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

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its generic appearance, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was largely indistinguishable from its competitors, with similar side window openings and overall styling. While the CR-V did have some unique features, such as its grille and chromed plastic accents, these were not enough to make it stand out. The color options were limited, with the more vibrant choices reserved for higher trims, making it difficult to find a CR-V in anything other than the standard shades of gray, black, or white. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, but it still lagged behind competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson in terms of distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, making a strong visual statement. Its design was a scaled-down version of the classic Range Rover, with a sporty yet sophisticated profile. The Velar's exterior featured a sloping roof, wide shoulder creases, and flush door handles, creating a sleek and streamlined appearance. Special details like the taillight lenses and air ducts added to its allure. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base model, the Velar's cabin maintained a sense of luxury, with features like a reconfigurable instrument panel and sophisticated graphics on its three screens. The Velar's design was a testament to Land Rover's commitment to style and luxury, setting it apart from other small luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling performance but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, providing adequate acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, delivered decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, sharing its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offered a more dynamic driving experience. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the vehicle for additional clearance. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, enhancing its versatility. For those seeking more power, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower, offering the performance luxury buyers expected.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. With 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it was well-suited for families and their gear. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed some interior space for its design. It offered less headroom and visibility due to its sleek profile, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a range of infotainment options, with the base LX featuring a basic 5-inch screen. Higher trims included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports and a wireless phone charger available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a highlight, offering a user-friendly interface with customizable layouts. It included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also came standard with LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and a range of driver assistance features, enhancing its appeal as a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in European NCAP tests. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist, providing a comprehensive safety package.