2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $76,225, including various option packages.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sporty package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and trapezoidal roof were unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's design featured a sloping roof, wide shoulder crease, and flush door handles, creating a streamlined appearance. Special details included taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The Velar's three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured additional leather and richer textures. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space was tighter, with limited cargo capacity and headroom.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8, available in all trims except the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country featured an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim came standard with a 4WD system, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission provided refined performance, with Dynamic Fuel Management technology improving fuel economy.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and up to 10 inches of clearance. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited off-road capability. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain offered high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's handling was smooth and controlled, with the air suspension providing a "magic carpet" ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console offered additional storage options. The second-row offered a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded, surpassing most full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a design flaw, with the P button serving dual functions. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, with logical layouts and customizable features. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials, but the design changes were not always practical.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle featured a Rear Seat Media system, but lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air filter, and navigation with traffic detours. The instrument panel offered various layouts, but the driving assist display was less detailed. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, but crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, but U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.