2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge, Volvo's electric variant, featured subtle distinctions such as a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also sported a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a slightly altered rear bumper, and a unique Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, maintained a modern appeal with a refreshed interior and exterior from 2018. This refresh included a dual-screen center console, a hallmark of recent Land Rover interiors. The Range Rover Sport offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and 22-inch alloy wheels. The interior was luxurious, with options like quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system, enhancing the driving experience with high-end features and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a diverse array of powertrains. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 hp and 365 lb-ft. The HST model's P400 version delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the diesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR models boasted 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various terrains. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road and offered impressive towing capacities, up to 7,716 pounds for most variants.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered consistent passenger and cargo space, though it was not particularly spacious. It had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and a smaller cargo area. The frunk was also limited in size due to powertrain components. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins thanks to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to securely hold a phone, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet and was best suited for children. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, with luxurious appointments, while the third row was tight. The Range Rover Sport's interior was spacious and well-appointed, suitable for road trips or carrying extra luggage.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, with the ability to sync personal Google accounts. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The absence of a start button allowed drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob present. The gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system, lacking the advanced Google integration.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was defined by its dual-screen center console, with the lower screen managing climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen handling infotainment. The system had a learning curve and was not always intuitive, though it featured dials for multiple functions and a real volume button. The touchscreen layout was simplified, with icons for menu navigation and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system had its challenges, it offered a comprehensive suite of features for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge was not rated, but Volvo anticipated strong performance due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Other available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and park assist. While the Range Rover Sport offered a decent array of safety features, some were only available as options.