Overview An attractive design goes a long way, and the 2026 Range Rover Velar is one of the more avant-garde options in the compact luxury SUV class. But beauty only gets the Velar so far. The base turbo four-cylinder is too tepid, and the Velar’s handling isn’t particularly engaging for the driver. Performance improves with the optional turbocharged-and-supercharged inline-six, but the Velar is still better at long-distance comfort than delivering sporting fun. The Velar’s interior is a pleasant place to spend time, and the chic minimalist design has just one downside: nearly everything runs through a central touchscreen. Like most other Land Rovers, the Velar has the equipment to venture off-road, and it’ll likely take you further afield than similarly-sized Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, and Volvos. What’s New for 2026?Gone is last year’s range-topping Dynamic HSE trim, its place filled by an Autobiography model of the Range Rover Velar. The Autobiography costs a little more, cresting the $80,000 mark, but it comes standard with an extended leather upholstery package, fancier-looking 21-inch wheels, and a 360-degree camera system.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Velar starts at $62,975 and goes up to $80,275 depending on the trim and options.If you’re hooked by the Velar’s well-tailored looks and posh appointments, we’d recommend going with the P400 Dynamic SE trim, which is the least costly way to get the turbocharged-and-supercharged inline-six engine. That model comes standard with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers. It’s rife with amenities, from a power steering column adjuster to front and rear sunroofs to a Meridian sound system. We’d also suggest adding the Dynamic Handling package, which includes air springs that enable adjustable ride height, a drive-mode selector, and All Terrain Progress Control, which acts as a sort of adaptive cruise control for low speeds or in slippery conditions.Engine, Transmission, and Performance The base engine—P250 in Land Rover parlance—is a 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic that is genteel but doesn’t move the Velar’s heft with any authority. Much like the Velar’s acceleration, its handling is by no means sporty. The P400 model brings the 395-hp turbocharged-and-supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which is buttressed by a 48-volt hybrid system. It’s a much more energetic combination but its over-the-road character remains uninvolving. The suspension competently controls the SUV’s body motions and keeps body roll in check while returning a firm, well-managed ride, but its steering is lifeless, and its brake pedal feel is mushy. Models equipped with the available air suspension can raise and lower their ride height for either more dynamic moves on-road or greater dexterity off it. 0–60-MPH TimesWe sampled a four-cylinder Velar for a 40,000-mile long-term test, which did not go well. That model required 7.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. The P400 powertrain—carrying a 395-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six—provides better acceleration performance, but we haven’t tested this powertrain yet. By our estimate, the P400 model should hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds; that’s still behind six-cylinder rivals such as the BMW X3 M40i and the Porsche Macan S.More on the Range Rover Velar SUVTowing and Payload CapacityWith the base turbo-four, the Velar can tow up to 5291 pounds; ordering the six-cylinder engine bumps that maximum capacity up to 5511 pounds. Either rating is enough for a small camper or boat. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA has rated the Velar’s inline-six engine as high as 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, and the turbocharged four-cylinder is only slightly more efficient, with ratings of 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the four-cylinder Velar delivered 26 mpg. For more information about the Velar’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoDig modern architecture? You’ll probably like the Velar’s simple interior, rendered largely from horizontal lines and bold rectilinear forms. Efforts have been made to make the Velar’s interior design as clutter-free as possible. Most everything is controlled via the infotainment touchscreen, which frees up the center console to serve as little more than an artful coffee table dividing the Velar’s cabin. The Velar’s softly rounded exterior shape and visually pleasing rear overhang combine to swallow more carry-on suitcases than its immediate competitors with its rear seats up or folded. We fit 10 of our carry-ons behind the rear seats and 23 with all seats folded.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA slick 11.4-inch touchscreen display seemingly floats in front of the dashboard, running Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment interface. Pivi Pro is relatively easy to use and fairly responsive to inputs, but it’s not without its quirks. Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice control, a Meridian stereo system, in-dash navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration are all standard.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesLand Rover makes available the latest driver-assistance technologies such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on the Velar. For more information about the Velar’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageThe Velar’s four-year, 50,000-mile limited warranty is on par with its competitors. Interestingly, Jaguar’s mechanically similar F-Pace carries both a stronger warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan; the latter is something that Land Rover only offers as a dealer add-on.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: Velar P250 S, $62,775; P250 Dynamic SE, $64,875; P400 Dynamic SE, $71,875; P400 Dynamic HSE, $86,070
ENGINES
P250: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 247 hp, 269 lb-ft
P400: turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 395 hp, 405 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 188.9 in
Width: 76.0 in
Height: 66.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 60/30 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4150-4450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.2-7.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8-15.7 sec
Top Speed: 135-155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21-23/19-22/25-26 mpgMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
