2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style that sat comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinctive profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar's broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, while its short overhangs and optional air suspension provided impressive off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious environment, with a cockpit-like feel that made drivers feel integrated into the vehicle rather than perched on top.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and subtle design cues, such as the "4xe" badge and sky blue accents. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) could operate silently on electric power, drawing attention with its pedestrian notification system. The Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look, with a high driving position and clear views over the hood. Inside, it offered a rugged yet comfortable environment, with features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The interior retained the Wrangler's signature simplicity, with practical controls and robust grab handles, while offering modern conveniences like USB ports and a 115-volt power outlet.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a significant shift in performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This powerhouse delivered 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Land Rover claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph, impressive for a 4,595-pound SUV. Despite these figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, 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, though it felt large on tight roads. Off-road, the Velar featured Land Rover's Terrain Response system and other technologies, but its single-speed transfer case and road-focused tires limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0 to 60 mph time of six seconds. The Wrangler 4xe provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a total range of 370 miles. It featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, enhancing overall efficiency. While the Wrangler 4xe excelled in off-road capability with its upgraded four-wheel drive system and electronic lockers, its on-road performance was hampered by slow steering and wind noise.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not class-leading, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space 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 contributed to a claustrophobic interior feel, with limited visibility due to the chopped roof and tall hood. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit due to its high door sills and lack of side steps. Once inside, passengers found a comfortable environment with a classic Wrangler driving position. The interior offered practical features like manual seat height adjusters and heated elements. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and netting for loose items. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded. The Wrangler's design, including the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window, added to its charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

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 offered a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility, but suffered from slow response times. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, though the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology centered around its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system, with data displays for each. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, smartphone integration, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed its age in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful charging indicators and trip summary data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for 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.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the SUV's overall safety was rated as safe, except for small-overlap frontal-impact protection. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.