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

At first look, the Vary Rover Velar seems to be 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 proper locations. Flaunting the celebrated 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 greater 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 advantage the badge. That stated, there is a clear goal purchaser, and if you happen to’re a part of that crowd, you will find it irresistible.

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Worth, availability, and specs

In an effort to offset emissions from this heavy SUV, all engines are delicate hybrids, besides the P400e, which is a plug-in hybrid. Consequently, that is each essentially the most environment friendly and essentially 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 proscribed to the lower-output diesel or the PHEV, whereas the Dynamic SE and Autobiography grades could be outfitted with any of the 4 out there engines. No matter trim, the Velar comes with a powerful checklist of normal options.

Vary Rover Velar customary 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 bought near that, at 35.7 MPG. Given the load of this SUV and the engine dimension, I am glad 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 take 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 non-obligatory privateness glass and contrasting black roof.

This refinement is backed up by a clean, composed journey. Nicely, on fashions with added air suspension (customary on Autobiography trim), which is a must have for floating alongside uneven surfaces. It seems like driving a cloud. This additionally helps with entry and exit, because the Velar routinely lowers to entry peak 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 velocity. 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 an enormous 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 most recent Pivi Professional system, whereas responsive, integrates all the things into one giant display screen. The consequence? Extra time digging by menus to make easy adjustments.

The place the local weather display screen as soon as lived now serves as a sensible storage cubby. It is actually helpful, as I saved all the things there, however it’s coated by a skinny plastic lid that cheapens the general cabin really feel. For a car sporting the Vary Rover badge, the inside simply would not ship the royal expertise you’d anticipate. 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 turn out to be 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 turn out to be much more like a wagon in 2026.

After which there’s efficiency. On paper, the D300 six-cylinder diesel must be greater than sufficient, however it’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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Do you have to 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 by water, then you definately’d be higher off climbing the Range Rover lineup, or look elsewhere solely. Nonetheless, if it is to have fun 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 okay, so long as you understand what you are paying for. Actually, I might be simply as completely happy, 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