2024 | land rover | range rover | reviews | suvs
Written by Paul Strauss | March 10, 2024
It’s been a few years since we drove a Range Rover Velar. Since then, Land Rover has made a few updates to the graceful SUV, including a powerful mild-hybrid drivetrain, a new, single touchscreen setup, and tweaks to its front and rear styling. It’s still one of the sleekest luxury sedans you can buy and looks just as modern as it did the day it debuted.
Land Rover likes to use the word "reductive" to describe the Velar's design, and we can't think of a better way to say it. It has one of the most streamlined exteriors in recent memory. Its flush-mounted automatic door handles help minimize drag, while a liftgate spoiler increases downforce. The overall shape helps it cut effortlessly through the air, reducing wind noise and improving performance. Our test vehicle came with upgraded 21" dark grey wheels with a diamond-turned finish.
The Velar is available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-volt motor that work together to output 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. Our Velar Dynamic SE P400 was equipped with the latter, and it's quick and satisfying. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and without lag and helps launch the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Besides a desirable engine sound, it offers a very quiet ride, and its handling is well-balanced between comfort and dynamics. It's especially adept when cornering, thanks to an open differential and torque vectoring by braking.
The same minimalistic approach can be found inside the Velar. It's not as showy as some luxury vehicles, but it's clearly high-end. Materials and build quality are excellent throughout, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, door panels, and center armrest. The seats are trimmed in a buttery-smooth leather, and there's a dark grey ash veneer wood trim on the doors and center console. There's real metal trim around the gear shifter and aluminum paddle shifters with a wonderfully cold touch that suggests they're anything but cheap.
The dual stack of displays from the prior-generation Velar has been simplified and replaced with a single 11.4" touchscreen with a curved glass face. Except for the ones on the steering wheel and shift lever, there are virtually no other buttons, wheels, or knobs to be found here. The latest version of the Pivi Pro multimedia system is responsive, easy to use, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It took a little getting used to accessing the climate and volume controls on the touchscreen, though. We prefer tactile inputs for those commonly used features, but doing that would distract from the clean look of the center stack. Fortunately, there is a volume control wheel on the left side of the steering wheel.
While we love the clean design and shape of the electronic gear shifter, there's one thing we didn't like about it. Unlike most shift levers, this one moves if you grab it. You still need to push its trigger to switch gears, but it can be disconcerting to put your hand there and feel it rock forward or back while in motion. The shifter is a natural place to rest your right hand while driving, so it would be better if it were locked in place.
The front seats are very well cushioned and comfortable on long drives. The Cold Climate Pack provides front- and rear-seat heat and front-seat ventilation. A front-seat massage feature is available with the top-of-the-line Dynamic HSE. The back row offers enough legroom and headroom for adults to sit comfortably. There's a pair of USB-C charging ports available back there, as well as a flip-down cupholder in the center armrest. A large panoramic roof makes the cabin feel airy and open when its shade is opened. As a thoughtful touch, the shade automatically closes when you shut the car off and then re-opens when you start back up.
As 2-row SUVs go, cargo space is plentiful behind the back seats. The sloped roof does impact cargo height, but you'll still enjoy 30.9 cubic feet of space with the back seats occupied. That jumps to 62.7 cubic feet if you fold the seats. They fold in a 40/20/40 arrangement, so you can carry long items like skis while still seating four passengers. There's a retractable shade to protect your cargo from peeping eyeballs and bright sun.
While some automakers might feel pressure to redesign their vehicles significantly every five years or so, we like that Land Rover has kept the overall design of the Velar. It has had a successful look since the first concept sketch was revealed, and it still looks modern and distinctive. We like the more powerful mild hybrid drivetrain and appreciate the minimalism of the updated center stack. The Velar is a classy and sophisticated vehicle without being ostentatious and happens to be fast, too. The 2024 Range Rover Velar starts at $61,500 for the Velar S P250. The Velar Dynamic SE P400 has a $70,600 base price. The final sticker price with the options seen here and delivery totaled $79,933.
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FAQs
Bodywork and electrical issues were the main bugbears for Velar owners, accounting for 15% and 9% of faults respectively. Although most cars could still be driven, 44% took more than a week to be fixed.
Will the Range Rover Velar change in 2024? ›
EXTERIOR OF THE 2024 VELAR
The updates on the exterior of the New Velar are subtle yet impactful. Some new updates include; new front and rear lights with technical, jewel-like constructions, a restyled grille, a new rear bumper and new available colors like Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Gray.
Which Range Rover Velar is the most reliable? ›
The Range Rover Velar is a relatively new model that only came out within the last few years. The 2020 models are the most reliable. While newer models benefit from the updated infotainment system, the addition is a double-edged sword.
Is the Range Rover Velar comfortable? ›
Sitting up front in the Velar is not quite as majestic as the large Range Rovers, but you still get a commanding view of the road ahead and it's very easy to get comfortable. There's also plenty of adjustment in the supportive seats as well as in the steering column, so finding a good driving position is no problem.
What goes wrong with Range Rover Velar? ›
Air Suspension Problems: Some Range Rover models, including the Velar, have faced issues with their air suspension systems, such as the system failing or not working as intended. Engine Issues: There have been reports of engine-related problems including loss of power, excessive oil consumption, or engine noises.
What is the life expectancy of a Range Rover Velar? ›
What is Land Rover Range Rover Velar lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Land Rover Range Rover Velar is 120,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
How long will a Range Rover Velar last? ›
For example, with diligent care, Range Rovers can endure anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Another aspect impacting a Range Rover's durability is its production year. More recent models may showcase advanced technology and features, yet they could also be prone to mechanical complications.
Will the Velar be discontinued? ›
The first-ever Range Rover Velar hasn't exactly been the best seller Land Rover wanted it to be, and the British automaker is aware of this. Therefore, the model will retire for good, and its successor will be a battery-electric crossover.
What is special about Velar? ›
The plug-in electric hybrid Velar is more capable and flexible than ever, with a greater pure-electric driving range of up to 64km (40 miles)10 thanks to a redesigned battery pack, while the choice of highly advanced petrol and diesel engines feature mild hybrid technology for assured refinement and fuel efficiency.
Does Velar hold value? ›
Land Rover #1 for Residual Value & Least Dependable in JD Power Survey. Range Rover Velar, Discovery, and Range Rover Evoque all won Model-Level Residual Value Awards for 2023 from the J.D. Power Awards - meaning they are the most likely vehicles to hold the highest percentage of their MSRP value after three years.
Range Rover Velar reliability
That matches the brand's result in 2022 (out of 29 manufacturers), and is a big improvement on the previous year, when it came in 22nd spot. However, a whopping 42.15% of Land Rover owners reported faults with their cars. Aside from Tesla, that was the highest of any maker in our survey.
Is the Velar quiet? ›
All the while, the feeling inside the Velar is one of quiet, comfort and refinement. The redesigned cabin features a new focal point, a curved 11.4-inch central touchscreen, which operates all the infotainment, connectivity and climate control functions.
Is Range Rover Velar quiet? ›
In Comfort mode, the ride quality is supple, and the SUV is quiet, with little powertrain, road, or wind noise encroaching on the cabin. In urban driving situations, the Velar P400 is less delightful.
Is Range Rover Velar good in snow? ›
If you're looking for the Land Rover that performs the best in snow, you simply cannot go wrong with any. All new Land Rover models are available with Traction Control, which diverts drive power to those wheels with the most traction - something essential for driving through slippery and slushy roads.
Is Range Rover Velar a reliable car? ›
What are the most common problems with the Range Rover Velar? In our 2023 Reliability Survey, bodywork and electrical issues were the main bugbears reported by owners, with these accounting for 15% and 9% of faults respectively. Although most cars could still be driven, 44% took more than a week to be fixed.
How many miles will a Land Rover Velar last? ›
The lifespan of a Range Rover is greatly influenced by the quality of its upkeep. To prolong your Range Rover, we recommend consistent servicing, meticulous maintenance, and responsible driving practices. For example, with diligent care, Range Rovers can endure anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Do velars hold their value? ›
Range Rover Velar, Discovery, and Range Rover Evoque all won Model-Level Residual Value Awards for 2023 from the J.D. Power Awards - meaning they are the most likely vehicles to hold the highest percentage of their MSRP value after three years. But you need to take the good with the bad...
