Auto review by Veeno Dewan
Introduced back in 2018, Range Rover’s luxurious Velar SUV still looks as good as the day it was released. The Velar is an incredibly sleek-looking premium SUV from the pedigree British automaker. The Velar was always intended to bring along a sleeker, stylish, and more glamorous model to the Range Rover lineup. Hence, the smoother, rounded profile, less chunky square lines, and a high standard of luxury.
New for 2026 are the Giola Green and Batumi Gold paint options, and new redesigned 21- and 22-inch wheels are available. Also optional is a snazzy Black Exterior Styling package with black detail highlights, black brake calipers, and other black exterior trim enhancements. Other changes include: gesture-controlled tailgate, updated Meridian premium audio systems, restyled bumpers and headlights, a new front grille, and a modified rear with a one-piece taillight. The interior also gains a new, streamlined infotainment system with a single 11.4-inch screen and touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel.
Options are extensive and include features such as adjustable driving dynamics control and custom interior choices. A 360-degree camera and wade depth sensing are available. Built on an all-aluminum unibody platform, the Velar arrives in Canada with two main engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder on the P250 models and a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid technology on the upscale P400 model. Mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options are also offered. The PHEV version provides an all-electric driving range of up to 53 km.
This 2.0L engine on the P250 Dynamic SE produces 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The P400 model features a 3.0L V6 Mild Hybrid engine available on the Dynamic SE and Autobiography trims. This engine is both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The transmission for both engines is an 8-speed automatic paired with a dedicated All Wheel Drive system, as standard.
Inside the cabin, an innovative design features an extensive curved glass cockpit system for displays and controls. The 11.4-inch touchscreen features Range Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless Hotspot connectivity. Notably, there are virtually no knobs or buttons, only rotary controllers. All Velar’s features are accessed through digital icons and menus via swipe gestures, pinches, and tablet- and smartphone-like gestures. The minimalist aesthetic is complemented by dash and interior surfaces that are clean, sparse, and elegantly finished. The cabin exudes quiet luxury with fine stitching, premium thick leathers, textiles, and aluminum trim. Cabin storage is versatile, with 673 cubic feet of cargo space available with the rear seats up.
On the road, the Velar is easily the most honed road-oriented Range Rover to date. Acceleration is fast and readily felt, as the eight-speed transmission feels slick and refined. The ride is light, smooth, and irons out bumps, hard road surfaces, and jarring potholes with remarkable ease, particularly with the optional air suspension. Drivers also have access to multiple drive modes for different conditions, as well as aids such as customizable power steering modes, torque vectoring, and an electronic locking rear differential. Off–road performance, as with all Land Rovers, is good, but it is not as adventurous or capable as the ultimate hard-core Land Rover Defender series.
In conclusion, the Velar still retains Land Rover’s core qualities, wrapped in a more curvaceous, upscale, and sleeker design. The Velar is a very sophisticated vehicle, with technology and features that rival those of newer rivals in the luxury SUV market. The interior technology and attention to detail are awe-inspiring. The negatives are few; the lack of tactile controls in the cabin is noticeable, and the Velar remains expensive when you select all the options. Despite its age, the Velar still looks excellent and is definitely worth the money, in my opinion. It also has a lot of personality, with its sleek appearance and blacked-out paint and details, as seen on our tester, and is highly recommended when only the finest British luxury will do.
2026 Range Rover Velar priced from $69,500 to $89,950, plus options, delivery, and taxes.
