2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The updated front grille, which housed sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, contributed to a sleeker look. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. Despite limited factory options for a flashy appearance, the Range Rover Sport exuded understated luxury with its Eiger Gray paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and Black Exterior Pack. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a luxurious ambiance. The Range Rover Sport offered various specifications, including the SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a Cold Climate Pack, and a Technology Pack. The design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and advanced aerodynamics.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic model, and 355 hp and 369 lb-ft in the SE P360. The Autobiography P440e offered a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 was available for early-build models. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was notable, averaging 22.3 mpg on evaluation routes. The Range Rover Sport featured a new vehicle architecture with increased torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and advanced driving modes. However, it struggled to match the sportiness of competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with impressive ground clearance, approach angles, and advanced off-road technology.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 retained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included thoughtful storage solutions, such as a deep bin under the center armrest and a handy contraption to prevent items from rolling in the cargo hold.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The system's graphics were praised, though Apple users might find the Google-based design less appealing. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, such as finding nearby locations. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though accessing it could be challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less smooth and reliable than expected, particularly on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.