2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 pop-out door handles and deep air ducts reminiscent of high-performance sports cars. 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 Jeep Wrangler was a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that embraced its utilitarian roots. Its design was unapologetically boxy, with a focus on functionality and off-road capability. The Wrangler's exterior featured Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, with the option to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls. While it lacked some of the luxury features of the Velar, the Wrangler offered a unique charm with its body-colored dash and chunky controls, catering to those who valued adventure over opulence.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering that were uncharacteristic of traditional Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to a smoother ride, even on standard coil-sprung suspension. 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 the Velar's performance was adequate, it was not particularly thrilling. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power and a mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency. However, the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was built for off-road performance. It offered a range of engine options, including a standard V6 with 285 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower, providing exhilarating performance both on and off the road. The Wrangler's solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various off-road transfer cases made it a formidable off-roader. However, the 392's on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues not present in the less powerful trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its sleek design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating and potentially dangerous. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler provided a more utilitarian interior, with comfortable front seats and a tight rear seat fit. Storage for small items was limited, but the Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's removable tops and doors allowed for a customizable open-air experience, with options like the Sky One-Touch power soft top for added convenience. The Wrangler excelled in providing charging points throughout the cabin, catering to the needs of modern adventurers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also included standard features like LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. While initially overwhelming, Uconnect proved intuitive with features like off-road pages and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The Wrangler focused on practical tech, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

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

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were optional. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.