2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the creation of the XC90, which launched as a 2016 model on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model boasted a sleek, aerodynamic profile with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design, reflecting its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, emphasizing both comfort and sustainability.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While not as flashy as some might prefer, it offered subtle elegance with options like Eiger Gray paint and silver 23-inch wheels. The interior featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, exuding understated luxury. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with various upgrades pushing the MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and advanced aerodynamics, contributing to its refined appearance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8's electric motor drove the rear wheels, providing a smooth and spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology. The SE Dynamic model produced 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the SE P360 delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid option in the Autobiography P440e provided 434 hp and an estimated 51-mile electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the P400 drivetrain achieving 21 mpg combined. The SUV featured a new vehicle architecture with increased torsional stiffness and advanced suspension systems, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom and support. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof, making it a pleasant environment even in extreme weather conditions.

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, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments and optional massage features. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard seatback panels. The cargo area provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV included practical storage solutions and a power liftgate for convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It included USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered Meridian audio systems, Active Noise Cancellation, and a wireless charging pad. Despite its advanced technology, the system's usability issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with steering assist, though its performance was inconsistent. The SUV's safety technology was comprehensive, but some systems required improvement for optimal functionality.