2021 Volvo XC90 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, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was purposeful, with features like step plates and a ladder, though some elements were more for show than function. The vehicle's exterior was customizable, offering various design themes and options like mudflaps, snorkels, and steel wheels. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin. While it lacked the luxury expected at its price point, it was a vehicle that inspired adventure and off-road capability.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully redefined Volvo's image with its elegant design. It retained Volvo's traditional boxy profile but added softer lines and distinctive features like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights. The XC90's interior embodied Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The Inscription trim level added luxurious touches like a crystal shifter and wool upholstery. The XC90's design was understated yet sophisticated, providing a sense of luxury without overwhelming the senses.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and impressive off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled in off-road performance, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and challenging terrain with ease. On-road, the Defender was quiet and comfortable, though its handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body roll.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 offered 250 horsepower, while the T6 increased output to 316 horsepower with turbo- and supercharging. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering 400 horsepower. The XC90 prioritized efficiency, though its small engine struggled with acceleration at times. The ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, and the cabin remained quiet. The XC90's towing capacity was respectable at 2,250 kilograms.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and practicality. Its interior was minimalist, with a focus on functionality. The Defender 90 offered a unique two-door configuration with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 provided seating for up to seven. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,875 litres available in the 110 model. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kilograms, and its rugged design was built to withstand tough conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a spacious interior with six- or seven-seat configurations. While headroom and legroom were average, the XC90's upright roof profile and power sunroof created an airy feel. The Inscription trim featured luxurious front seats with massage functions, though storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded, but space was tight with all seats in place. The XC90's hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous systems. It featured dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The 10-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, though some interface issues persisted. The Defender offered advanced off-road displays and a digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims added luxury features like a Meridian sound system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and functionality. The 9-inch touchscreen was intuitive, with a portrait orientation that mimicked a tablet. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The XC90 offered a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. While the system was easy to use, some text was difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was limited in size.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked some airbags found in other vehicles. However, it offered standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.