2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic design, characterized by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, which made it instantly recognizable. Despite variations in trim levels, such as painted or exposed fenders and different roof options, the Wrangler's core elements remained unchanged, ensuring it stood out on the road. The interior was functional rather than luxurious, with upright seating and limited legroom, which some drivers found charming. The Wrangler offered various trims, from the basic Sport with manual features to the more luxurious High Altitude with leather upholstery and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that referenced the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. Its sleek, streamlined form featured a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. The Velar's interior matched its exterior's elegance, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base model, the Velar S trim level offered a refined cabin experience, though it lacked some of the luxurious touches found in higher trims. The Velar's design choices, such as the absence of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a focus on aesthetics over practicality.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, with the latter delivering 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, such as Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catered to various off-road needs, with the Rubicon trim offering advanced features like locking differentials and a disconnectable sway bar. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivered 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse.

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 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the vehicle for additional clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two power levels, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft, thanks to a mild-hybrid system. This setup enhanced performance while reducing emissions, though the Velar lacked the off-road capabilities of larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various roof options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, combining convenience with the open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with limited storage but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though wheel-wells and roll-bars limited larger item storage.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, resulting in a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs. The sleek design reduced headroom and visibility, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, highlighted a focus on aesthetics over practicality. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the redesign of critical controls, like the parking brake, was seen as a step backward.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim, with the basic Sport featuring a 5-inch screen for radio and settings. Higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail visibility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements. Features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield added convenience. The navigation system provided intelligent route suggestions, while the 4x4 app and 360-degree cameras enhanced off-road capabilities. The instrument panel offered customizable displays, though the adaptive cruise control's steering assist was less advanced than competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, many features were not standard, and lane-departure warning was unavailable. The Wrangler included a backup camera and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist enhanced safety, though the Velar's design choices, such as the parking brake control, raised concerns.