The Vary Rover Velar is a classy SUV, but it surely’s undeserving of the badge

At first look, the Vary Rover Velar seems each bit the trendy luxurious SUV you’d expect from the British car manufacturer. It is modern and undeniably fashionable, with muscle in all the best locations. Flaunting the distinguished Vary Rover badge with confidence, it guarantees the refinement and functionality that outline the lineup. However after spending a while behind the wheel, it turns into clear that the Velar is extra involved with look than authenticity.

Whereas it’s able to tackling harsh terrain like its larger siblings — the Range Rover Sport, full-fat Vary Rover, and the Land Rover sequence of autos — the Velar falls brief in delivering the depth, driving character, and upper-class inside that benefit the badge. That mentioned, there is a clear goal purchaser, and if you happen to’re a part of that crowd, you may like it.

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Value, availability, and specs

In an effort to offset emissions from this heavy SUV, all engines are gentle hybrids, besides the P400e, which is a plug-in hybrid. Consequently, that is each probably the most environment friendly and probably the most highly effective powertrain within the lineup. The mannequin I examined was the Dynamic SE paired with the Ingenium D300 engine, which produces a modest 300 horsepower.

There are solely three grades to select from: S, Dynamic SE, or Autobiography. The entry-level S is restricted to the lower-output diesel or the PHEV, whereas the Dynamic SE and Autobiography grades will be geared up with any of the 4 obtainable engines. No matter trim, the Velar comes with a formidable record of normal options.

Vary Rover Velar normal key options:

• 3D encompass view digicam
• Terrain response
• Heated entrance seats and steering wheel
• 11.4-inch touchscreen with Pivi Professional
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Official figures counsel this Velar ought to return 37.5 MPG. I acquired near that, at 35.7 MPG. Given the load of this SUV and the engine dimension, I am happy with that.

Vary Rover Velar D300 efficiency specs

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What I appreciated in regards to the Vary Rover Velar

An opulent SUV with a silky transmission

I am unable to deny the Vary Rover Velar is attractive to have a look at. Flush door handles and an elongated silhouette give it a sublime profile, whereas the floating roof impact provides lightness above the shoulder line. The bronze accents of the Dynamic Dealing with Pack add a contact of richness, completely complimenting the Varesine Blue paint alongside the elective privateness glass and contrasting black roof.

This refinement is backed up by a clean, composed experience. Nicely, on fashions with added air suspension (normal on Autobiography trim), which is a must have for floating alongside uneven surfaces. It looks like driving a cloud. This additionally helps with entry and exit, because the Velar robotically lowers to entry top when the door is opened.

The eight-speed gearbox deserves credit score, too. Shifts are seamless, even in Dynamic mode, serving to the Velar really feel polished round city and at pace. Although its compact design is nice for maneuvering round city, it is not fairly as nimble when thrown right into a bend.

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What I did not like in regards to the Vary Rover Velar

Naked inside, boring efficiency

It pains me to say it, however the inside is a giant letdown. Earlier generations of the Velar featured a separate decrease touchscreen for local weather controls, full with bodily dials for ease of use. Now, the newest Pivi Professional system, whereas responsive, integrates the whole lot into one massive display screen. The end result? Extra time digging via menus to make easy modifications.

The place the local weather display screen as soon as lived now serves as a sensible storage cubby. It is definitely helpful, as I saved the whole lot there, but it surely’s lined by a skinny plastic lid that cheapens the general cabin really feel. For a automobile sporting the Vary Rover badge, the inside simply would not ship the royal expertise you’d count on. I imply, I’ve seen a Honda that’s more luxurious than this.

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The packaging additionally feels extra like a automotive than an SUV, and it is set to develop into much more like an EV wagon in 2026. Headroom is surprisingly restricted, and passengers sandwiched between the lengthy cargo space and hulking entrance seats have their legroom compromised. It is usable, however removed from beneficiant. It is set to develop into much more like a wagon in 2026.

After which there’s efficiency. On paper, the D300 six-cylinder diesel ought to be greater than sufficient, but it surely’s underwhelming. Sure, it is a heavy SUV, however the throttle response is lazy for a hybrid, and the engine grunts whenever you ask for tempo.

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Must you purchase the Vary Rover Velar?

The Vary Rover Velar appeals to a selected purchaser

Frankly, whether or not you can purchase the Vary Rover Velar boils all the way down to why you are contemplating it. If it is to enterprise off-road and wade via water, then you definately’d be higher off climbing the Range Rover lineup, or look elsewhere fully. Nonetheless, if it is to have a good time your success, the Velar is an Instagrammable SUV with loads of clout.

Although the Velar can conquer robust terrain, these capabilities really feel like an afterthought. This Vary Rover is extra of a luxurious way of life accent than a thorough-bred, which is ok, so long as you realize what you are paying for. Actually, I would be simply as pleased, and much better off financially, in a used Japanese hybrid SUV.

Engine

Ingenium 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel

Drive Format

All-wheel drive

Horsepower

300 hp

0-60mph

6.1 seconds