Land Rover Range Rover Velar

On the surface, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is one of the luxury SUV maker's more unusual offerings. The Velar's size and price effectively slot it between Land Rover's compact and midsize offerings. You'd think the Velar would feel crowded between these segments, but its sleek styling gives it an edge in the lineup.

The Velar's fastback profile is shared with the similarly eye-catching Range Rover Evoque, and the design translates well to the slightly longer Velar. In addition to providing more cabin and cargo room than its smaller sibling, the Velar offers a wider range of engine choices and luxury features. It doesn't have a third-row seat like the larger Discovery or the off-road prowess of the Range Rover Sport, but the Velar delivers strong on-road performance.

Overall, we like the Velar and its expressive styling. It certainly stands out in a field full of amorphous crossovers. But pay attention to the Velar's ride quality, which can be rather stiff, and give the frustrating-to-use infotainment interface a thorough test drive before you commit.

Which Range Rover Velar does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a luxury SUV that slots in between the traditional compact and midsize classes. The base S model is very well-equipped, with features that include a panoramic sunroof, perforated leather upholstery and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The R-Dynamic S primarily adds sporty styling upgrades inside and out. The R-Dynamic HSE includes a more powerful version of the other two trims' optional V6, along with an adaptive air suspension and additional luxury features. The range-topping SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is powered by a muscular supercharged V8 and includes even more performance and luxury upgrades.

The S and R-Dynamic S models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (247 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque). A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (340 hp, 332 lb-ft) is optional on both trims. The R-Dynamic HSE utilizes a more potent version of this motor, developing 380 hp and 332 lb-ft. The SVAutobiography turns up the performance wick with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (550 hp, 502 lb-ft). Regardless of engine, every Velar has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard feature highlights for the base Velar S include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, auto-dimming and heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a blind-spot monitor, perforated leather upholstery, navigation, and an 11-speaker audio system with satellite radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

The R-Dynamic S further adds black-painted exterior trim, faux-suede seating inserts and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Selecting the R-Dynamic HSE adds the uprated V6, along with 21-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, heated and ventilated front seats with additional adjustments and massage, passenger-seat memory settings, additional leather trim and adaptive cruise control.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition blends extreme high performance with high-end luxury features. The centerpiece with this trim is the supercharged V8, which produces nearly 200 hp more than the R-Dynamic HSE's V6. This trim also includes a black-painted roof (a body-colored roof is available), upgraded brakes, sport-tuned air suspension calibration, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather, four-zone climate control and a faux-suede headliner.

Most of the extra standard features of the higher trim levels are offered as options on the lower trims. The Range Rover Velar is also available with a wide range of optional features packages. Notable packages include Driver Assist (a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking), Tow (a 360-degree camera, tow hitch receiver with connectors and towing assist software), and Convenience (a hands-free tailgate, two rear USB ports, remote seat-lowering levers, a cargo net, and a wristband fitness tracker that doubles as a key).

Stand-alone options include 22-inch wheels, a 1,600-watt surround-sound system and dual rear-seat entertainment displays.