2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

There are minor tweaks to Range Rover’s mid-tier Velar SUV for 2021, including a redesigned steering wheel and drive selector, plus new alloy wheel and paint finishes. Cabin air filtration has been upgraded, and the infotainment system now runs more quickly through its 11-inch touchscreen.

The Velar range is relatively easy to navigate, with two trims and three engines. A base Velar can be bought for $58,050 (all prices including destination) with a two-liter turbocharged gas engine, while upgrading to the three-liter MHEV powerplant adds $7,000.

R-Dynamic models cost $2,000 more than base Velars, starting at $60,050 and $67,050 for the two engine choices. A more powerful six-cylinder 340 HP engine is also available in this trim, bringing the cost up to $78,050.

The base two-liter gas engine generates 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This is supplied to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, returning an EPA-estimated 20 miles per gallon city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 combined.

The mid-range six-cylinder three-liter mild-hybrid gas engine ups its output to 340 hp and 354 lb-ft, with identical city and highway MPG figures, though the combined figure drops to 22.

A 395 hp three-liter MHEV engine is available exclusively in R-Dynamic models, outputting 405 lb-ft and seeing its fuel consumption drop to 19/25/21 MPG city/highway/combined.

Cargo capacity for the five-seater Velar stands at 34.4 cu ft with the rear seats in place, and 61.1 cu ft once they’re dropped.

Over the last 50 years, the Range Rover brand has become synonymous with safety, and the Velar is packed with cutting-edge tech. Every model features a 3D surround camera allied to front and rear parking aids, a rear traffic monitor and blind-spot assistance.

There’s lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and an adaptive speed limiter, while wade sensing technology ensures the car won’t become submerged in standing water. Land Rover’s iconic Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist and Roll Stability Control technologies manage the car’s day-to-day movements.

Passengers are protected by six airbags, while the driver’s life is made easier by speed-limited cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights with self-leveling.

Every Velar has an impressive infotainment system, with a 12-speaker Meridian sound system backed by a 400W amp and a dual-channel subwoofer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the 11.4-inch touchscreen has been upgraded for 2021 to run more smoothly.

Satellite radio is standard across the range, and Land Rover’s Remote app supports everything from checking the vehicle’s location and fuel levels to preloading navigation and setting the interior temperature through your smartphone.

Riding into battle on gloss silver 19-inch wheels, even the most affordable Velar is comprehensively equipped. LED headlights and signature daytime running lights include power washing and follow-me-home lighting, with keyless entry and a powered trunk lid.

The cabin is illuminated by a sliding panoramic roof and cooled by two-zone climate, the 14-way powered front seats benefit from memory, and the heated power-folding side mirrors have approach lights and an auto-dimming facility. There’s navigation as standard alongside a 12-speaker Meridian audio system, while leather extends from the perforated seats to the steering wheel.

A number of packs are available including the $650 Cold Climate pack with its heated windshield and steering wheel, or the $850 Hot Climate Pack, bundling in a cooled glovebox and four-zone climate with cabin air ionization. You can also spend $1,500 adding heating and power reclining to the rear seats, with cooling ducts alongside heating elements in the front seats.

Keen drivers may wish to spend $2,200 on the Dynamic Handling Pack, which combines adaptive dynamics and electronic air suspension with Land Rover’s All-Terrain Progress Control system. A head-up display is a $970 standalone option, as is a 3D upgrade to the Meridian sound system ($600).

Distinguished visually by an exterior pack and R-Dynamic-branded badging, this model has a number of aesthetic upgrades. These include a perforated leather steering wheel, metal pedals and treadplates, aluminum trim finishing, and ebony headlining matching the color of the grained leather and suede cloth seats.

The options listed for Velar are also available on R-Dynamic models, for the same price.

Compare Range Rover Velar Trims Side-By-Side