2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, adding character to its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines and more chrome, enhancing its visual appeal. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangements. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end, albeit slightly out-of-place, element in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover continued its evolutionary design approach, maintaining a familiar broad, rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium appeal, offering a more refined experience than many competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the impressive 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it fell short of some rivals.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided two powertrain options. The base P400 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid component, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 upgrade offered a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400's acceleration was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, and gear shifts were smooth. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The Range Rover delivered a smooth ride and a quiet cabin, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a three-row configuration with either six or seven seats, depending on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile created a more spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were generously cushioned, 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 was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 93 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text was sometimes difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size was limited. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover 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 delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a WiFi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The surround-view cameras were particularly useful for off-roading. While adequately equipped, the Range Rover lacked some advanced features found in rivals.