2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Is the Land Rover Range Rover Velar a Good SUV?

Yes, the Range Rover Velar is a good luxury midsize SUV. This athletic crossover has confident handling, sharp steering, and solid off-road prowess, and it offers a trio of capable engine options. Inside, this Rover's cabin is replete with top-notch materials. The front seats are welcoming, and the updated infotainment system is much better than those in previous models. The Velar has a few minor faults: Cargo space and rear legroom are merely so-so for the class, the ride can be a bit stiff, and predicted reliability is below average.

Why You Can Trust Us: 20 Reviews Analyzed

We analyzed 20 Land Rover Range Rover Velar reviews – along with reliability ratings, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if the 2021 Range Rover Velar is the right new car for you.

This 2021 Range Rover Velar review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2018.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

Should I Buy the Land Rover Range Rover Velar?

The Velar is a good overall package, but it's far from a slam dunk if you're shopping for a luxury SUV. A base price of around $57,000 may give you pause, and while that gets you a long list of standard features, you might find another vehicle you like more – and for less money.

Find a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar for sale near you »

2020 vs. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar: What’s the Difference?

There are several differences between the 2021 and 2020 Range Rover Velar, most dealing with the engine lineup. For 2021, two new turbocharged inline-six engines with a mild-hybrid system replace two supercharged V6s, which have been discontinued. The SVAutobiography trim and its 550-horsepower supercharged V8 engine also were axed. Additionally, a surround-view parking camera system is newly standard, and the Pivi Pro infotainment software replaces the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.

Compare the 2020 and 2021 Range Rover Velar »

Here are the key changes for the Land Rover Range Rover Velar over its existence:

• 2018: all-new model
• 2019: 340-horsepower supercharged V6 engine, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay became available; adaptive suspension made standard
• 2020: SVAutobiography trim and 550-horsepower supercharged V8 engine introduced
• 2021: surround-view parking camera system now standard; new infotainment software; turbocharged inline-six engines replace supercharged V6s; SVAutobiography trim discontinued

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Range Rover Velar, 2019 Range Rover Velar, and 2020 Range Rover Velar reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Much Does the Land Rover Range Rover Velar Cost?

The 2021 Range Rover Velar's $56,900 base price is above average for the class. The standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder, and models with a turbocharged six-cylinder start at $63,900. A more powerful version of that engine is available in models starting at $76,900. The Range Rover Velar can be equipped with a long list of optional features, and adding most of these amenities can raise the vehicle's price to around $110,000.

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

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Versus the Competition

Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs. Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is another luxury midsize SUV, but there are some key differences between these Rovers. The Sport has more dialed-in handling than the Velar and a wider range of engine options that includes a fuel-efficient diesel, a plug-in hybrid, some capable inline-sixes, and brawny supercharged V8s. Off road, both of these Range Rovers are similarly capable. They each also have a classy interior and comparable cargo volumes. The Range Rover Sport is available with a third row, though it's very tiny, and it still uses an older, unintuitive infotainment system. The Velar's tech is more user-friendly.

The ultimate sticking point in this matchup will probably be price. The Range Rover Sport starts at around $12,500 more than the Velar, with higher trim levels that blow past $100,000. If you're on more of a budget and are wary of a convoluted infotainment system, pick the Velar. For sportier performance, go with the Range Rover Sport.

Compare the Velar and Range Rover Sport »

Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs. Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace is a luxury compact SUV that is part of the same parent organization as the Velar. Both of these SUVs feature the same base engine and optional six-cylinder choices. However, the F-Pace is still available with a 550-horsepower V8 that has been discontinued in the Velar. Despite being in different-sized classes, the Velar and F-Pace have similar rear-seat accommodations and cargo volumes. The F-Pace retails for several thousand dollars less than the Velar, though that price discrepancy is evident in the Jaguar's unimpressive interior quality. You're better off spending more money for the opulent Range Rover, unless you want the Jag’s formidable V8 engine.

Compare the Velar and F-Pace »

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

Range Rover Velar Interior: British Refinement

Range Rover Velar Cargo Space

The Range Rover Velar comes up about average when it comes to cargo space. You get roughly 31 cubic feet of room behind the second-row seats, which is on par for the segment. It's a big enough area for a whole family's luggage, though it may require some extra effort to lift in items over the sill.

Fold down the back seats, and there's about 63 cubic feet of space. This SUV’s boxy shape means that you can easily load in large items. You can opt for features like hands-free liftgate access.

How Many People Does the Range Rover Velar Seat?

The Velar is a five-seat luxury SUV. The front seats are the place to be, with more than a dozen standard power adjustments, good support, and plush cushions. The Velar's panoramic roof contributes to an open, spacious feeling throughout the cabin.

Access to the second row is easy through wide-opening doors, and once you're back there, you should find a decent, though not great, amount of space. The Velar's rear legroom is about average for the class.

Range Rover Velar and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The lower anchors are easy to find, sitting under removable plastic covers. Most types of child car seats fit in the Velar's second row with little issue.

Range Rover Velar Interior Quality

The Velar hits the mark for the elegance you'd expect in this segment. The cabin is outfitted with high-quality materials, and there are ample opportunities for customizing finishes. Some choices for interior trimmings include plush leathers on the seats and other panels, suede headliners, and wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber accents. Everything is wrapped up in a sleek and minimalist design.

Range Rover Velar Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Much of the cabin’s uncluttered appearance is due to two touch screens that make up most of the center stack. The upper touch screen is the hub for most media, navigation, and smartphone displays, while the lower one shows climate and seat settings, among other secondary functions. There are precious few physical knobs for controls, which are set low on the center stack right above the gear shift.

For 2021, Land Rover gives the Velar the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. It's a marked improvement over the previous Touch Pro Duo interface, which was derided for its slow response times and overly convoluted menus. In contrast, Pivi Pro is quick to boot up, and it streamlines the steps needed to access common commands. The Velar is also now capable of over-the-air software updates.

• Standard infotainment features: two 10-inch touch screens, navigation, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, two USB ports, satellite radio, and HD Radio
• Available infotainment features: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 17-speaker Meridian stereo
• Additional standard features: a panoramic roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Other available features: quad-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, and cabin air ionization

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

Read more about interior »

Range Rover Velar Performance: Smooth Sailing

Range Rover Velar Engine

The Range Rover Velar comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 247 horsepower. That's one of the lowest outputs in the luxury midsize SUV class, but you wouldn't know it in practice.

The Velar accelerates swiftly after only a split-second of hesitation and turbo lag. This turbo-four also provides good passing power at higher speeds. A standard eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

New for 2021, Land Rover offers the Velar with two optional turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engines, rated at 335 and 395 horsepower, respectively. These engines replace the 340- and 380-horsepower supercharged V6s that were discontinued.

The turbo-sixes make the Velar noticeably faster. Land Rover claims the base model can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, while the 335-horsepower engine propels the SUV in six seconds flat. With the 395-horsepower engine, the Velar goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Range Rover Velar Gas Mileage

As of this writing, neither Land Rover nor the EPA has provided fuel economy estimates for the 2021 Range Rover Velar.

Range Rover Velar Ride and Handling

The Velar boasts agile handling, and it exhibits little body roll around corners. Steering is responsive, and in tight places, the Velar drives like a smaller vehicle.

Ride quality earns mixed reviews from critics, with some saying it feels too stiff for a luxury SUV and others commending its comfort. How the Velar traverses bumps depends on a few factors: Eschewing larger wheels should result in a plusher ride, and you can opt for an adjustable air suspension that evens things out more. Models with either turbocharged six-cylinder engine come standard with the air setup.

Range Rover Velar Off-Road Performance

The Velar isn't the most capable off-road Rover, but it has a lot of the DNA that makes the brand's vehicles stand out when going off the beaten path. Standard four-wheel drive and hill descent control pair with the Terrain Response system, which offers selectable drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, and Mud and Ruts.

You can upgrade to Terrain Response 2, which automatically selects the appropriate mode based on driving conditions. A locking rear differential and low-speed All Terrain Progress Control are also optional.

Read more about performance »

Range Rover Velar Reliability

Is the Land Rover Range Rover Velar Reliable?

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Warranty

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

Read more about reliability »

Range Rover Velar Safety

Range Rover Velar Crash Test Results

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2021 Range Rover Velar. The Velar has not undergone any crash testing since its inception.

Range Rover Velar Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

• Surround-view parking camera system
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Automatic speed limiting
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian and bicyclist detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Front and rear parking sensors

Available advanced safety features:

• Head-up display
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic parking assist

Read more about safety »

Range Rover Velar Dimensions and Weight

The Range Rover Velar is 15.7 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,130 to 4,430 pounds, and its gross vehicle weight rating is between 5,620 and 5,885 pounds.

Where Is the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Built?

Jaguar Land Rover builds the 2021 Range Rover Velar in England.

Which Land Rover Range Rover Velar Model Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar comes in three trims: S, R-Dynamic, and R-Dynamic HSE. We recommend sticking with a base S model since it has a long list of standard equipment and a capable powertrain. Regardless of trim, there's a wide variety of options for infotainment, interior personalization, and luxury upgrades.

Range Rover Velar S

The 2021 Range Rover Velar S starts at $56,900. A 247-horsepower engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive are standard. The base Velar S is available with a 335-horsepower engine that boosts the price to $63,900.

Standard features in the Velar include leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings.

The standard Pivi Pro infotainment system consists of two 10-inch touch screens, navigation, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, two USB ports, satellite radio, and HD Radio.

Standard driver assistance features include a surround-view parking camera system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic speed limiting, forward collision warning, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Cold Climate Pack costs $650 and adds a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield, while the $850 Hot Climate Pack includes a cooled glovebox, quad-zone automatic climate control, and cabin air ionization. You can spend $2,200 for the Dynamic Handling Pack and its adaptive damping air suspension, all terrain cruise control, selectable drive modes, and the Terrain Response 2 system. For $700, the Convenience Pack adds a hands-free liftgate and rear-seat folding levers in the cargo hold.

Individual options include heated front seats ($500), a 17-speaker Meridian stereo ($600), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ($565), automatic parking assist ($300), adaptive cruise control ($1,200), a head-up display ($970), and a Wi-Fi hot spot ($360). For $1,500, you can get heated and ventilated front seats along with heated, power-reclining rear seats.

Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S

The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S starts at $58,900 with the standard 247-horsepower engine and $65,900 with the 335-horsepower engine. This trim adds sportier exterior styling and some unique interior trimmings, but otherwise has the same standard features and options as the base model.

Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE

The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE features a 395-horsepower engine and starts at $76,900. Additional standard amenities include Windsor leather upholstery, leather-wrapped interior pieces, a 17-speaker Meridian stereo, larger wheels, adaptive cruise control, a hands-free liftgate, and 20-way power-adjustable, ventilated, and massaging front seats. An electronic differential with torque vectoring is optional for $1,150.

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

See 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2021 Range Rover Velar is as adept at tackling rocky trails as it is pulling up to the valet station of a five-star restaurant. A high-end interior, balanced performance, and agreeable technology combine to make this a pretty good luxury midsize SUV. However, some rivals offer more space and more powerful engines for a lower price.

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

• "The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is one of the few luxury SUVs with real off-road talent to back up its tailoring. … As well as a plush, 5-seater cabin and an SUV-load of all-wheel-drive hardware (some of the best in the business), the 2021 Velar is also loaded with Land Rover’s latest innovations, including a new infotainment system and mild hybrid drivetrains." -- Autotrader
• "It's stylish and undeniably high-end, but the Range Rover Velar isn't nearly as good to drive as it looks." -- Car and Driver
• "The 5-seater Velar fills the gap separating the radically styled Evoque and the larger, more traditional Range Rovers. It’s the kind of look that seems equally at home on expensive Rodeo Drive or on the trails through an expansive ranch. This duality, backed up by an off-road ability for which Land Rovers are renowned, is how the Velar distinguishes itself from competitors." -- Kelley Blue Book