The Range Rover Velar, a luxury SUV known for its balance of style, comfort, and versatility, has seen commendable improvements over the years. The Range Rover Velar 2023 model made a significant impact, thanks to its upgraded models that helped it withstand global chip shortages and supply challenges, ultimately leading to increased sales.

Looking forward to 2025, the Range Rover Velar is set to present the second-generation Velar, an all-electric choice, further expanding the brand's commitment to sustainable transportation options.

The interior of the Range Rover Velar, synonymous with opulence and minimalistic design, is expected to follow the same 'reduction design' in the 2024 model, enhancing the driving experience with its dual-screen setup and comfortable leather seating. It's this blend of elegance, power, and versatility that continues to cement the Range Rover Velar's position in the market.

Today's test drive features the gas-powered Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE, a luxurious mid-size SUV that promises a truly captivating experience on the road.

Price point

The price of the Range Rover Velar, despite its premium features, stands competitive in the luxury segment, offering value for money. The total cost of ten options amounted to $9,158. These options included a cold climate pack, 21-inch wheels and tires and a heads-up display. However, it is worth noting that the heads-up display was not as informative as its competitors' accouterments as it failed to display the speed limit, only available on the digital gauge.

New upgrades

Positioned between the compact Range Rover Evoque and the popular Range Rover Sport, the Velar boasts a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, turbocharged mild hybrid engine. It captures and redistributes energy typically lost during deceleration, resulting in remarkable fuel efficiency. Achieving an impressive 23 miles per gallon and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, this 2.5-ton vehicle is both powerful and efficient. Although it's designed for rugged off-road adventures, it doesn't compromise on comfort, safety, or durability (or resale value).

Car options

The Range Rover Velar is the third of four trim styles, preceded by the Velar Dynamic HSE. This model outfitted in an elegant "Zadar Grey" paint job, showcases subtle exterior modifications, including a fresh grille and headlights, a new lower rear bumper and LED taillights.

The vehicle maintains its signature Range Rover features, such as the sleek waistline, puddle lights, raked windshield, and black roof and window surround. Crafted in Britain, these vehicles boast a muscular yet refined profile, complete with flush door handles that gracefully extend when the car is unlocked and seamlessly retract when closed.

Hitting the streets, our all-wheel-drive Velar was quick when using automatic transmission or manual paddles. The on-road experience was filled with power, thanks to the Dynamic, Eco or Comfort modes. Off-road, the vehicle was versatile and confident, effortlessly maneuvering through grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts and sand.

The perforated leather seats, with cream-colored insets, matched the dashboard and door pads, creating a cohesive and stylish interior. The cabin provided a quiet space to enjoy the excellent 17-speaker Meridian audio system, especially under the expansive sliding panoramic roof. With ample USB ports, driver fatigue monitoring, and a Wifi hotspot, convenience was at hand. Additionally, the folding 40/2/40 seats allowed for generous cargo space, along with a spare tire.

Safety ratings

Sitting in the driver's seat, the Range Rover Velar is equipped with a 13.7-inch digital screen that displays RPM and speed gauges, as well as speed limits, settings, and other car features. The ergonomic 11.4-inch curved infotainment PIVI Pro touchscreen, positioned as if floating, exhibits three customizable images for quick access to audio, climate control, home settings and more. It also provides navigation and phone connectivity to various applications such as music, podcasts and the news.

Drawing inspiration from Land Rover's renowned off-road capabilities, the Velar boasts the ability to ford water up to 23 inches high, reaching the top of the wheel arches. It is equipped with an active rear locking differential, adaptive dynamics to adapt to changing driving conditions and an electronic air cushioning suspension system. Additionally, it features cutting-edge and standard safety features.

Overall review 

Overall, the 2024 Range Rover Velar offered a comfortable ride and very nimble handling. It proved to be both challenging and enjoyable to navigate off-road, making it a more affordable alternative to its renowned sibling, the Land Rover. The interior boasted opulence, showcasing Rover's signature "reduction design" that resulted in the Velar's sleek and minimalist aesthetic.

While the Land Rover brand has faced reliability challenges in the past, the Velar stood out back in 2023 as one of the most dependable vehicles in the fleet. JD Power recognized it as the model most likely to retain the highest percentage of its MSRP after three years when compared to its competitors.

LIKES: Opulent spacious cabin, on-/off-road prowess, power, versatility, comfort, handling, ride, cargo space and resale value.

DISLIKES: No complimentary maintenance, visors don’t extend, lacks some technical sophistication.

BOTTOM LINE: Range Rover cachet, awesome off-road chops, solid on-road performance.

Car fact file