The Velar is a sporty five-seat crossover SUV that blends some traditional Land Rover off-road utility with zippy styling and commendable on-road performance. Shop it against the Porsche Macan, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5.
It may not be the best value, but the Velar boasts impressive powertrain choices, refined performance, and styling that never seems to grow old. It’s a 7.0 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The Velar sees tweaked exterior styling and a new 11.4-inch touchscreen that replaces its previous dual-screen setup. Its dash has been lightly revamped, accordingly.
Looking like an especially lithe version of Land Rover’s bigger Range Rover models, the Velar has Scandinavian-esque simplicity and no shortage of attention to detail inside and out. Its updated interior houses a single screen now, yet it’s hardly fussy. In fact, you’ll find precious few buttons and knobs.
Underneath, the Velar is a close cousin to the Jaguar F-Pace. Neither one is much of an off-roader, but the Land Rover benefits from its Jag relative’s sharp handling.
The base 2.0-liter turbo-4 pushes 247 hp to all four corners. A far stronger choice is the 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-6 that puts out a hefty 340 hp. The 6-cylinder features a 48-volt electrical system paired with a big battery to save fuel and add a boost of power when needed. It’s downright quick from any speed, though lacking the ultra-rapid feel found in some bigger Rover models.
Look for fuel economy in the low-20-mpg range.
A composed ride and quick steering give the Velar an exceptionally comfortable, sporty feel.
The cabin has decent room for four adults, though those in the rear seat will find relatively limited headroom. The cabin itself is comfortable and finished with lovely materials. Standard leather is a nice touch since some rivals charge extra for real hides.
Land Rover includes a full complement of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. (The latter was optional until recently.) Only a surround-view camera system costs extra, and it’s worthwhile given so-so outward vision and big wheels that will be too easy to curb.
How much does the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar cost?
The Velar lineup starts at $62,775, which buys a decent level of equipment including a power panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, leather seats that are heated up front, Meridian audio, and a wireless charging pad.
Opting for one with the hybrid 6-cylinder amps the price up to around $70,000.
Where is the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar made?
In the United Kingdom.
