Used 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a luxury SUV/crossover on the generous side of compact. It fits in the Range Rover lineup between the small Evoque and the midsize Range Rover Sport. Such plain facts, however, cannot come close to describing the Velar’s many qualities.

Even from a design standpoint, the 5-seater Velar fills the gap separating the radically styled Evoque and the larger, more traditional Range Rovers. It’s the kind of look that seems equally at home on expensive Rodeo Drive or on the trails through an expansive ranch. This duality, backed up by an off-road ability for which Land Rovers are renowned, is how the Velar distinguishes itself from competitors like the Lexus RX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and BMW X5.

The Velar has some major changes for 2021, most of which happen beneath that sleek skin. New 6-cylinder engines have a mild-hybrid (MHEV) setup, and the unloved infotainment system of previous years is replaced by something completely state-of-the-art.

There are no changes to the Velar’s entry-level engines for 2021. The basic 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder has an adequate amount of muscle for quick off-the-line moves and decent passing power with two people aboard.

It’s when the cylinder count throws a six that things become more interesting. The previous supercharged V6 engine is replaced by a turbocharged inline-6 running a mild-hybrid configuration. There are similar powertrains in some Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, where a 48-volt system provides the starter motor for the engine stop/start function and energizes auxiliary components, such as the adaptive air suspension that comes standard with every 6-cylinder Velar.

The 335-hp version is optional in the lower two 2021 Velar trims. A 395-hp unit is exclusive to the top R-Dynamic HSE model. Inline-6 engines are inherently smoother than their V-shaped counterparts.

A brake-based torque-vectoring system is standard, contributing to stable and efficient cornering. And a towing capacity of 1,653 pounds applies to every iteration of the 2021 Velar.

Land Rover really knows how to create an upscale SUV cabin. The 2021 Velar has a simple yet elegant layout, with high-quality materials wherever the eye wanders or the elbow lands.

Changes for the 2021 model year include a fresh steering wheel design that goes into every new Land Rover. Like the rest of the interior, it’s clean, classy, and well thought out.

Following the old infotainment system into Land Rover’s box of discarded toys is the rotary gear shifter. It’s replaced this year by a toggle shifter that looks far more ergonomically pleasing.

There are many upholstery colors and textures to choose from, while the standard seat covering is perforated leather.

When the Range Rover Velar came out in 2018 as an all-new model, it was voted the world’s most beautiful car by a panel of experts at the World Car Awards. It’s OK to disagree with them, but most people may not want to after taking in the Velar’s sleek overall look that still carries a certain authority.

No doubt, the judges approved of the Velar’s individual take on the Range Rover’s front LED light signature, and the flush-mounted side door handles that pop out when the vehicle is unlocked remotely. The Velar S and R-Dynamic S have a new design of standard 19-inch alloy wheels; the R-Dynamic HSE has a fresh set of 21-inch alloys. The top two trims can also be ordered with 22-inchers.

New paint colors for 2021 are Hakuba Silver and Portofino Blue. Customers may also supply their own sample if they want a specific hue, but that will be expensive.

PIVI PRO
Someone must have thought the name was a great idea, but Land Rover’s latest infotainment system rights the wrongs of its much-maligned predecessor. It’s more user-friendly, taking little time to boot up, responding to smartphone-like control gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, and requires fewer steps to access oft-used functions. It also enables over-the-air software updates for this and other vehicle systems.

TRACTION TECHNOLOGY
Every luxury SUV offers all-wheel drive (AWD), but only a few can follow in the Velar’s tire tracks. Land Rover’s advanced AWD system is accompanied by Terrain Response 2 in the top trim level, whose modes can adapt to a wide range of off-road conditions. This model also has a standard adaptive air suspension with variable heights for clearing rocks or fording streams, plus the option of an active locking rear differential.

Every 2021 Velar has AWD, in true Land Rover fashion. The S trim also has the 247-hp 4-cylinder engine as standard, plus a generous amount of equipment that includes self-dimming/heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, self-leveling LED headlights with automatic high beams, panoramic roof, power tailgate, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering column, power-reclining rear seats, 360-degree camera system, blind-spot assistance, rear traffic monitor, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, navigation, and a 380-watt/11-speaker Meridian audio system.

Both the S and R-Dynamic S are eligible for a new 355-hp turbocharged inline-6 augmented by a mild-hybrid system that also brings an adaptive air suspension. Otherwise, the mid-level R-Dynamic S has some cosmetic differences from the regular S.

At the top of the range, the R-Dynamic HSE has the 400-hp MHEV/air suspension setup, plus Terrain Response 2, all-terrain progress control (an off-road cruise control), hands-free liftgate operation, heated/ventilated/massaging/20-way adjustable front seats, front occupant memory settings, extended leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, high-speed emergency braking, parallel/perpendicular parking assistance, interactive driver display, and an 825-watt/17-speaker Meridian 3D surround-sound system.

All trims are eligible for quad-zone automatic climate control, cabin air ionization, heated windshield, heated steering wheel, a head-up display, Activity Key, Wi-Fi, and an active electronic differential.

One engine carries over from 2020: the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 247 hp. It’s standard in the Velar S and R-Dynamic S.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with a mild-hybrid system is optional in those two lower trims, delivering 335 hp. This drivetrain is standard in the top R-Dynamic HSE model, and output is boosted to 395 hp.

All engines connect to an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission, and Land Rover’s legendary AWD hardware is standard throughout.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (S, R-Dynamic S)
247 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (2020 model)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (S, R-Dynamic S)
335 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (2020 model)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (R-Dynamic HSE)
395 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
405 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (2020 model)