2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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 reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models, yet it maintained a unique identity. The exterior was adorned with subtle details like the sloping roof and flush door handles, which contributed to its streamlined appearance. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, featuring a polished black center stack and sharp, sophisticated graphics on its three screens. Even in its base trim, the Velar's interior was a testament to Land Rover's commitment to luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, emerging with a more rugged and substantial appearance. The new model was larger, with an upright grille and boxier styling that emphasized its increased dimensions. The Pilot's TrailSport model, in particular, embraced its off-road capabilities with features like a taller ride height and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Pilot's interior was more conventional but highly functional, with a focus on practicality and versatility. The materials used met the elevated standards of its class, and the interior space was thoughtfully designed to accommodate families. The Pilot's emphasis on function over form was evident, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a utilitarian yet attractive SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The Velar offered a choice of engines, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided average response, with the eight-speed automatic transmission favoring taller gears for efficiency. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain offered the high performance expected from a luxury SUV while reducing emissions. However, the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models, lacking features like a locking differential or low range.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a smooth driving experience. While not particularly sporty, the Pilot's performance was well-suited for a family SUV, with a focus on comfort and ease of driving. The TrailSport trim added off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its versatility. Despite its off-road enhancements, the Pilot maintained its on-road composure, making it a well-rounded choice for families seeking both daily practicality and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, offering slightly more space than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior design came at the cost of reduced headroom and limited visibility, particularly for rear-seat passengers. 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, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space and clever storage solutions. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot's interior was equipped with convenient features like a dash shelf, wireless charging pad, and a stowable second-row center seat. The second row provided generous space for adults, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The Pilot's interior design prioritized functionality, making it an excellent choice for families.

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 customizable options and a voice assistant. Additional features included a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel offered various display configurations, while standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's technology offerings were robust, especially in higher trims. The EX-L trim and above included a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The top Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The Pilot's infotainment system was responsive and logically arranged, with features like CabinTalk and a multi-view camera system enhancing convenience and safety. The Touring and Elite trims offered additional features like a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in the European NCAP tests, earning five stars 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 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned reliably, providing peace of mind for drivers.