The Range Rover Velar is a stylish SUV, but it's not worthy of the badge

Summary

The Range Rover Velar’s sleek design appeals to specific buyers.
Performance and interior quality let it down.
There’s a radical new design due next year.

At first glance, the Range Rover Velar looks every bit the modern luxury SUV you’d expect from the British car manufacturer. It’s sleek and undeniably stylish, with muscle in all the right places. Flaunting the prestigious Range Rover badge with confidence, it promises the refinement and capability that define the lineup. But after spending some time behind the wheel, it becomes clear that the Velar is more concerned with appearance than authenticity.

While it is capable of tackling harsh terrain like its bigger siblings — the Range Rover Sport, full-fat Range Rover, and the Land Rover series of vehicles — the Velar falls short in delivering the depth, driving character, and upper-class interior that merit the badge. That said, there’s a clear target buyer, and if you’re part of that crowd, you’ll love it.

Engine: Ingenium 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Drive Layout: All-wheel drive
Horsepower: 300 hp
0-60mph: 6.1 seconds

The Range Rover Velar is a premium SUV with dashing looks and true off-road capabilities. Overall, it’s a good vehicle, but it falls short of the Range Rover standards expected. That said, it’s perfectly poised for a photoshoot with the latest woke influencers.

Pros & Cons

Attractive design
Comfortable drive
Plenty of cargo space

Lackluster interior
Doesn’t feel like an SUV
Dull performance

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Price, availability, and specs

In an effort to offset emissions from this heavy SUV, all engines are mild hybrids, except the P400e, which is a plug-in hybrid. Consequently, this is both the most efficient and the most powerful powertrain in the lineup. The model I tested was the Dynamic SE paired with the Ingenium D300 engine, which produces a modest 300 horsepower.

There are only three grades to choose from: S, Dynamic SE, or Autobiography. The entry-level S is limited to the lower-output diesel or the PHEV, whereas the Dynamic SE and Autobiography grades can be equipped with any of the four available engines. Regardless of trim, the Velar comes with an impressive list of standard features.

Range Rover Velar standard key features:

3D surround view camera
Terrain response
Heated front seats and steering wheel
11.4-inch touchscreen with Pivi Pro
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Official figures suggest this Velar should return 37.5 MPG. I got close to that, at 35.7 MPG. Given the weight of this SUV and the engine size, I’m satisfied with that.

Range Rover Velar D300 performance specs

Trim	Dynamic SE
Engine	3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel hybrid
Horsepower	300 bhp
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive
0-62 mph	6.1 seconds
Price	£66,905

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What I liked about the Range Rover Velar

A plush SUV with a silky transmission

Image of the digital instrument cluster in the 2025 Range Rover Velar.

I can’t deny the Range Rover Velar is gorgeous to look at. Flush door handles and an elongated silhouette give it an elegant profile, while the floating roof effect adds lightness above the shoulder line. The bronze accents of the Dynamic Handling Pack add a touch of richness, perfectly complimenting the Varesine Blue paint alongside the optional privacy glass and contrasting black roof.

It feels like driving a cloud.

This refinement is backed up by a smooth, composed ride. Well, on models with added air suspension (standard on Autobiography trim), which is a must-have for floating along uneven surfaces. It feels like driving a cloud. This also helps with entry and exit, as the Velar automatically lowers to access height when the door is opened.

The eight-speed gearbox deserves credit, too. Shifts are seamless, even in Dynamic mode, helping the Velar feel polished around town and at speed. Though its compact design is great for maneuvering around town, it’s not quite as nimble when thrown into a bend.

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What I didn’t like about the Range Rover Velar

Bare interior, boring performance

It pains me to say it, but the interior is a big letdown. Previous generations of the Velar featured a separate lower touchscreen for climate controls, complete with physical dials for ease of use. Now, the latest Pivi Pro system, while responsive, integrates everything into one large screen. The result? More time digging through menus to make simple changes.

Where the climate screen once lived now serves as a practical storage cubby. It’s certainly useful, as I stored everything there, but it’s covered by a thin plastic lid that cheapens the overall cabin feel. For a vehicle wearing the Range Rover badge, the interior just doesn’t deliver the royal experience you’d expect. I mean, I’ve seen a Honda that’s more luxurious than this.

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The packaging also feels more like a car than an SUV, and it’s set to become even more like an EV wagon in 2026. Headroom is surprisingly limited, and passengers sandwiched between the long cargo area and bulky front seats have their legroom compromised. It’s usable, but far from generous. It’s set to become even more like a wagon in 2026.

And then there’s performance. On paper, the D300 six-cylinder diesel should be more than enough, but it’s underwhelming. Yes, it’s a heavy SUV, but the throttle response is lazy for a hybrid, and the engine grunts when you ask for pace.

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Should you buy the Range Rover Velar?

The Range Rover Velar appeals to a specific buyer

Frankly, whether you should buy the Range Rover Velar boils down to why you’re considering it. If it’s to venture off-road and wade through water, then you’d be better off climbing the Range Rover lineup, or look elsewhere entirely. However, if it’s to celebrate your success, the Velar is an Instagrammable SUV with plenty of clout.

Though the Velar can conquer tough terrain, these capabilities feel like an afterthought. This Range Rover is more of a luxury lifestyle accessory than a thorough-bred, which is fine, as long as you know what you’re paying for. Honestly, I’d be just as happy, and far better off financially, in a used Japanese hybrid SUV.