2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sporty, lowered package retained the iconic proportions of the larger Range Rover, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof. Its exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, highlighted by flush door handles and unique taillight lenses that created an illusion of depth. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and a sleek design, with a polished black center stack and sharp graphics on its three screens.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past "rolling brick" designs. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated look, with a stout front end and a bold grille that avoided being flashy. Its "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall shape, while still rectilinear, was far from the boxy designs of the past. The XC90's interior was a blend of elegance and minimalism, featuring luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, metal speaker covers, and wood deco inlays. Despite its minimalist design, the XC90's interior was not without its frustrations, such as limited cubby space and challenging access to the third row.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a handling and steering experience unlike any previous Land Rover. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking, while the optional air suspension provided a plush "magic carpet" ride. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune, delivering up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Despite its street-focused mission, the Velar included features like a Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothed operation, though it didn't provide full-hybrid benefits. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent insulation from road and wind noise. Its brakes inspired confidence, and while it lacked extensive off-road capabilities, the XC90 handled well in various conditions, including a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior compromised headroom and visibility, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design also included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was both illogical and potentially dangerous. However, the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, making it faster and easier to use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had its share of space and storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated cubby space for smaller items and challenging access to the third row were notable issues. The XC90 offered a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain’s chairs at an additional cost. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other features. The system also provided detailed off-road information and 360-degree camera views. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical buttons was a drawback. Despite these issues, the XC90's tech offerings were impressive, with the potential for a smoother experience over time.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Its advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, all standard on the XC90.