2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and introduced the sporty ST-Line. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, it visually resembled other Explorer models. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, with a "floating roof" effect. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding, but the cabin showed a mix of quality materials. Overall, it was appealing, though hints of the base trim were evident.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that announced wealth and taste. It referenced the big Range Rover's profile, scaling it into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments, like a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a blocky yet streamlined look. Special details included taillight lenses with mirrors for depth and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive bumper. The base Velar S trim, tested with a Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, looked sharp against Fuji White paint. Inside, the all-black cabin featured lower-grade leather and aluminum accents, with a polished black center stack. The materials were high quality, and the fit and finish were exemplary, even in the base trim.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with optional 4WD. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and capable off-road, with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, while the Timberline models offered 8.7 inches. The Explorer King Ranch provided an athletic driving experience, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering enhanced performance features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, with optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street focus limited off-road capability. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, was available in two states of tune: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft for base S and R-Dynamic models, and 395 hp and 405 lb-ft for R-Dynamic HSE. The mild-hybrid setup reduced fuel consumption and emissions while delivering high performance. The Velar's mission as a street Rover compromised off-road capability, lacking a locking differential or low range.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for drivers and eight-way for passengers. The second-row seats were accommodating, but the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was tighter inside than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a design flaw, with the brake engaged by holding the transmission button. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The Velar's interior featured a heated windshield, PM2.5 air filter, and a 360-degree camera system. The instrument panel offered various layouts, but the driving assist display lacked detail. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was good but not exceptional.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was lacking, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0. A rear-seat entertainment system was available.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and navigation with traffic detours and frequent route suggestions. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, and the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view. The instrument panel displayed full-width maps and customizable layouts. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was standard, along with LED headlights, automatic high beams, 14-way power heated front seats, a proximity key, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA in previous years. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity was lacking.

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 driving assists included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor. The 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist were optional.