2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, offering a balanced aesthetic. The Velar featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The front end was rounded, and the rear tapered slightly, maintaining its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs for better off-road capability. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious and cockpit-like feel, with a seating position that made occupants feel integrated into the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, with no gratuitous styling changes to distinguish it from other versions. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, preserving the vehicle's clean lines. The Range Rover Sport PHEV was priced higher due to its hybrid powertrain, starting at $79,000, and could reach over $160,000 with all options. The test vehicle featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its presence. Inside, the cabin was filled with quality materials, reflecting its premium price. However, the technology and infotainment system could be challenging to navigate, potentially frustrating drivers who were not tech-savvy.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant 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 was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 247 hp, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with either 340 hp or 380 hp. The Velar also featured off-road capabilities with Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although it lacked a low range for more challenging terrains.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. This setup promised up to 31 miles of all-electric driving range, but real-world testing showed inconsistencies in achieving this range. The PHEV's drivetrain could be confusing, with the gas engine occasionally starting unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. The SUV retained its off-road capabilities, with a permanent 4WD system and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. However, recharging the battery could be frustrating, with long charging times and inconsistent results.

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. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. However, its avant-garde styling, including a chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feeling inside. The cockpit-like front seating area was interesting but cramped, with limited legroom. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV, while offering a higher price tag, suffered from a shortage of cargo space due to the battery placement beneath the raised cargo floor. This reduced the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot space behind the back seat, making it challenging to secure items. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport PHEV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The interior featured quality materials, and the panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a built-in WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system offered high-quality graphics but suffered from slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's technology could be challenging for those not adept with touchscreens and apps. The InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system required time to set up and could behave unpredictably, with occasional delays and unexpected displays. While the system provided access to primary stereo and climate functions, it could still frustrate drivers. The Range Rover Sport PHEV's complexity was managed through touchscreen technology, but technophobes might find it overwhelming.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and 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. However, Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, but the onboard technology could distract drivers. The new steering-assist system, part of the optional Driver Assist Package, could be aggressive, causing head-toss. The lane-keeping assist system worked abruptly, leading to its deactivation. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Range Rover Sport's weight provided some reassurance in collisions.