2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. Apart from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port being the only notable difference. When the battery was sufficiently charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, boasted over $13,000 in options, bringing its price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with some enhancements, such as blue seat stitching and special gauges for the PHEV powertrain. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior retained its rugged simplicity, though it offered more comfort than previous models.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long-standing reputation in the luxury SUV market. Its design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a sporty yet sophisticated profile. The Velar's exterior was marked by its trapezoidal roof, sweptback fascia, and signature Land Rover grille, all contributing to its unmistakable presence. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek and modern, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the fit and finish were exemplary, even in the base trim. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space was somewhat limited, particularly in terms of headroom and cargo capacity.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a powertrain based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It included two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, providing an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. The Wrangler 4xe offered a total driving range of 370 miles, with three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. The Hybrid mode utilized the full 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. The Electric mode enabled electric-only driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its capabilities, covering 757 miles and averaging 19.1 mpg.

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 smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-oriented design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered higher performance, with the R-Dynamic HSE model offering 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, though a plug-in hybrid version was not available in the U.S.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles to assist entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a high vantage point and clear visibility. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, but rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space was somewhat limited, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Wrangler's design included a swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window, which could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was stylish but compact, with limited headroom and visibility due to thick pillars and small windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design prioritized aesthetics, resulting in some functional compromises. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable design flaw, with the function integrated into the transmission button. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, with a simplified layout and customizable features. Despite some design missteps, the Velar's interior offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and advanced technology.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian services. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful data displays related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, including charging time estimates and status indicators.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. The infotainment system was user-friendly and customizable, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the Wrangler's overall safety ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rollover rating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impacts. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Velar's safety equipment was comprehensive, though U.S. crash-test ratings were not available.