2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Audi Q5

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 exterior was a blend of classic Range Rover elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, with a modern, sporty twist. The vehicle's proportions, including its long wheelbase and short overhangs, were reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models, yet it maintained a unique identity. The Velar's design was further enhanced by features like pop-out door handles and intricate taillight lenses, which added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek and stylish, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack that stood out. Despite being a base trim, the interior offered a sense of luxury with its white contrast stitching and aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 presented a more understated yet equally appealing design. Its exterior combined subtle curves with angular accents, resulting in a look that was both classy and sporty. The Q5 was available in two body styles, with the Sportback variant offering a sleeker silhouette. Inside, the Q5's cabin was refined and functional, with a simple layout that had stood the test of time. Leather seating and heated front seats were standard, and the infotainment system was conveniently placed atop the dash for easy access. While the materials were of good quality, the Q5's interior didn't feel as special as it once did, given the advancements in non-luxury vehicles. However, the Q5's build quality was commendable, with no squeaks or creaks, and it offered a solid driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering that were unlike any previous Land Rover. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The Velar's 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 the turbo-four provided average response, the Velar's optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power. The base S and R-Dynamic models had 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, while the R-Dynamic HSE boasted 395 hp and 405 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The Velar's mild-hybrid system helped reduce fuel consumption and emissions, though it didn't offer electric-only driving.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, the Q5 provided adequate power and sporty handling, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with slightly more space than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior design came at the cost of reduced headroom, especially for rear-seat passengers, and limited 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 choices extended to its controls, with a controversial parking brake system that combined the transmission button with the brake function, which could be confusing in emergencies. However, the Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, yet it continued to impress with its functionality and quality. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy access, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear views. The Q5 offered ample space for front passengers and accommodated rear-seat passengers comfortably, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback variant, but still competitive within its class.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly interface. The system featured a simplified layout with fewer icons and logical arrangements, making it easy to navigate. Voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield were among the useful features. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions and traffic detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road measurements. The Velar's instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though its driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. However, the system took time to boot up, and Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's native infotainment system had large, easy-to-read on-screen buttons, though CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Audi Connect Care service included a Wi-Fi hotspot and was available for a limited-time subscription.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in the European New Car Assessment Program (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 parking sensors. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned five stars for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim offered matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.