2021 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 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 interior of the XC90 was equally impressive, with options for 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 sculpted for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats were nearly as comfortable as the front, and the cabin was filled with rich leather and padded materials for both quality and safety. Details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob showcased Volvo's craftsmanship. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the timeless cool of its predecessors while bringing the SUV into the modern era. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights with a serious appearance, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The floating roof and functional vents behind the front fenders added to its rugged charm. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged tailgate and short overhangs front and rear gave the Defender a planted and capable look.

Inside, the Defender's theme of exposed structure was prominent, with a dash held between two horizontal beams and exposed Allen-head bolts securing the door panels. The controls and steering wheel were beefy, and the leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean, and the overall feel of the interior was authentic, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed. Real metal and leather surfaces added to the premium feel, while the substantial plastic parts maintained a sense of durability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 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 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune 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 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 gas-free miles. 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 Four-C adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the steering lacked precision, and the body exhibited significant roll and dive.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine produced 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp was announced for 2022. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth.

On the road, the Defender was quick for its weight, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. The Defender had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The 3.0-liter mild-hybrid powertrain provided a comfortable and solid driving experience on highways and city roads. The high seating position and off-road attributes made it easy to navigate congested areas and parking lots. While we didn't test it on rocky obstacles, the Defender's off-road potential was evident.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, with all climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The independent suspension allowed for better ride quality and interior configuration possibilities. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats for three-across seating and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110. The second row was roomy, and the 110 model had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door 90 model had 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 58.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control was also standard. The R-Design model 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 easier, but onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connections standard. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The stereo could be upgraded to 10 or 14 speakers, with Meridian sound systems offering up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

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 history of safety innovations, such as the boron steel roof and curtain airbags, demonstrated its commitment to safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with an extensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags with a passenger seat occupant monitor, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.