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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, and with various powertrains and personalization options, it could reach upwards of $250,000. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although its InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's ability to blend luxury with a sporty design. It retained the classic Range Rover proportions but in a more streamlined package. The Velar's design was both blocky and sleek, with features like flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive look. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Pivi Pro infotainment system was a significant improvement, offering a more intuitive and responsive experience. Despite some design quirks, the Velar's interior was a testament to modern luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the Range Rover's weight and tall center of gravity made it less agile on winding roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a more agile and responsive driving experience. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, while the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six offered up to 395 horsepower with a mild-hybrid system. The Velar's lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved handling, and the optional air suspension provided a plush ride. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to the larger Range Rover models. The Velar's powertrains focused on performance and efficiency, with the mild-hybrid system reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, but its interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats were comfortable and luxurious, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal cargo capacity. The clamshell-style tailgate offered 25 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, resulting in a tighter interior. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was compromised by thick pillars and small windows. Cargo space was also restricted, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the interior materials were of high quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The system's dual touchscreens were distracting while driving, but the touch-sensing steering wheel controls helped mitigate this. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a significant improvement, offering a more logical layout and faster response times. It included features like a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel was customizable, and the optional adaptive cruise control provided steering assist. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and a proximity key.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The HSE Westminster Edition included several of these features, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.