2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting opulent SUVs. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles that, while visually striking, raised concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty silhouette that echoed the grandeur of the larger Range Rover models. The vehicle's design elements, such as the long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille, were meticulously crafted to create a visually stunning package. The interior, though less lavish than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a focus on sleek, modern design.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder presented a modern yet practical design, carrying over from its 2022 redesign with minimal changes. Its exterior featured futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, blending traditional and forward-thinking elements. The interior was designed for functionality, with clean lines and a sensible layout that made it easy to live with. The Pathfinder offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the base S trim with its essential amenities to the rugged Rock Creek trim, which added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements. The Platinum trim topped the range with luxurious touches like upgraded leather upholstery and advanced technology features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience distinct from previous Land Rover models. 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. While the base engine provided adequate performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered more power and efficiency, thanks to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup enhanced performance while reducing emissions, making the Velar a compelling choice for luxury buyers seeking both power and efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost, with 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim, which featured a taller suspension and off-road shocks. Despite the rugged enhancements, the Pathfinder maintained a smooth and quiet ride, with a rotary drive mode dial offering various settings for different driving conditions. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was impressive, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.

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 design choices, while visually appealing, resulted in some functional drawbacks, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user interface, but the redesign of critical controls was seen as a step backward in terms of usability.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided ample interior space, with up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The first two rows offered generous headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous cupholders and storage compartments. The Rock Creek trim featured a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds, adding to its utility. However, the roof rack's proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging in colder climates.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also included a 360-degree camera system and an off-road mode for enhanced visibility. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, while optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist added to the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with real buttons and dials, though some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder offered a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports, ensuring passengers remained connected and entertained.

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

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like ProPilot Assist, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim included rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience.