2018 Landrover Range Rover Velar SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar luxury sport utility vehicle has three engine choices. An eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive come as standard equipment for the SUV. The base and S trims start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The S Td6 trim is powered by diesel-fueled 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 180 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The S, R-Dynamic SE, R-Dynamic HSE, and First Edition trims have a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 380 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. With the six-cylinder powerplant under the hood of the Range Rover Velar First Edition, the power delivery was urgent since supercharged engines don’t exhibit lag in low RPMs. It accelerated to 60 mph in under six seconds, which was quick in its category. The transmission shifted smoothly and worked seamlessly with the engine when increasing acceleration. The handling was well-composed through twists and turns and body roll was kept to a minimum. The steering was responsive and maneuvered around in a compact manner. It also provided good feedback from the pavement, especially in spirited driving scenarios. The brakes performed reliably and the stopping force felt predictable. However, it wasn’t the strongest and that was quantified by the 124 feet it needed to stop from 60 mph. The pedal was firm enough and provided a progressive response when pressed further down.

Technology

The base trim comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers, automatic wipers, LED headlights, power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, two USB ports and an infotainment system with two 10-inch touchscreens and an eight-speaker sound system. Several advanced safety and driver aids come standard. The S trim adds a hands-free power liftgate, auto-dimming side mirrors, power-reclining seats, InControl smartphone connectivity and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system. The R-Dynamic SE trim adds a digital instrument cluster, a 17-speaker Meridian sound system, and additional advanced safety and driver aids. The R-Dynamic HSE trim adds massage, heating, and ventilation functions to the power-adjustable front seats as well as more advanced safety and driver aids. The range-topping First Edition trim comes standard with the majority of options from preceding trims and adds performance parts upgrades, a heated windshield, a heated steering, ambient interior lighting, a heads-up display, additional USB ports and a 23-speaker sound system.

Safety

The 2018 Range Rover Velar was not yet tested by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Advanced safety and driver aids that come standard with the base trim include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, hill start assist, automatic emergency braking and off-road driving modes. More features are added to higher trim levels and they include blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, a 360-degree camera, automatic high beams and active park assist.

Appearance

The 2018 Range Rover Velar has a length of 188.9 inches, a width of 76.1 inches, a height of 65.6 inches, and a wheelbase of 113 inches. The Range Rover Velar is a new model from Land Rover that serves as a smaller iteration of the original Range Rover. The silhouette is reminiscent of its bigger sibling but rendered in a sleeker fashion. The front fascia is still recognizable as a Range Rover but has a swept-back and less angular jawline. The base trim starts with 18-inch wheels and higher trim levels have bigger wheels as standard. The sunroof comes standard with the base trim. Starting with the R-Dynamic SE trim, the front and rear bumpers now look sportier.

Comfort

The ride height can be lowered by the adaptive suspension and getting inside was more of a step-in rather than a step-up. The doors opened wide and there were no hindrances through the doorway. Up to five people can be accommodated inside the two rows of seats and both rows offered good allowance in space when seated already. The seats were very comfortable even in long drives and the additional functions only added to the experience. The range of adjustment was helpful in allowing most passengers to fit into the seat. The leather upholstery was finished well and complemented the understated style of the interior. Even with its agile handling on the road, the ride quality was still compliant over road imperfections. Impacts were absorbed sufficiently and the stability wasn’t disturbed. Road and wind noise was unheard inside the cabin and the interior ambiance was relaxed.

Cargo

There is 19.7 cu-ft of space behind the second row of seats, and folding the seats down opens up 70.1 cu-ft of space available for cargo.