2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 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 scaled-down homage to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The vehicle's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, highlighted by features like flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a study in high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish, even in its base trim. The interior boasted a polished black center stack and three sharp screens, offering a sophisticated and user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco was a celebration of retro-cool styling combined with modern engineering. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, drawing inspiration from its heritage. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and durable materials designed for off-road adventures. The vehicle's design was not just about aesthetics; it incorporated functional elements like cleats above the headlights for securing cargo and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The Bronco's interior was spacious, with practical features like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing personal items.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike any previous Land Rover. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling 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. The optional air suspension provided a plush ride, while the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes for various conditions. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft for the R-Dynamic HSE.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV, but it maintained good on-road manners. The vehicle's high-riding dimensions and all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. 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 included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was not intuitive. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model provided even more room, with 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The Bronco's design included practical features like easily removable fenders and doors, and mounting points for overlanding equipment. The interior was designed for durability, with features like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing items.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and 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. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and an off-road mode for enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's technology focused on enhancing its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, while numerous camera views provided visibility in tight spots. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Ford's SYNC 4 system. A wireless charging pad and a larger 12-inch infotainment display were available options.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.