2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's sleek, sporty silhouette, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs, was a nod to the classic Range Rover profile, yet it managed to present a more dynamic and modern appearance. The flush door handles and the subtle slope of the roof added to its streamlined look, making it one of the most visually appealing small luxury SUVs on the market. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and minimalist design, with a focus on comfort and style. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, provided a high-tech feel, while the fit and finish were exemplary, even in the base trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was all about ruggedness and adventure. Its retro styling was not just for show; it contributed to the vehicle's practicality and off-road capabilities. The Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, making it comfortable for both front and rear passengers. The utilitarian design extended to the interior, where features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs in the floor allowed for easy cleaning after off-road escapades. The Bronco's technology was geared towards enhancing its off-road prowess, with features like the G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera that made navigating challenging terrains a breeze. Despite its rugged nature, the Bronco offered a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, which contributed to its impressive handling and steering capabilities. The Velar's lower center of gravity and lighter weight made it agile in corners and responsive when 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 four-wheel drive. While this powertrain provided adequate performance, it was the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that truly shone. Available in two states of tune, it offered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, delivering the high performance expected from a luxury SUV. However, the Velar's street-focused design meant it lacked the off-road capabilities of its larger Range Rover siblings.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, was built with off-roading in mind. Its base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased output to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco offered a seven-speed manual transmission with a unique crawl gear for the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was available for both engines. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, making them highly capable off-road. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, with models like the Everglades able to ford water up to 36.4 inches deep. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco provided a comfortable and stable ride on pavement, outperforming its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's stylish exterior came at the cost of interior space. It was tighter inside than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. Rear-seat passengers experienced limited headroom, and visibility was compromised by 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 included some frustrating elements, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, which was integrated into the transmission button. However, the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the four-door hard-top provided up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails on the dash. Its utilitarian design extended to the exterior, with removable fender flares and stowable doors that fit in the cargo area, enhancing its practicality for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. The system included features like a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest traffic detours, while the 4x4 app provided detailed off-road measurements. The Velar also came with standard LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The forward-looking trail camera was a standout feature, offering a clear view of the terrain ahead. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was responsive and featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The available wireless charging pad and off-road apps further enhanced the Bronco's appeal, making it a tech-savvy choice for adventure seekers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with a five-star rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received a four-star rating for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats.