2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a symbol of luxury and style, drawing attention with its sleek design and Range Rover heritage. The Velar's exterior was a masterclass in design, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The flush door handles and subtle adjustments, like the roof's slope, added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and sophisticated functionality. Despite some design quirks, the Velar's interior was a testament to Land Rover's commitment to luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models upped the ante with 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 models, including the top-of-the-line Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, producing a total of 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 19 miles of electric-only driving, and its AWD system and torque vectoring ensured a smooth and agile driving experience. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

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 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided 340 hp and 354 lb-ft for the base S and R-Dynamic models, and 395 hp and 405 lb-ft for the R-Dynamic HSE, thanks to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Velar's air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush ride, while the Terrain Response system provided six driving modes for various conditions. However, the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in cold weather. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed some practicality for its design. The interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear 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 also introduced some ergonomic challenges, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky shifter that obstructed access to controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and gesture controls were familiar to iPad users, and the screen was divided into function quadrants for easy navigation. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. The system included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and automatically begin directions for frequent routes. The Velar also featured a 4x4 app, 360-degree cameras, and a reconfigurable instrument panel. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for certain models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.