2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Range Rover Velar is a vehicle designed to put an emphasis on the luxury part of its description. With a truly elegant design that adds a new level of style to the Range Rover brand's existing visual language, as well as a spacious interior and more luxury features and options than you'll know what to do with, the Velar is the pinnacle of RR's SUV campaign. Parked alongside a BMW X3 or X5 (the Velar is bigger than the former but smaller than the latter), it makes those rivals look rather ordinary. However, it doesn't drive as well as them. Various engines are available, but all models come with a highly capable all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is standard with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged inline-six coupled to a mild hybrid system is available in two states of tune (335 hp/354 lb-ft and 395 hp/405 lb-ft).

For an SUV, the Range Rover Velar is surprisingly sleek, more so than any other Range Rover, thanks in part to flush door handles that pop out electronically when you need to gain access. An expansive front grille, a pair of subtle fender vent-like accents, and a standard panoramic glass sunroof with floating all-black pillars, further add to the look. R-Dynamic models add burnished copper accents and slightly different fascias. As standard, base variants of the Velar ride on 19-inch wheels, but 20- and 21-inch options are available for extra cash.

The spacious Velar needs a long wheelbase in order to be so accommodating, and it gets one that measures 113.1 inches. Overall length is measured at 188 inches, while width is 80.3 inches with mirrors folded. Dimensions for height vary slightly depending on suspension, with the standard coil suspension the Velar is lifted to 66.3 inches and the available air suspension lowering it slightly to 66 inches - roof rails and antenna affect these measurements, too. The suspension also affects ground clearance, with the standard setup allowing for 8.3 inches and the air suspension in its off-road setting allowing up to 9.76 inches. Wading depth measures between 23.6 and 25.5 inches with the coil and air suspension setups respectively; similarly, maximum approach, departure, and break-over angles for the Velar are 27.5, 29.5, and 23.5 degrees, with the various suspension options having an impact on this as well. Curb weight ranges from 4,130 lbs in the base model to a starting figure of 4,430 lbs for the P400 HSE.

An extensive palette is available for the Velar with the base model having access to a total of 24 different hues and finishes. No-cost options are only limited to only one basic color, however: Fuji White. Metallic paint options cost $650 and include Byron Blue, Firenze Red, and new Lantau Bronze. Premium metallic paint options are limited to two, each of which costs $1,550. Ultra metallic paints are more exciting and include 13 hues, such as Desire Deep Red, Velocity Blue, and Sanguinello Orange, but these options cost $4,550 each. Special paint options for 2022 include only Icy White and it will set you back a whopping $9,200. If you really want to splash out on the most expensive finish possible, you can have the Icy White special color in a satin matte finish for an additional $2,850.

With the demise of the new Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic trim level last year, away went the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 option with its 542 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque as well. That coincided with the arrival of the newer 3.0-liter supercharged, turbocharged, and hybridized inline-six. It's available in two outputs, either 335 hp and 354 lb-ft in the P340 model or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the P400, with the help of a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. The same eight-speed auto and all-wheel-drive system that is fitted across the rest of the range is also used here, allowing the P340 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. The same figures for the P400 are 5.2 seconds and 155 mph. Not bad from a brand typically associated with luxury. The rest of the range is somewhat slower, with the least powerful, base P250's 2.0-liter turbo-four managing the benchmark sprint in 7.1 seconds and topping out at 135 mph. This model can tow up to 5,291 lbs worth of whatever you hitch to it, while the rest of the range is imbued with an impressive max towing capacity of 5,512 lbs.

Every version of the Land Rover Range Rover Velar comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, and it performs as well as you'd expect from a luxury vehicle, with smooth, jerk-free shifts and quick responses when you're gunning it. The central rotary gear selector may take some getting used to, but the novelty of it being presented from within the center console will take a long time to wear off.

The base engine is codenamed P250, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot produces 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The engine is fairly quiet and refined, but it definitely has trouble getting the bulky Velar going from a dig. Overtaking manoeuvers also require some forethought as just planting your right foot and hoping for the best isn't ideal. It's not terrible, but it could do with more grunt.

The next available engine is given the P340 designation and produces 335 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. This 3.0-liter twin-charged inline-six is much more agreeable to getting the Velar on its way and is very smooth and refined. This engine is also available with the P400 nameplate and produces 395 hp, with torque increasing to 405 lb-ft. As with the less powerful six-cylinder, it's combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The Velar is capable of comfortable and controlled driving with little body roll and direct steering, features that are enhanced by the available air suspension setup that can lower the vehicle for better handling and keep the occupants in an ever more comfortable state of luxury. Despite this, the Velar is never truly able to shrug off its size and weight, and feels as heavy and unwieldy as it is and looks. Stopping power is good, however, and the brakes do an alarmingly good job of bringing the SUV to a stop.

Where the Velar really excels is where all other Range Rover models do, an avenue that is rarely explored by most owners who care about style rather than ability: off-roading. The Range Rover Velar, and the brand as a whole, prides itself on being able to go anywhere in supreme comfort, and that's what every model offers. With a wading depth of up to 25.5 inches, the Velar can ford almost any stream, while its impressive ground clearance and exceptionally capable all-wheel-drive system allow for some 4x4-style adventuring and climbing over large obstacles with ease. The Velar even boasts a low-traction launch control feature, although we highly doubt that drag racing on wet grass is going to take off as an NHRA-approved form of motorsport.

The base P250 engine in the Velar scores EPA gas mileage figures of 20/26/23 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. With a 16.6-gallon gas tank, the base Velar is capable of a mixed range of around 381 miles. The P340 with the 3.0-liter engine returns figures of 20/26/22 mpg on the same cycles, and the range-topping P400 returns 19/25/21 mpg. Even the P400 will be able to attain a range of about 348 miles on the combined cycle.

As you'd expect from Land Rover's premier brand, the Range Rover Velar has a gorgeous interior with dual infotainment screens in a floating center console, and expansive use of rich leather and premium trim accents that can be derived from aluminum, carbon fiber, or wood. A panoramic sunroof is standard and features like a head-up display, heated rear seats with electric reclining, and ventilated front seats can be specced too. As always, the fit and finish are superb and the layout is both modern and elegant.

The Range Rover Velar seats five individuals, with front occupants treated to 14-way power-adjustable seats with memory. In either the back or the front, a wealth of headroom and legroom make journeys as comfortable as possible. Getting in and out is easy thanks to large door openings, and if you opt for the available air suspension, you can lower the car for greater ease of access too. Running boards can also be equipped for those who want even more graceful entry. In the driver's seat, the controls and steering wheel are well laid out and you have a commanding view in all directions, although the standard blind-spot monitoring system is a welcome inclusion.

Even the base model is treated to perforated grained leather, in your choice of Ebony, Acorn, or Light Oyster. Alternatively, you can opt for the same leather with suede inserts in Ebony, Light Oyster/Ebony, or Eclipse/Ebony at no charge. Various materials are available for the headliner too, while the "finishers" or trim accent inserts can be had various types of wood for $450 or even copper weave carbon fiber for $1,350. The top P400 HSE version gets perforated Windsor leather as standard in the same color choices as the other models.

The Velar has a lot of space in the back, even with all five seats fully occupied. Behind the rear seats, you have 30.9 cubic feet of volume, which is more than enough for luggage for each passenger. Fold the rear seats down and you have an expansive 62.7 cubic feet to play with, although we doubt that many RR Velar owners will be carrying roofing material in the back of their uber-SUV.

In the cabin, a pair of cupholders exists for front and rear occupants, along with relatively large door pockets and center armrest storage. A large glovebox and a spot in the center console for your phone round out the interior storage options.

As standard, all variants of the Velar are equipped with remote access, a power tailgate, and keyless entry. You also get a panoramic sunroof, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, a driver condition monitor, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and a solar attenuating windscreen. For 2022, all models have heated front seats as standard.

Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, cruise control with traffic-sign recognition, and parking sensors are also included, along with a rearview camera. Numerous options are available too, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, four-zone climate control, park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, high-speed emergency braking, reclining rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats with 20-way adjustment and massaging, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. A hands-free tailgate can also be specced, and a head-up display is available too. R-Dynamic variants and up also gain a 12.3-inch driver info display in place of the standard five-inch TFT display that resides between analog dials.

As standard, the Velar gets Range Rover's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system with twin 10-inch touchscreen displays. It boasts numerous standard features, including self-learning, intelligent navigation with real-time traffic information, 2D and 3D maps (including automatic updates), parking and fuel services, AI, online search with ratings and reviews, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple and Android compatibility, Bluetooth, USB connections, and HD Radio. A 12-speaker Meridian sound system is also standard. Thankfully, Pivi Pro starts up much faster than the old InControl Touch Duo system and is far easier to use and more responsive. Additional USB charging ports can also be added.

The 2022 Range Rover Velar has been free of recalls in the USA thus far. For 2021 models, there was one recall for a seat belt automatic locking retractor malfunction. The 2020 model was recalled for the same seat belt issue as well as for a potential high-beam malfunction that could leave the driver unaware that their headlights are on high beam. Disappointingly, the Range Rover Velar's latest review from J.D. Power resulted in a below-average overall score of 72 out of 100 and a quality and reliability rating of 68/100. It also features a rather sub-par four-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty. Interestingly, although sister company Jaguar offers both a longer warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance, the Velar misses out on these.

As a low-sales vehicle, there are no crashworthiness reviews available for the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar in the US, as neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has tested it in a crash. But with impressive standard and optional safety equipment, it would likely perform well if subjected to review.

As standard, the Velar features frontal, side-impact, and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags in the cabin. It also has standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking at low speeds, blind-spot monitoring, emergency brake assist, cruise control with traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control are also included, along with a driver condition monitor, while the options list includes features like a head-up display, park assist, a 360-degree camera, full-speed autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and steering assist.

Whether the Velar is good or not is largely inconsequential. Buyers choose a vehicle like this for the elevated status and image it provides as it oozes style and opulence. How many other luxury SUVs can you order with a $9,000 paint job? Nevertheless, it's worth running over the good and bad features again. It's spacious, exceptionally capable off-road, exquisitely finished, luxuriously comfortable, enticingly beautiful, and packed with features even in base form. The base engine is inadequate, but the six-cylinder is a big improvement on the old one - and the infotainment system is finally up to scratch. Pricing of the Range Rover Velar is rather silly though. Essentially, the Velar is an excellent way to ferry people about in the lap of luxury while keeping them far enough off the ground that peasants in domestic vehicles can't get a peek at their faces. For pure style and excellence of design, the Velar is almost unparalleled, but as a finished product, it requires a bit more polishing.

Prices for the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar are not cheap by any means. The base variant, known as the Velar P250 S, starts at an MSRP of $58,300, before a $1,150 destination fee. Next up is the P250 R-Dynamic S, which starts at $60,400. Thereafter is the P340 MHEV S at $64,900 and the P340 MHEV R-Dynamic S at $67,000. Following that is the P400 MHEV R-Dynamic HSE, at $78,900. Fully loaded with options, the top-tier Range Rover Velar's price can soar over $120,000.

The 2022 Velar is available in five variations: P250 S, P250 R-Dynamic S, P340 S, P340 R-Dynamic S, and P400 R-Dynamic HSE.

The base P250 S is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo-four generating 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with LED headlights, power-folding heated wing mirrors, a solar attenuating windshield, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, auto-leveling headlights, and 19-inch wheels. Dual ten-inch touchscreens control infotainment to a Meridian 12-speaker sound system with satellite radio, HD radio, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. A panoramic sunroof is also standard along with perforated leather upholstery.

The P250 R-Dynamic S adds unique front and rear bumpers with larger vents and copper-colored accents. This model also gains black wing mirrors, wheels painted in Satin Dark Grey, and a 12.3-inch interactive driver display.

The P340 S is based on the P250 S but gains a twin-charged 3.0-liter inline-six linked to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 335 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

The P340 R-Dynamic S is again based on the other R-Dynamic variant already mentioned but with the addition of the P340 S model's six-cylinder engine.

The P400 R-Dynamic HSE is based on the previous model, but with an increase in power to 395 hp and in torque to 405 lb-ft. Other features remain the same, while larger wheels and a host of upgraded interior features are also equipped, including extended leather trim and massaging front seats.

Numerous options and packages are available on the Velar. The Black Exterior Pack with its gloss black accents is available on the base model for $750. If you want cooled front seats, it costs you a total of $1,000 and adds heating and power reclining to the rear seats as well. A Premium Upgrade Interior pack, adding a suede headlining and full-leather steering wheel is available for a total of $1,650 while a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield can be had as part of the Cold Climate Pack for $700. A Dynamic Handling Pack that includes air suspension, configurable and adaptive dynamics, and Terrain Response 2 is also worth considering at $2,050. One option that we'd go for is adaptive cruise control with steering assist at $1,350.

If you can afford the price of top-end Land Rover Range Rover Velar trims, and aren't concerned with the dynamics of competitors like the Porsche Cayenne, we'd recommend the P400 HSE. Yes, it's expensive at almost $80,000 before any options, but it's the best-equipped version in terms of comfort and convenience. It also has an engine capable of hauling the heavy Velar with ease, and its standard Windsor leather interior with extended leather upgrade is very plush. Standard specs on this model include Windsor leather upholstery and massaging front seats. For sheer opulence, it's a cut above the other Velar variants.

If you can't quite stomach the price or fuel consumption of the Velar, the Evoque offers a similarly attractive design in a considerably smaller and more affordable package. Starting at $44,700, the Evoque is certainly cheaper, but it's also a lot more cramped. The back seats are claustrophobia-inducing asylums for those anywhere near six feet tall. However, the Evoque does offer a more engaging driving experience and feels a lot more agile than the hulking Velar. You also get much of the same standard and optional features as in the Velar. For those concerned with image and with announcing their wealth to the world, the Evoque won't even be glanced at, but for those who want a slice of upper-class British style at a fraction of the cost, the Evoque is a compelling choice.

A more expensive British alternative than the Velar lies in its Range Rover Sport sibling. Starting at almost $70,000 for the cheapest version, you may wonder why the Sport should even be considered. Well, for a start, it's available with a mighty supercharged V8 engine if you aren't too concerned about how much you're spending. With the same sort of off-roading ability but a longer wheelbase and greater headroom, the Sport is more comfortable too. It is also available as a 7-seater with a 3rd row. The Range Rover Sport is simply more, and the only reason to opt for the Velar would be a preference in looks.