2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, akin to a Burberry trench coat, offering a stark contrast to the smoother contours of the current Land Rover Discovery, which struggled to capture the same truck-tough capability and luxury. The Defender's exterior featured quirky elements like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than function. Its taillights, external spare tire, and various design themes allowed for customization, making it a fun vehicle to configure and inspiring a sense of adventure.

Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. Cloth seats were standard, with an optional centre jump seat reminiscent of old pickup trucks. The cabin featured exposed screws and a powder-coated aluminum bar, with leather options available for a more upscale feel. The infotainment system was neatly integrated, and the overall design was utilitarian, lacking the luxury expected at its price point. The Defender's interior was more akin to a commercial vehicle, offering a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking adventure over opulence.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, on the other hand, embraced a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It seamlessly fit into the Volvo lineup with its "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. Its design was subtle, appealing to those who preferred a low-key electric vehicle.

The XC40's interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly. Unlike many competitors, Volvo maintained a luxury feel without compromising on design. The XC40 offered clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, enhancing its practicality despite its compact size.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with its impressive performance. It featured a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power, though it didn't allow for coasting with the engine off. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, with Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. It could handle steep angles and deep water, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. The standard engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender excelled both on and off-road, offering a smooth ride on pavement and impressive off-road prowess.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The base T4 engine produced 187 horsepower, while the T5 offered 248 hp. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. The XC40 prioritized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving, enhancing its efficiency and ease of use. Despite its compact size, the XC40 provided a refined driving experience, balancing performance and comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability. Its interior was retro and minimalist, with a focus on practicality. The two-door 90 model offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to seat six people, while the four-door 110 model had an optional third row for seven seats. The cabin layout was flexible, accommodating both passengers and gear. The Defender's cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 litres (8,200 pounds), showcasing its rugged capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to maximize its utility. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the door bins were enlarged by relocating the speakers to the dashboard. The XC40's cargo space was smaller compared to competitors, but its thoughtful design compensated for the lack of space. The Recharge model's frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain hardware. Despite its compact size, the XC40 provided a comfortable and practical interior, with features like a wireless charging pad and USB-C port enhancing its functionality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was simplified, though some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The standard analog gauges were complemented by a 12-inch digital instrument panel, with an optional head-up display available. The Defender offered a range of standard features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, instead relying on a key fob for operation. The system's integration of Google features provided a seamless user experience, though it may not appeal to those who dislike Google's interface.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags. It offered standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Despite its limited safety ratings, the Defender provided essential driver assistance technologies.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver assistance technologies. The XC40's robust safety features and high ratings made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious consumers.