2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, maintained its 2017 design updates into 2021. It offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto since 2017, with an infotainment system update in 2020. By 2021, the Premier trim was discontinued, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, cloth seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT added features like heated mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded seats, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. Its sleek form included a sloping roof and flush door handles, with details like deep air ducts and bronze accents on the R-Dynamic trim. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, featured high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar's three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims added more luxurious touches.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds, and the ride was firm, especially over rough roads. The Trax's tight turning radius aided maneuverability, but rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more engaging drives.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering. Its base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 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 smooth, with an optional air suspension providing a plush experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided ample headroom and legroom, though rear seats lacked support for long trips. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but no power liftgate options were available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had limited interior space, with reduced headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 49 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Velar's design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for compromising functionality. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro system was unexpectedly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. Standard tech included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five stars from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, but features like forward-collision avoidance were unavailable.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in Euro NCAP tests, with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.