2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Pros: Exotic, high-end styling inside and out; off-road ability; comprehensive array of safety and convenience features; lots of options for personalization

Cons: Steep pricing; not quite as practical as many class rivals, so-so ride quality

CG Says: The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar replaces its supercharged V6 with a turbocharged and supercharged inline six with a mild-hybrid system. There is also a new infotainment system that is capable of over-the-air software downloads and Active Road Noise Cancellation. Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Velar for 2018, an SUV that blends the brands’ trademark off-road prowess with exceptionally sleek, urban styling. We categorize the Velar as a premium compact crossover SUV, though it is on the large end of that class; it slots between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in size. Velar shares an aluminum-intensive basic platform with its corporate cousin, the Jaguar F-Pace. Three engine choices are offered: a 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the new six is a supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that is rated at 335 or 395 hp, and the top choice is a 550-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning and mitigation, driver-condition monitor, and blind-spot alert. Other available features include a head-up instrument display, panoramic sunroof, adaptive and height-adjustable air suspension, the Land Rover Terrain Response system, and a locking rear differential. Its sexy, luxurious looks seem more suited for Beverly Hills than a rugged backwoods trail, but the Range Rover Velar is well equipped to handle either environ. Land Rover offers a good range of engine choices and other options to tailor a Velar to your tastes and budget, but this is a pricey-for-its-class SUV in any of its forms.