Highs Eye-catching exterior, upscale cabin ambiance, plenty of space for cargo.
Lows Lazy acceleration with base engine, lofty price tag, too bad it doesn’t drive as good as it looks.
Verdict The Range Rover Velar has all the style needed to satisfy automotive fashionistas, but the way it drives is in need of a makeover.
Overview
Range Rover’s lineup has gotten more stylish through the years, but the arrival of the Velar in 2018 was the catalyst that pushed the brand's design aesthetic farther than it had ever gone before. In the years since the Velar debuted, its stable mates—including the full-size Range Rover and the smaller Range Rover Evoque—have adopted many of its new-wave styling cues. Now in its sixth year of production the 2023 model looks much the same as the original, which is no bad thing. A pair of turbocharged engines are on offer—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline-six that also features supercharging—and all-wheel drive is standard. Just don’t expect the Velar's on-road demeanor to be as engaging or refined as the BMW X3’s, Genesis GV70’s, or Porsche Macan’s. This is a high-style SUV with undeniable road presence and a well-respected luxury name badge. It’s nice to be in rather than great to drive.
What's New for 2023?
The Range Rover Velar gains a sporty-looking HST model for 2023, complete with an exclusive Arroios Grey paint color option and unique 21-inch black wheels. The HST will sit atop the Velar's trim ladder and will be offered only with the 395-hp version of the turbocharged-and-supercharged inline-six engine. An adjustable air suspension and adaptive damper system are both standard, too.
We'd recommend going with the P250 R-Dynamic S, which adds 19-inch wheels, a dual exhaust with polished finishers, a blacked-out grille, and leather-and-suede interior upholstery. We'd also suggest adding the Dynamic Handling package, which includes an adjustable suspension system, a drive-mode selector, and All Terrain Progress Control, which acts as a sort of adaptive cruise control for low speeds or in slippery conditions.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base engine is a 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is well behaved enough but struggles to move the Velar's substantial heft. We sampled a four-cylinder Velar for a 40,000-mile long-term test, and that model required 7.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. The turbocharged-and-supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six will undoubtedly provide better acceleration performance, but we haven't yet tested this new powertrain, which is offered in both 335- or 395-hp flavors. Much like the Velar's acceleration, its handling is by no means sporty. The suspension competently controls the SUV's body motions and keeps body roll in check while returning a firm, well-managed ride. Models equipped with the available air suspension can raise and lower their ride height for either more dynamic moves on-road or greater dexterity off it.
