2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, continued to impress with its refreshed design from 2018. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and added modern features like a plug-in hybrid variant and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and a premium sound system, to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and a powerful V8 engine. Each trim level added layers of luxury and performance, with the Autobiography trim showcasing high-end features like 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's ability to blend luxury with a sporty aesthetic. Its design echoed the classic Range Rover silhouette but in a more streamlined, sporty package. The Velar's exterior was marked by its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive trapezoidal roof, all contributing to its unmistakable Range Rover identity. The interior, while stylish, was more compact compared to midsize SUVs, offering high-quality materials and a sleek design. The Velar's infotainment system, Pivi Pro, was a highlight, offering a simplified and intuitive interface with features like voice activation and advanced navigation. However, some design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more powerful P400 version, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition provided options for a plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrain, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims produced 518 hp, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 hp. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 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 and braking. 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 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system was available in two states of tune, with the R-Dynamic HSE offering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. While the Velar excelled on paved roads, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, with its stylish design, offered less interior space, with 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The sleek exterior design compromised headroom and visibility, particularly for rear-seat passengers. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials and a modern design, but some design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen housing the infotainment system. While the system had a learning curve, it offered integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's dials allowed for control of various functions, but the overall interface was not the most intuitive.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified and intuitive interface, with features like voice activation and advanced navigation. The system was customizable and included useful features like a PM2.5 air filter and a heated windshield. The Velar's instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, while the optional adaptive cruise control offered steering assist.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features including forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.