2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, maintaining a distinctive look that echoed its rugged past. The new model featured modern updates like half-round LED headlights and a structural grille, while retaining classic elements such as flat-topped fenders and a floating roof. The interior was a blend of exposed structure and luxury, with high-quality materials and a digital instrument panel. The Defender's design was both authentic and thoughtfully crafted, offering a blend of toughness and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that scaled the big Range Rover's profile into a sporty package. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, with features like flush door handles and bronze accents on the R-Dynamic trim. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite some design flaws, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, the Velar's interior was a testament to luxury and style.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Terrain Response and impressive approach and departure angles. On-road, it was quick and comfortable, with a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, while the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid offered up to 395 horsepower. The Velar's performance was more street-oriented, with a focus on a smooth ride and less emphasis on off-road capabilities. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and performance, but the Velar lacked the off-road prowess of the Defender.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured a unibody platform with independent multi-link air suspension, offering a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The interior was spacious, with options for three-across seating and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its sleek design. Rear-seat headroom and visibility were limited, and cargo space was modest at 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also offered multiple camera views and optional Meridian sound systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro system simplified the interface with logical arrangements and customizable features. The system included voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation features. The Velar's infotainment system was reliable, with standard features like LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including emergency braking, blind spot assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in harsh conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with a five-star rating. 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.