History/Overview
Introduced in 2018, the Velar is part of Land Rover’s Range Rover family of models. Despite its high-dollar looks, it’s actually among the brand’s less-expensive offerings.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Range Rover Velar gains a mild hybrid powertrain to replace last year’s supercharged V6. Also, the 2020 model’s V8 option is gone.
Available Trims
Land Rover offers the Range Rover Velar in S, R-Dynamic, and R-Dynamic HSE trim levels. The entry-level P250 S uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. P340 S, P340 R-Dynamic S and P400 R-Dynamic HSE all get the new mild hybrid 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine.
Standard Features
Land Rover fits the Velar with 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated/power-folding side mirrors with driver’s-side auto-dimming, flush door handles, a power tailgate, auto-levelling LED auto on/off headlights with automatic high beams and washers, passive keyless entry, and rear fog lights.
Inside, the Velar comes with leather seating and heated steering wheel, power steering column, dual-zone A/C, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-touchscreen infotainment, 14-way power front seats, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Safety-wise, all Velar trims get front and rear parking aids, lane keep assist, rear traffic monitor, blind spot assist, a driver condition monitor, 360-degree camera views, and traffic sign recognition.
R-Dynamic trim adds larger brakes, adaptive air suspension, perforated leather steering wheel, and metal pedals and front treadplates.
R-Dynamic HSE gains 21-inch wheels, a hands-free tailgate, 20-way power seats with massage, and autonomous emergency braking.
Key Options
To your Velar, you can add a hot climate package that brings a cooled glove box and four-zone A/C. There’s also a dynamic handling pack that enhances the truck’s off-road ability. And to lower-spec trims, a convenience group brings a hands-free tailgate, remote rear-seat release levers, and wearable waterproof activity key.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Land Rover has not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 Velar. Figures for the 2.0L turbo powertrain should be similar to last year’s ratings of 11.7/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway). We’ll update this article when Land Rover publishes the new mild hybrid engine’s estimates. For now, our educated guess is the MHEV setup will be more efficient than the outgoing supercharged V6, which was rated at 13.0/10.0 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
With the Range Rover Velar, Land Rover hopes to attract shoppers who might be thinking about the Lexus RX, BMW’s X3 and X5 models, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Jaguar F-Pace, Lincoln’s Nautilus, and the Porsche Macan and Cayenne.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed