2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

 Is the Land Rover Range Rover Velar a Good SUV?  

Yes, the 2020 Range Rover Velar is a good two-row luxury midsize SUV. The Velar offers potent engine options and surefooted handling, making it enjoyable to drive. It’s sleek and stylish outside, as well as spacious and well-trimmed inside. It’s quite capable too. The Velar has a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with genuine off-road capability, and it can tow a hefty 5,500 pounds when properly equipped. Not bad for an SUV with high-fashion good looks.

It’s the details that hold this Range Rover back. The Velar’s ride depends on wheel size (stick with the 19-inch variants), and it varies from smooth to stiff. Also, its dual-screen infotainment system is quite distracting. All in all, give the Velar - and its pair of touch screens - a thorough test drive before you buy.

Should I Buy the Land Rover Range Rover Velar?

You should consider the Range Rover Velar if you’re shopping for a luxury midsize SUV, but perhaps not as a first pick. This segment is packed with compelling options like the BMW X5, Audi Q8, and freshly redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLE. All three offer solid performance and luxury but with easier-to-use tech features and a cushier ride than the Land Rover.

Compare the Velar, X5, and Q8 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Range Rover Velar?

Land Rover launched the Velar as an all-new SUV for the 2018 model year, and there have been a few important updates since. The 2019 Velar gained support for the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration apps. The 2020 Velar is now available with a high-performance V8 engine, but the formerly available turbodiesel has been discontinued.

You’ll want to stick with a 2019-and-newer Velar if Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are must-have items. If you want that turbodiesel engine, opt for a 2018 or 2019 model.

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Velar and 2019 Velar reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Velar »

We Did the Research for You: 17 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 17 Land Rover Range Rover Velar reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability ratings and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

This 2020 Velar review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2018.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our team has decades of experience in the auto industry. Though we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To maintain objectivity, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much Does the Range Rover Velar Cost?

The 2020 Range Rover Velar has a base MSRP of $56,300. That’s a higher starting price than many other vehicles in the luxury midsize SUV class. The price climbs to $62,200 for a V6-powered model, and it soars to just over $90,000 for a V8 Velar.

More affordable SUVs in the Land Rover lineup include the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, which start at $37,800 and $42,650, respectively.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Land Rover dealer.

Range Rover Velar Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Range Rover Velar or Jaguar F-Pace?

Some of the Velar’s closest competition comes from within the Jaguar-Land Rover family, such as the Jaguar F-Pace. The F-Pace is built on the same platform as the Velar, and it’s available with similar engine options. Both SUVs also seat five and offer similar cargo space. The Velar stands out thanks to its ritzier cabin materials and smoother ride. However, the standard F-Pace costs a few thousand dollars less than the Velar, and its infotainment system is a bit easier to use. Test-drive both of these British SUVs to see which you prefer.

Which Is Better: Range Rover Velar or Range Rover Sport?

The Range Rover Sport shares some common ground with the Velar. It boasts a top-notch interior, many of the same tech and safety features, and a lineup of brawny turbocharged and supercharged engines. There are substantial differences, though. The standard Velar costs $12,000 less than the entry-level Range Rover Sport. That said, the Sport can tow a lot more than the Velar, and it offers superior ground clearance for off-roading. Also, the Range Rover Sport can seat up to seven passengers, albeit tightly. Choosing between these two SUVs may be a matter of personal preference or price.

Compare the Velar, F-Pace, and Range Rover Sport »

Velar Interior

How Many People Does the Velar Seat?

The Range Rover Velar is a two-row SUV with five seats. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and they provide sufficient head- and legroom, even for taller occupants. The rear seats are fairly spacious as well. Outward visibility is good to the front and sides of the SUV, but rear visibility isn’t great thanks to the low roofline and thick roof pillars.

Leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats are standard. Upgrades include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, as well as heated rear seats.

Velar and Child Car Seats

The Velar has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats.

Velar Interior Quality

The Velar has one of the nicest interiors in this ritzy class. The styling is minimalist and reserved, and almost every surface is finished with first-class materials such as leather, aluminum, and soft plastic. There isn’t much road or wind noise.

Feel around in less-obvious areas, however, and you can find hard plastics and thin padding, but these don’t ruin the Velar’s upscale vibe.

Velar Cargo Space

The Velar has 29.4 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats upright and 60.2 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s plenty of room to transport bulky items or fit a couple of large suitcases. Still, most other luxury midsize SUVs provide more cargo space.

Velar Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Velar is equipped with Land Rover’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which includes two 10-inch touch screens. The upper screen controls the navigation and audio functions, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen and two dials adjust the climate and seat settings, driving modes, and a few other functions. Other standard features include an 11-speaker stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

These touch screens look sleek and futuristic, but they are frustrating to use. The bottom screen requires a lot of attention from the driver, because its dials control different functions depending on which menu is displayed. It’s a similar issue with the digital steering wheel buttons, which change based on the menus. Adjusting some frequently used features also takes multiple steps, and the screens can be slow to respond to inputs.

Available tech features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 17- and 23-speaker stereos, two additional USB ports, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-inch screens. An activity key is also available. This wristband allows you to lock and unlock the Velar without having to carry keys.

Read more about interior »

Velar Performance

Velar Engine: No Slowpokes

The 2020 Range Rover Velar is offered with four engine options. These include a turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower, a supercharged V6 with 340- and 380-horsepower variants, and a supercharged V8 with 550 horsepower. Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

It may not seem like a dynamo on paper, but the standard four-cylinder is the best all-round engine in this lineup. There’s plenty of power on tap for brisk acceleration, and it has juice for just about any situation you’ll encounter around town. There’s ample passing power at highway speeds as well, and the eight-speed automatic transmission deserves some of this credit. It fires off smooth and well-timed gearshifts. On the downside, the engine’s stop-start system is rather jarring, and it’s a pain to turn it off.

The optional V6 engine is only slightly zippier in day-to-day driving. The V8 is a powerhouse, however. This engine can launch the SVAutobiography model from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and that turn of speed is echoed by the SUV’s sonorous exhaust note.

Velar Gas Mileage: Spans the Gamut

The Velar gets an EPA-rated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway when equipped with its four-cylinder engine. That’s pretty good for a luxury midsize SUV. Models with the supercharged V6 get a decent 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, but those with the supercharged V8 get poor fuel economy of just 15/20 mpg city/highway.

Velar Ride and Handling: Buttoned Down

The Range Rover Velar has mostly pleasant driving dynamics. The steering is quick and light, and the Velar feels stable around tight turns. The brakes offer fine stopping power.

The Velar’s ride quality largely depends on wheel size, however. This SUV rides comfortably over uneven road surfaces when equipped with its standard 19-inch wheels. The available 21- and 22-inch wheels cause the Velar to jitter and jolt over bumps, even when accompanied by the optional air suspension. Stick with the smaller wheels for the best balance of ride and handling.

Velar Off-Road Performance

The Velar is one of the best off-roaders in its segment. All Velar models come standard with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which includes a variety of traction control modes for traversing rocks, mud, snow, and sand. Optional upgrades include a locking rear differential, a low-speed crawl control system, and an adaptive air suspension that raises the Velar’s ground clearance to almost 10 inches.

Velar Towing Capacity

The Velar can tow up to 5,290 pounds when equipped with its four-cylinder engine and tow package. Models with the V6 and V8 engines are rated to tow up to 5,500 pounds.

Read more about performance »

Velar Reliability

Is the Range Rover Velar Reliable?

At the time of writing, a predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power is not available for the 2020 Velar.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Warranty

Land Rover covers the Velar with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

Read more about reliability »

Velar Safety

Velar Crash Test Results

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2020 Velar. This is common for high-end luxury vehicles.

Velar Safety Features

The 2020 Velar comes standard with a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera system, active park assist, and a head-up display.

Read more about safety »

Velar Dimensions and Weight

The Range Rover Velar is 15.7 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 3,965 to 4,595 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Range Rover Velar Built?

Land Rover builds the 2020 Velar in the United Kingdom.

Which Range Rover Velar Model Is Right for Me?

The 2020 Range Rover Velar is offered in four trim levels: S, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic HSE, and SVAutobiography Dynamic. The entry-level Velar S is the best pick for most shoppers. It’s well-equipped with standard tech and safety features, and it’s offered with two punchy engine options. If you’re after high performance, upgrade to the SVAutobiography model. It’s the only trim offered with a V8 engine.

Range Rover Velar S

The base model Range Rover Velar S has a starting price of $56,300. This trim is equipped with a 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. A 340-horsepower V6 engine is available, and it bumps the starting price up to $62,200.

Standard features include two 10-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, an 11-speaker stereo, keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic climate control. Also standard are leather upholstery, heated and 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, off-road driving modes, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and driver drowsiness monitoring.

Many options are available, and these range in price from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars. These include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a surround-view parking camera system, hands-free park assist, a head-up display, and a digital gauge cluster. A 17-speaker stereo, an activity key wristband, a hands-free power tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, quad-zone automatic climate control, an air suspension, off-road cruise control, and 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available.

Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S

The Velar R-Dynamic S is offered with the same engine options as the S trim. The four-cylinder model starts at $58,500, and the V6 model starts at $64,400. This trim adds a digital gauge cluster, restyled bumpers, and other cosmetic upgrades. Most options carry over.

Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE

The Velar R-Dynamic HSE trim starts at $75,300, and it packs an upgraded 380-horsepower V6 engine. Other added features include 21-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 17-speaker stereo, as well as heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.

Most options carry over, and a few new features are available, like 22-inch wheels, a 23-speaker stereo, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-inch screens.

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic

The range-topping Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic trim starts at $90,790, and it comes with a 550-horsepower V8 engine. Standard features include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, an air suspension, larger brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, and an active exhaust system. Most options carry over.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Land Rover dealer.

See 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar specs and trims »

The Final Call

It’s not easy to stand out in the packed luxury midsize SUV segment, but the Range Rover Velar manages to do so. The Velar dazzles with a stylish physique that’s matched by an equally posh interior. It’s quick and enjoyable to drive, whether you’re heading down Main Street or carving through hills. It’s fairly practical too, thanks to its comfortable five-seat cabin and many safety features.

The Velar isn’t the SUV for everyone, though. Reviewers either love or hate the infotainment system, and the Velar’s firm ride could be a deal breaker for some buyers.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• Overall, the Velar is a dynamically capable vehicle, but it is let down by its unintuitive controls, a stiff ride, and mediocre fuel economy." -- Consumer Reports
• "It's hard to forget a name like the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, and even harder to forget the vehicle. The Velar is the latest Land Rover born of the company's new design language, creating a sleek and stealthy-looking SUV aimed squarely at the likes of the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Porsche Macan. In doing so, the Velar offers a slightly larger and more functional package that's more elegant than the conservatively styled Audi and more off-road-capable than the Porsche or the Mercedes-Benz." -- Autotrader (2019)
• "The luxury SUV market is a varied one, and each offering has its own particular set of strengths. If you like the Range Rover Velar's modern style, as well as its multitude of options for personalization, it's definitely worth a look." -- Edmunds (2019)