~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

When automobile enthusiasts encounter the names Land Rover or Range Rover, they usually conjure images of truck-like all-wheel drive vehicles conquering the Serengeti in Africa or some other trackless wild place.

The British brand, dating back to shortly after World War II, has earned its world-wide reputation as a capable go-anywhere vehicle for military combat units as well as civilian off-road fans.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar (yep, it gets the company name as well as its own moniker) doesn’t quite fit the standard impression. It comes with plenty of power, all-wheel drive and other enhancements for overcoming the boondocks. But its dominant characteristic is its cushy and practical personality as a big luxury wagon.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees size and fuel economy, classifies the Range Rover Velar as a “small” sport utility vehicle. But the agency has only two SUV designations based on interior space for passengers and cargo: small and standard, which covers the entire territory.

For 2024, Land Rover has freshened the Range Rover Velar’s styling, including a new grille, re-styled rear bumper, updated exterior lighting and new trim pieces.

The Velar is only an inch shy of 16 feet long. It’s a four-door, five-passenger SUV with 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 30 cubic feet of air for cargo behind the back seat. Despite its designation as “small,” the Velar would be cast in the EPA’s “large” category if it were a sedan. That means it’s plenty roomy.

It also has the handling moxie to be a decent performer in the cut and thrust of modern traffic jams and freeway travel. Under the hood is a 395-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 405 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force.

Even at extra-legal speeds on Interstate highways, the Velar matches its off-road prowess with steady straight-line cruising that requires few steering corrections. It also delivers silent running thanks to a new active noise cancellation system.

Handling is competent, the ride is mostly yielding and comfortable, and the Velar belies its size with ease on twisting roads with elevation changes. However, with its easy steering, no one should expect to emulate driving a sports sedan.

Working through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a paddle-operated manual-shift mode, the Velar can nail 60 miles an hour from rest in the five-second range. It accomplishes that fuss-free, quietly enough to enjoy the premium audio system and automatic climate control, with laid-back comfort for the driver and passengers.

It has a price to match its luxury orientation. The tested 2024 Range Rover Velar, in Dynamic SE trim, came with a base price of $71,875 and, with options, a bottom-line sticker price of $81,033. That’s about 32 grand more than the average price of a new car today in the United States—likely making it out of reach for many families.

For both on-road and off-road driving, the equipment is extensive: terrain response with selectable driving in off-road modes; hill launch, assist, low traction launch and hill descent control; brake controlled torque vectoring; 19-inch alloy wheels, and a full-size spare wheel and tire.

On the comfort and convenience list are a powered tailgate; panoramic glass sunroof with sun shield; rain-sensing windshield wipers; heated rear window with wipers and wash; rear privacy glass; perforated leather seats; heated steering wheel and power front seats with memory and adjustable lumbar support; SXM satellite radio, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Many infotainment and other functions are accessed through the 11.4-inch center touch screen, which requires a bit of learning to operate—even the SXM radio and some other installations. If an owner gets too puzzled, consider consulting a teenage son or grandson.

Safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with steering assist; blind-spot monitoring; rear cross-traffic alert and front lane-keeping assist; traffic sign recognition, and tire-pressure monitoring.

The nearly $8,000 worth of options included a head-up display, 21-inch alloy wheels with a “diamond turned finish,” heated windshield, headlight power washers, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats.         

The Velar is elegance personified for nonexistent and paved roads. It demonstrates how Land Rovers have morphed over the years from military style machines seemingly crafted from cast iron with solid axles and no suspension systems or shock absorbers, to the modern, sophisticated, comfortable vehicles like this Land Rover Range Rover Velar.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE four-door sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, turbocharged; 395 hp, 405 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual mode paddle shifters and all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 9 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 96/30 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4,400 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 5,511 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 19/25 21 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $71,875.
  • Price as tested: $81,033.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Land Rover