2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, 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, while the rear tapered slightly, maintaining its SUV identity with a broad and intimidating front. Despite its performance car-like short overhangs, the Velar was equipped for off-roading with up to 9.8 inches of ground clearance. 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, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional design, blending in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to its competitors, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chrome accents. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. While it didn't stand out in terms of exterior design, the CR-V was practical and functional, focusing on comfort and utility rather than bold styling.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a range of powertrains, with the highlight being the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition's 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive 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 also featured Land Rover's Terrain Response system for off-road capabilities, although it lacked a low-range transfer case, limiting its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was not designed for high-performance driving. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, providing smooth and steady acceleration. The CR-V's acceleration to 60 mph was around 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over driving engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

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, including a chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The cockpit-like front seating area was stylish but cramped, with limited legroom. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in practicality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's design prioritized function, with a focus on accommodating five passengers comfortably and providing ample cargo space. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, enhancing the Velar's modern and minimalist interior.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a more straightforward infotainment setup. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also provided multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim was the only one with a satellite navigation system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with some features only available as part of an option package.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims. Honda's approach to making advanced safety features standard across all trims set it apart from many competitors.