety features were comprehensive, some competitors offered more standard equipment.