2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Volvo XC60

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 unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sleek, sporty package was a scaled-down reference to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. Its exterior was both blocky and streamlined, with subtle design elements like the sloping roof and flush door handles. Inside, the Velar's cabin was high-quality, even in the base trim, with a polished black center stack and three sharp screens that offered sophisticated graphics.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 was a model of Scandinavian minimalism and style. It offered a choice of three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, and came in various trims with Bright or Dark exterior themes. The XC60 Recharge, in particular, was equipped with a turbocharged PHEV powertrain, providing an impressive 35 miles of electric driving range. The interior was opulent, featuring black leather, wood trim, and a crystal gear selector knob. The XC60's design was aging gracefully, maintaining its status as a style leader. The cabin was comfortable, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space, and the Ultimate package added luxurious touches like heated rear seats.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a unique driving experience for a Land Rover. It featured a lower center of gravity and lighter weight, resulting in improved handling and braking. 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 4WD. The Velar also offered an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune, delivering up to 395 horsepower. While the Velar excelled on the road, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. It offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. It featured a more powerful electric motor compared to previous models, enhancing its performance. The XC60 Recharge excelled in both electric and hybrid modes, offering a smooth and compliant ride, while the Power mode provided a sportier feel for more spirited driving.

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 the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 offered comfortable seating for four, with the front seats providing outstanding comfort and support. The rear seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited. The XC60's cargo space was more generous, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The XC60 Recharge featured practical storage solutions and a power liftgate for easy access. The air suspension option allowed for easier loading of heavy items, and the ski pass-through panel added versatility.

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 a heated windshield. The navigation system was intuitive, and the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable displays, though the driving assist display was less detailed than some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. It offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, handling complex requests with ease. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, though the standard Harman Kardon system was also excellent.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, 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, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features. The Ultimate trim included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The XC60's safety systems excelled on highways, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation added an extra layer of protection. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top safety ratings from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.