2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 in the small luxury SUV segment. Its design was a masterclass in elegance, with a sporty yet refined silhouette that borrowed elements from the larger Range Rover. The Velar's long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive Land Rover grille were complemented by subtle design tweaks like a sloping roof and flush door handles, creating a streamlined yet robust appearance. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and sleek design, featuring a polished black center stack and a trio of sharp screens that offered a modern, tech-savvy experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean lines and simplicity. While it may not have been as flashy as some luxury SUVs, it still managed to impress with its understated elegance. The test vehicle's Eiger Gray paint and silver 23-inch wheels added to its sophisticated look. Inside, the Range Rover Sport offered a luxurious experience with its Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, Windsor leather upholstery, and a host of comfort features. Despite its minimalist approach, the Range Rover Sport maintained a sense of opulence and refinement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rovers. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling 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. While this engine provided adequate performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system was the standout, delivering up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered a balance of performance and efficiency, making the Velar a compelling choice for luxury buyers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to deliver both refinement and driver engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. A plug-in hybrid option was also available, offering 434 horsepower and an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's performance was further enhanced by its adaptive damping air suspension and advanced driving modes. While it excelled in off-road capabilities, it fell short of matching the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on winding roads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, resulting in a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs. Rear-seat passengers experienced limited headroom, and cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design also introduced some ergonomic challenges, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky shifter that obstructed access to climate controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a more spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats were equipped with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats provided excellent support despite limited legroom. The Range Rover Sport's cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV's air suspension could be lowered for easier loading, and thoughtful storage solutions were integrated throughout the cabin. Despite some challenges with rear-seat access, the Range Rover Sport provided a more accommodating environment for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its intuitive layout and responsive performance. It featured a range of useful functions, including voice activation, navigation enhancements, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. While the Velar's technology was generally well-received, its driving assist display lacked the detail found in some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. While the Pivi Pro platform promised personalization and learning capabilities, it often proved confusing and frustrating to use. The voice assistant struggled with basic commands, and the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience. However, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive audio options, including a Meridian system with up to 29 speakers, and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar received a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), though U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist, however, were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves.