2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of Swedish elegance and modern innovation. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs and an athletic stance, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, once a novelty, had become a familiar and user-friendly feature. The attention to detail, from the elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colors, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status, making it a delightful space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its recognizable broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, enhancing its modern appeal. The Range Rover emphasized its size and presence, especially in the long-wheelbase version. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, offering a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and absence of creaks, even on rough roads, underscored its premium quality. It delivered a refined interior experience, rivaling high-end luxury SUVs like the Maybach or Bentley.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushed these figures to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin remained quiet, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats offered excellent adjustability, and the heating system performed admirably in cold conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row provided adequate space for smaller passengers, with USB-C ports for charging. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface. It offered smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. The system required a learning curve but was intuitive once mastered.

The 2022 Range Rover introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While it lacked some advanced features found in rivals, its safety systems performed reliably. Crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.