2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the design updates introduced in the previous year, featuring a two-motor hybrid powertrain and standard Honda Sensing safety technology. The exterior closely resembled its gas-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The interior offered unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the CR-V Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive, with pricing ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested with a Platinum White Pearl paint, included features like larger wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system, though it was marred by faux wood accents.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and style, drawing inspiration from the larger Range Rover's design. Its sleek, sporty profile featured a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover elements like the trapezoidal roof and distinctive grille. The Velar's design included unique touches such as taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of a Bugatti. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system, Pivi Pro, offered a simplified layout and advanced features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, delivering a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack improved weight distribution and maintained 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Despite some droning under acceleration, it offered a pleasant driving experience with quick acceleration and predictable handling. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 33.7 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and adjustable clearance. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited off-road capabilities. 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats provided excellent support and adjustability, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with ample legroom and comfort for adults. Interior storage was impressive, despite the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupying center console space. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, reduced from the standard model due to the battery pack, and a maximum of 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over interior space, offering limited headroom and visibility due to its sleek design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, raised concerns about usability. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, and the cabin featured high-quality materials and advanced technology.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its modern appearance. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice recognition was limited, and the navigation display was cluttered. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter required a wired connection.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system supported a 360-degree camera view and off-road mode, while the instrument panel offered customizable displays. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.