2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique appearance, borrowing some styling elements from other Genesis models while maintaining its distinct identity. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that leaned more towards a fastback than a traditional SUV. The ribbed detailing added a muscular profile, combining the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, athletic elements. The Sport Prestige models stood out with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia with big vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with most controls housed in a thin elliptical pod. The design was minimalistic, with a touchscreen perched atop the dashboard and hidden air vents. The interior offered a variety of color options, and the material quality in the Sport Prestige model was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long history in luxury SUVs. It retained the tall, tent-like profile of the larger Range Rover but in a sportier, lowered package. The Velar's design included a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a trapezoidal roof, and a sweptback fascia with the trademark Land Rover grille and square lights. The roof's slope and wide shoulder crease created a liquid form that was both blocky and streamlined. Special details included taillight lenses with mirrors for depth illusion and deep air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured extra leather and richer textures. However, the base trim still maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, features more common in sporty coupes than compact SUVs. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for a sportier experience. However, the GV70's chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of competitors like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving, and the exhaust sound was not pleasant. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but lacked the luxurious driving feel expected from a true luxury vehicle.

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 standard coil-sprung suspension provided a smoother ride, while the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush, isolated ride. 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 four-wheel drive. The Velar's Terrain Response system included six driving modes, and the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. The mild-hybrid setup improved fuel efficiency and performance. However, the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models, lacking a locking differential or low range.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. It provided front-seat headroom comparable to a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to a BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground of its segment. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, a covered storage cubby with USB ports was included. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with slightly more room than compact SUVs. The stylish exterior reduced headroom, especially for rear-seat passengers, and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, and the steering wheel lost touch-sensitive controls. However, the Velar's redesign of critical controls for cost-cutting purposes was frustrating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive tech package, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key option, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation, driver profiles, and other features for three years.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system simplified the layout with fewer icons and logical arrangements. It included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered traffic detours and commuting directions. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, and the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges. Standard features included 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 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 also included eight airbags, with a front-center airbag between the front seats. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec 2017 Velar scored five stars in the Euro NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.