2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille were unmistakable. The Velar's design included a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim introduced bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured extra leather and richer textures. Despite its base trim, the Velar maintained a high standard of fit and finish.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60's acceleration was slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 prioritized a calm driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp and 269 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, especially with the optional air suspension. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system was available in two states of tune, with the R-Dynamic HSE offering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain provided high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's previous V8 and diesel engines were no longer available, and a plug-in hybrid was offered in Europe but not in the U.S.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior, with reduced headroom and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable design flaw, with the brake engaged by holding the transmission button. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the steering wheel lost touch-sensitive controls. However, the Velar's redesign of critical controls was seen as unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were enabled, and the system was compatible with iPhones. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions, and the 4x4 app provided off-road information. The instrument panel could display full-width maps, but the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system was available as an option.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had no U.S. crash-test ratings, but the European-spec 2017 model scored well in Euro NCAP 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.