Range Rover Velar Review 2024

Range Rover Velar At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
For many, the sleek looks and classy cabin will trump any thoughts about the cost of the Velar. A range of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, help the Velar's case, and it is well equipped.

+Wonderfully plush and modern interior, latest touchscreen system is a vast improvement, as comfortable as you'd expect from a Range Rover.

-2.0-litre diesel doesn't go with the premium feel, noticeable lean in corners despite the sporty pretensions. Report of build quality problems.

New prices start from £46,125
Insurance Groups are between 35–47
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure

The Range Rover Velar aims to bring a 'new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance' according to Land Rover. Which begs the question: who is the Velar aimed at? Well, presumably it's someone who wants a car that sits in between an Evoque and a Range Rover Sport. This is the 'white space' (their words not ours...) that Land Rover has apparently identified. In other words, it's a rival for the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Macan, and several other premium SUVs. Read on for our full review of the Range Rover Velar.

Essentially what you're looking at is a more 'dynamic' Range Rover designed as an alternative to the likes of the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and ironically the Jaguar F-Pace, with which it shares much.

So does the Velar live up to all the hype? Well it does a pretty good job. It's certainly a lovely looking SUV, even more so when you see one in the metal, so to speak, and there are some special details, like the retractable door handles.

Then there's the interior. It's a huge step forward for Range Rover in terms of technology and design. In fact, the cabin is one of the best around - especially after an update and refresh in early 2023. It's a lovely environment to spend time in and feels genuinely luxurious.

Despite the more swoopy shape, there's also decent space in the back and a big boot too. This is still a practical family car and being a Range Rover it's also pretty handy off-road. But it's on-road where the Velar has been designed to excel.

Here it's something of a mixed bag. The steering is quick and responsive - and there's loads of front end grip - so you'd think it would be a recipe for decent handling. But the body control is still very much in Range Rover territory, which means it rolls a lot, especially compared to a Porsche Macan.

That said, it rides well enough and is very relaxing to drive. What we're not too keen on is the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The Ingenium unit is certainly quick enough but lacks the refinement and smoothness you'd expect of a premium car like the Velar. Luckily, there are also decent petrols available. 

As for the name. Well 'Velar' dates back to the original Range Rover prototypes of the late 1960s. Back then Land Rover was limited to agricultural vehicles for farmers. However, keen to expand sales in the USA, it started work on the Range Rover in 1964. It used the Velar name to disguise the development of the prototypes on public roads between.

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Range Rover Velar review.

Ask Honest John

Can you recommend an extended car warranty?

"My Land Rover Velar is coming up to four years old and I’m thinking of taking out a warranty, is there any particular company you’d recommend? "
I'm afraid we can't recommend an individual company but when choosing a warranty provider the important thing is to look carefully at the list of inclusions and exclusions. A warranty that excludes most of the major mechanical parts will leave you with lots of expensive bills. For our extended warranty guide, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/cheap-car-warranties
Answered by Sarah Tooze

Should we buy a Lexus RX 450h or a Range Rover Velar?

"We are looking at a 2018 Lexus RX 450H, which has done 25,000-30,0000 miles or a Range Rover Velar. Both cost approximately £40,000. We have a July 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 250 for part exchange with a 12-month MoT. Part exchange offers are £11,000 to £12,000. We are concerned about the reliability of the Range Rover but both vehicles are high specification and drive very well on test. Which would be the best buy?"
Lexus has one of the best reputations for reliability. It was rated as the UK's most reliable carmaker in our latest Satisfaction Index, while Land Rover was ranked worse overall: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2021/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2021-results/# That said, most Land Rover complaints we receive are focused on the Discovery Sport. We've had very few complaints for the Range Rover Velar. And those we have received are listed here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/land-rover/range-rover-velar-2017/good
Answered by Dan Powell

Which premium SUV do you recommend?

"I have had a succession of very nice estate cars over the years, but I have been persuaded by my wife that I should now be looking at an SUV. I accept that in my mid 60s, the extra height would make life easier. I think I've narrowed things down to a choice between a Range Rover Velar, Jaguar F-Pace or Audi Q5, but they all have their issues. The Velar is undoubtedly beautiful and I can get a big discount, but its reliability and build quality is a concern. The F-Pace also works for me with its slightly larger size over its peers and general all round appeal, but I know a facelift is due soon - hence the offers and reduced APR. The Q5 is probably the sensible choice and as with all Audis is beautifully made and kitted out - but it's not the most exciting, is it? Which would you recommend and is there an alternative that I've missed?I'll be looking to buy a petrol as my mileage no longer warrants a diesel."
I would probably go with the 2.0 TFSI Audi Q5. It has a fantastic cabin and is really good to drive. In my opinion, It's one of the best premium SUVs on sale right. Might also be worth considering the Lexus NX 300h hybrid that uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine alongside an electric motor.
Answered by Dan Powell

What premium SUV model updates are coming soon?

"I'm going to change my Range Rover Velar shortly, after three years ownership. I'm considering another Velar, Alfa Stelvio or Maserati Levante. Are there any forthcoming model changes that I should be aware of with these vehicles?"
The Range Rover Velar's been on sale for three years so we can probably expect a facelift to be revealed soon. An updated Maserati Levante has been spied testing and is expected to go on sale in 2021. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has recently been updated, too: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/alfa-romeo/stelvio-2017/history/
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Range Rover Velar cost?