The Range Rover Velar is a stylish SUV, but it’s not worthy of the badge

At first look, the Vary Rover Velar seems to be each bit the trendy luxurious SUV you’d expect from the British car manufacturer. It is modern and undeniably trendy, with muscle in all the best locations. Flaunting the celebrated Vary Rover badge with confidence, it guarantees the refinement and functionality that outline the lineup. However after spending a while behind the wheel, it turns into clear that the Velar is extra involved with look than authenticity.

Whereas it’s able to tackling harsh terrain like its larger siblings — the Range Rover Sport, full-fat Vary Rover, and the Land Rover collection of autos — the Velar falls brief in delivering the depth, driving character, and upper-class inside that advantage the badge. That stated, there is a clear goal purchaser, and for those who’re a part of that crowd, you will like it.

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Value, availability, and specs

In an effort to offset emissions from this heavy SUV, all engines are delicate hybrids, besides the P400e, which is a plug-in hybrid. Consequently, that is each probably the most environment friendly and probably the most highly effective powertrain within the lineup. The mannequin I examined was the Dynamic SE paired with the Ingenium D300 engine, which produces a modest 300 horsepower.

There are solely three grades to select from: S, Dynamic SE, or Autobiography. The entry-level S is restricted to the lower-output diesel or the PHEV, whereas the Dynamic SE and Autobiography grades will be outfitted with any of the 4 out there engines. No matter trim, the Velar comes with a formidable listing of normal options.

Vary Rover Velar normal key options:

• 3D encompass view digicam
• Terrain response
• Heated entrance seats and steering wheel
• 11.4-inch touchscreen with Pivi Professional
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Official figures counsel this Velar ought to return 37.5 MPG. I bought near that, at 35.7 MPG. Given the burden of this SUV and the engine measurement, I am glad with that.

Vary Rover Velar D300 efficiency specs

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What I favored in regards to the Vary Rover Velar

An opulent SUV with a silky transmission

I can not deny the Vary Rover Velar is beautiful to have a look at. Flush door handles and an elongated silhouette give it a chic profile, whereas the floating roof impact provides lightness above the shoulder line. The bronze accents of the Dynamic Dealing with Pack add a contact of richness, completely complimenting the Varesine Blue paint alongside the elective privateness glass and contrasting black roof.

This refinement is backed up by a easy, composed trip. Effectively, on fashions with added air suspension (normal on Autobiography trim), which is a must have for floating alongside uneven surfaces. It looks like driving a cloud. This additionally helps with entry and exit, because the Velar routinely lowers to entry top when the door is opened.

The eight-speed gearbox deserves credit score, too. Shifts are seamless, even in Dynamic mode, serving to the Velar really feel polished round city and at velocity. Although its compact design is nice for maneuvering round city, it is not fairly as nimble when thrown right into a bend.

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What I did not like in regards to the Vary Rover Velar

Naked inside, boring efficiency

It pains me to say it, however the inside is a giant letdown. Earlier generations of the Velar featured a separate decrease touchscreen for local weather controls, full with bodily dials for ease of use. Now, the most recent Pivi Professional system, whereas responsive, integrates every thing into one massive display. The consequence? Extra time digging by means of menus to make easy modifications.

The place the local weather display as soon as lived now serves as a sensible storage cubby. It is actually helpful, as I saved every thing there, nevertheless it’s coated by a skinny plastic lid that cheapens the general cabin really feel. For a car carrying the Vary Rover badge, the inside simply would not ship the royal expertise you’d anticipate. I imply, I’ve seen a Honda that’s more luxurious than this.

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The packaging additionally feels extra like a automotive than an SUV, and it is set to turn out to be much more like an EV wagon in 2026. Headroom is surprisingly restricted, and passengers sandwiched between the lengthy cargo space and hulking entrance seats have their legroom compromised. It is usable, however removed from beneficiant. It is set to turn out to be much more like a wagon in 2026.

After which there’s efficiency. On paper, the D300 six-cylinder diesel must be greater than sufficient, nevertheless it’s underwhelming. Sure, it is a heavy SUV, however the throttle response is lazy for a hybrid, and the engine grunts if you ask for tempo.

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Do you have to purchase the Vary Rover Velar?

The Vary Rover Velar appeals to a particular purchaser

Frankly, whether or not you can purchase the Vary Rover Velar boils all the way down to why you are contemplating it. If it is to enterprise off-road and wade by means of water, you then’d be higher off climbing the Range Rover lineup, or look elsewhere totally. Nevertheless, if it is to have a good time your success, the Velar is an Instagrammable SUV with loads of clout.

Although the Velar can conquer robust terrain, these capabilities really feel like an afterthought. This Vary Rover is extra of a luxurious life-style accent than a thorough-bred, which is ok, so long as you recognize what you are paying for. Actually, I would be simply as completely happy, and much better off financially, in a used Japanese hybrid SUV.

Engine

Ingenium 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel

Drive Format

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

300 hp

0-60mph

6.1 seconds