2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. The rear was marked by bold, large taillights, contributing to a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, such as standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, packed with technology yet retaining an uncluttered appearance. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed at the top of the center stack for optimal driver visibility. The second row was also well-appointed, featuring standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, announcing wealth and taste. Its design referenced the big Range Rover's tall profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's roof sloped gradually toward the rear, creating a streamlined form with flush door handles. Special details included taillight lenses with mirrors for depth illusion and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The base Velar S trim level featured the optional Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, creating a sharp contrast against Fuji White paint.

Inside, the Velar's all-black cabin was dressed down compared to previous models, with lower-grade leather and synthetic materials on the dash. Aluminum accents adorned the door panels and speaker covers, while white contrast stitching and seat patterns added visual interest. The polished black center stack was a defining element, and the materials, even in the base trim, were of high quality. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured additional leather and softer headliners.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the standard gasoline-only model by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided convincing acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes, including a limited range on battery power alone. The vehicle's handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a "magic carpet" ride. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the base S and R-Dynamic models, while the R-Dynamic HSE had 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. The Velar's mild-hybrid setup helped reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls and storage options, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom for rear-seat passengers and reduced visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, and the lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable flaw. The P button for the transmission also controlled the parking brake, which was illogical and potentially dangerous. The Velar's new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the steering wheel lost touch-sensitive controls for better functionality.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views and customizable options, enhancing the cabin's futuristic tech feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and navigation with traffic detours and frequent route suggestions. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, and the 360-degree cameras offered a three-dimensional view. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, while the optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist was available. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but the European-spec 2017 Velar scored five stars in the Euro NCAP. Standard driving assists included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.