2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was both sporty and sophisticated. The Velar's exterior was a masterful blend of the big Range Rover's iconic profile, scaled down into a sleek, streamlined package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille were unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's design was further enhanced by subtle details like the sloping roof and flush door handles, creating a fluid form that was both blocky and aerodynamic. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and sharp, sophisticated graphics on its three screens.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to the brand's rugged heritage, with a design that emphasized function and durability. Its boxy, industrial design was a tribute to the original 1980s Defender, with square-jawed features and steep angles. The Defender's interior was utilitarian, with rubber and plastic surfaces designed to resist stains and moisture. Despite its lofty price, the Defender's interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, yet it retained a unique character that set it apart from the more luxurious Range Rover models. The Defender offered a range of body styles and accessory packages, providing unparalleled flexibility and choice for buyers.

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 improved cornering and braking, while the optional air suspension provided a plush, isolated ride. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, offering average response and decent acceleration. The Velar's optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim, offering high performance while reducing emissions. However, the Velar's street-focused design compromised its off-road capabilities, lacking features like a locking differential or low range.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided impressive power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission was flawless, but its on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's off-road prowess came at the cost of on-road comfort, making it more akin to a Toyota 4Runner than a luxury SUV. Despite this, the Defender's engines offered strong performance, with the mild-hybrid inline-six providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency.

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 them folded. The Velar's design sacrifices extended to its controls, with a confusing parking brake system that combined functions illogically. However, the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility as an everyday SUV, with unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered optional third rows for up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas provided excellent visibility, and its cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's extensive list of available features included off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and various camping and utility accessories, making it a highly adaptable vehicle.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It offered features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though its driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, and navigation. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology package was comprehensive, with options for a digital instrument panel, 360-degree camera system, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP testing, 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 Land Rover Defender also received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing, praised for its solid structure. It came equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system, though it lacked a self-steering highway assist.