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 reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean, minimalist design, highlighted by a new digital instrument cluster. The interior, while subdued, offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Inscription trim, adding a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While not flashy, it offered options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels for those seeking attention. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Grey with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in various specifications, with the Dynamic SE test vehicle featuring heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a host of luxury features, pushing its MSRP beyond $120,000.

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-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain 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 and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid drivetrain, standard in the Autobiography trim, offered 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The sold-out SV Edition One boasted a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. It could tow up to 3,500 kg. The SUV averaged 10.5 L/100 km on evaluation routes, with a suburban highway drive returning 9.4 L/100 km. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second. However, it struggled to match the sportiness of competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport preserved its Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. Front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. A full-size spare tire limited underfloor storage, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

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 built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android-specific features included Google Assistant voice control and Google Maps navigation. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or 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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport's Meridian audio systems impressed, with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but challenging to access.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance package offered adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less smooth and reliable than expected.