2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish SUV that struck a balance between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar's rounded front end and slightly tapered rear added to its modern aesthetic. Despite its sleek design, the Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, with a broad front end and elevated stance. The short overhangs improved its off-road capabilities, and the optional air suspension provided up to 9.8 inches of ground clearance. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition featured sportier styling, including larger air intakes, quad exhaust tips, and standard 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Velar's interior was luxurious, with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, with its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights. It was a familiar sight for those who missed the traditional Land Rover look. The Defender's design was purposeful, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than function. The taillights were a modern take on the old Defender's design, and the external spare tire added to its rugged appeal. The Defender offered various customization options, from urban to country themes, making it a versatile choice for different lifestyles. Inside, the Defender's cabin was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. It was a practical vehicle, designed for adventure and off-road capability, with a focus on functionality rather than opulence.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its large size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a different driving experience, with its standard air springs providing a plush ride on various surfaces. The optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, was a mild hybrid, offering smooth power delivery and quick engine restarts. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. The Defender's handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean, but it was a capable and versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn't translate to more interior space. Its cargo capacity was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, with its chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The cockpit-like front seating area was cramped, with limited legroom, but the tall center console was easily accessible. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and practicality, with a focus on durability and functionality. The Defender 90, a two-door model arriving in 2021, offered a unique configuration with an optional jump seat, allowing it to seat up to six people. The four-door Defender 110 had an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Defender's interior was spacious, with generous headroom and legroom, and the panoramic moonroof added to the sense of openness. Cargo space was ample, with the Defender 110 offering 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet with them folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive, at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design was built to withstand tough conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system had high-quality graphics but suffered from slow responses. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, adding to its modern and minimalist interior.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous systems. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting 16 computer modules. The interface was simpler, with a muted grayscale theme, but had some usability issues. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood, and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The Defender also offered a 12-inch digital instrument panel, optional head-up display, and 4G WiFi. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a low priority for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated than some competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender also lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.