2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Review

Comfortable, off-road-capable and classically good-looking: These are attributes not commonly found in one vehicle. But that's exactly what you get with the Land Rover Range Rover Velar. Introduced in 2018, the Velar is the second smallest vehicle in the Range Rover line, slotting above the compact and stylish Evoque and below the larger, more luxurious Range Rover Sport. Just like the Evoque, the Velar adopts a sleek, fashion-forward exterior design, featuring a sloping roofline that lends it a wind-cheating silhouette.

For 2021, Land Rover makes a number of significant improvements to the Velar. For starters, the old supercharged V6 has been replaced with a new turbocharged inline-six with a mild hybrid system that can help the car accelerate at low speeds and quickly restart the engine when stop-start is enabled. The Pivi Pro infotainment system is also new and is faster and more responsive than the system it replaces. Sadly, the SVAutobiography trim has been discontinued, and with it the potent supercharged V8 engine option.

The Velar's cabin is nearly as eye-catching as its exterior, featuring high-quality materials and a minimalist approach to its switchgear. Many of the controls are touch buttons that give the center stack a streamlined and tidy appearance. Front and center is the new Pivi Pro infotainment system running on two wide screens. The Velar's interior is a nice place to be, and it's made even more so when you opt for the available air suspension that grants the SUV a smoother ride.

The Velar competes with other small luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and its own platform-mate and corporate cousin, the Jaguar F-Pace. The Velar is pricier than most of its rivals, especially after you pile on the options. But if you're looking for a head-turning sport ute that's also sure-footed off the beaten path, few do it better than the second smallest Range Rover.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is available in three trim levels: S, R-Dynamic S and R-Dynamic HSE. The S and R-Dynamic S can be had with your choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (247 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque) or a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild hybrid inline-six (335 horsepower, 354 lb-ft). The R-Dynamic HSE is available exclusively with the inline-six engine, which gets boosted to 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. All come paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include: