AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING8.0/10
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Safety9.0/10
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PRACTICALITY10.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7.0/10
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FEATURES9.0/10
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POWER9.0/10
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COMFORT10.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL9.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8.0/10
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VALUE7.0/10
Land Rover has updated the 2024 Range Rover Velar with refreshed exterior styling and a notable change to the interior: no more multiple screens. Instead, in true minimalist fashion, a single 11.4-inch touchscreen is now the new focal point. The Velar is available in two trims and has three engine options. Dynamic SE models come with either a 2.0L 247 horsepower four-cylinder or a 3.0L 335 hp six-cylinder engine. Dynamic HSE models like the one tested are only available with a 3.0L 394 hp six-cylinder powerplant.
Styling: 8/10
Those who appreciate minimalist styling will feel right at home in the Velar. Uncluttered and clean, the exterior features super-slim LED headlights and taillights, along with deployable door handles that almost disappear when not in use. Inside, the same minimalist design language continues with a simple colour palette, very few textured surfaces, thin air vents and almost no knobs or buttons. Instead, most features and amenities are controlled through a single touchscreen.
Safety: 9/10
The Velar comes nicely equipped with an array of safety features, including a few that you don’t normally find on other vehicles. These include All-Terrain Progress Control, which is best described as an off-road cruise control system, and Wade Sensing, which gives the driver real-time information about the depth of the water they’re driving through. Although this is intended for off-roading, we’ve had enough flooding here in Canada recently that it might prove to be a welcome feature when driving on public roads the next time there’s a flash flood.
Features: 9/10
All three trims come with almost the same standard features and amenities. So much so, in fact, that the major difference between one trim and the next is the engine option. When you move from the base Dynamic SE model with the 247 hp four-cylinder engine to the mid-level Dynamic SE model with the 335 hp six-cylinder engine, Land Rover throws in bigger front brakes and the Adaptive Dynamics suspension package. Step up one more level, and you get into the Dynamics HSE trim, which comes with a 394 hp six-cylinder engine, plus an electronic air suspension, 21-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats with massage, and nicer leather. All trims are available with a long list of a-la-carte packages and options so you can add the features and amenities that matter the most to you.
User Friendliness: 7/10
Whether you’re adjusting the temperature in the vehicle or accessing the GPS and audio controls, most features are controlled through a single 11.4-inch touchscreen. Fortunately, the menu system is simple and intuitive, which means you can easily get to where you need to be with just a few taps. The downside of using a single screen for everything is that you will lose control of all functions and features if or when the touchscreen fails or freezes.
Practicality: 10/10
With room for five, ample cargo space and the ability to tow up to 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs), the Velar can tackle most day-to-day adventures, as well as whatever weekend warriors may want to throw at it. Add to that the Velar’s decent off-roading capabilities, including the ability to wade through 53 or 58 cm of water (depending on the suspension), and you have a true go-anywhere-at-anytime-in-posh-comfort vehicle. Standard ground clearance is 213 mm, but models with an air suspension can raise their ride height to 251 mm.
Comfort: 10/10
Velar owners won’t experience any noise, harshness, and vibration because the passenger cabin is quiet and relaxing. All models come with creature comforts like heated leather front seats (rear heated seats are optional), a heated steering wheel, memory seats, and dual-zone climate control. The optional comfort package ($1,415) adds a cooled glovebox, four-zone climate control, a windshield that blocks UV rays and heat from the sun, and a cabin air purification system. An available active road noise cancellation system can reduce noise pollution even more.
Power: 9/10
The Velar is available with three engine options. Dynamic SE models come with either a 247-hp four-cylinder or a 335-hp six-cylinder engine, while Dynamic HSE models are only available with a 394-hp six-cylinder powerplant. Those who enjoy spirited driving will skip the SE models completely in favour of the extra power output of the HSE.
Driving Feel: 9/10
Depending on the driver’s state of mind and the road conditions, the Velar can be as sporty or as refined as necessary. Despite a touch of turbo lag, the Velar HSE (with 394 hp) is eager and sporty when aggressive manoeuvers are needed. Otherwise, this posh SUV delivers a well-mannered ride with a focus on comfort. Equipped with an adaptive suspension, the Velar can either float over road irregularities or bite into the tarmac, maximizing performance and handling.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
Fuel economy numbers vary between 10.0 and 11.1 L/100 km combined depending on the engine. This tester (HSE) was a bit thirstier, with a combined fuel economy of 13.4 L/100 km. Regardless of the engine option, however, the Velar runs on pricey premium gasoline. In comparison, rivals like the Jaguar F-Pace are rated at between 9.9 and 13.8 L/100 km, combined (depending on the engine option), while the Genesis GV80 is rated between 10.5 and 11.8, and the Audi Q5 between 10.8 and 11.1. All these rivals also prefer the premium blend at the pumps.
Value: 7/10
If you don’t mind spending close to $100k on a mid-size luxury SUV, you’ll find many options on the market. None, however, come with the Range Rover name, and, for some drivers, that’s a luxury feature they just can’t do without. The Velar offers a nice mix of refined luxury, cozy comforts, and off-road capabilities. It’s the kind of vehicle many think of when dreaming about picnicking off the beaten path in luxury and getting back home in style. That said, competitors like the Jaguar F-Pace, Genesis GV80, Audi Q5 and many others can do the same, just without the Range Rover name.
The Verdict
If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV in this price range, you have many options. If you have your heart set on a Range Rover Velar, then the top-of-the-line Dynamic HSE models with the 394 hp engine is the way to go. Although you can get a base Dynamic SE model for $70,350 (all prices include $1,950 destination fee), the 247-hp engine isn’t powerful enough to get the most out of this heavy vehicle. The Dynamic SE model with the 335-hp engine starts at $78,050, but still falls shy of the fun-to-drive factor offered by the HSE, which is priced at $90,450.
| Engine Displacement | 3.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 395 hp @ 5,500 - 6,500 |
| Peak Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2,000 - 5,000 |
| Fuel Economy | 12.6 / 9.4 / 11.1 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,358 / 552 L behind the first / second row |
| Model Tested | 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Dynamic HSE |
| Base Price | $88,500 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $1,950 |
| Price as Tested | $100,885 |
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Optional Equipment
$10,335 - Comfort Package: $1,415; Cold Climate Package: $1,020; Meridian 3D Surround Sound System: $1,000; WiFi Enabled: $700; 22-inch Wheels: $1,700; Black Exterior Package: $800; Black Roof Rails: $450; Technology Package: $1,450; Black Contrast Roof: $700; Terrain Response 2 with Dynamic Program: $250; Dynamic Handling Package: $850.
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