2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its sleek design. The interior boasted Windsor leather upholstery, adding to the sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it no longer resembled the boxy Volvos of the past. The test vehicle, in Platinum Gray paint, had a rich and deep color, though Volvo's paint palette remained conservative. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, featuring a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior incorporated wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look, though the lack of physical controls could be frustrating.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and could tow 7,716 pounds. It achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 22.3 mpg. The SUV featured a new vehicle architecture, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes, but it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned competitors. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 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 hp and 310 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable but reserved, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV's brakes inspired confidence, and road noise was well-insulated. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It performed well in snowy conditions, though dedicated winter tires would have enhanced confidence.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, 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. Storage within the cabin was decent, though some compartments were shallow.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, though storage space was limited. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 65.5 cubic feet, falling short of some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, thanks to its compact dimensions.

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. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The SUV offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but challenging to access.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, requiring screen interaction for basic functions.

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 lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive and trustworthy than expected, particularly on freeway curves.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and speed. These safety features were standard on the XC90.