The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Velar has stunning looks, a beautiful interior, and a lower price tag than most other Range Rovers. But it’s spendier than many other luxury rivals. While the Velar does have much of the off-road ability you’d expect in a Land Rover, it’s more about style than all-out rugged capabilities.
Base Price: $70,600
As Tested: $82,260
Horsepower: 395
Mileage: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
The five-passenger Velar fits in the line-up between the entry-level Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It got updated for the 2024 model year with some styling tweaks and an updated infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, and the HSE trim was added back. There are no major changes for 2025.
The 2025 Velar comes in three trims: S, Dynamic SE and Dynamic HSE. Starting prices are $61,500, $63,600 and $78,600, respectively. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
There are two powertrains. The S is only available with the P250 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The Dynamic SE trim comes standard with the P250 engine or you can get the P400 turbocharged mild hybrid 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that puts out 395 horses and 405 pound-feet. The Dynamic HSE trim is only available with the P400 engine. The transmission on models is an eight-speed automatic.
The Velar looks sporty with its sleek appearance, but it’s not the most engaging to drive. Models with the base engine have enough power for everyday driving situations and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, according to Land Rover, which is respectable but trails some rivals. Models with the P400 engine are quicker, sprinting from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds. There can be a slight turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly, brakes are responsive, but steering is a bit light. The Velar feels sure-footed when cornering with little body roll. The ride is silky smooth, making the Velar great for cruising on a long road trip.
There are several driving modes: Normal, Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic. And you can also choose from Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl settings. While the Velar doesn’t have the impressive off-road prowess of some other Range Rover models, it’s no slouch in venturing off the beaten path.
Ground clearance is 8.4 inches, and with the available Dynamic Handling Pack, the adjustable adaptive air suspension lets you increase ground clearance to 9.9 inches with the Off-Road 2 setting.
Fuel economy is about average for a luxury midsize SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg city with a combined rating of 21. I got 20 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Models with the four-cylinder engine do a bit better at 22 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Premium fuel is recommended.
The cabin is sleek and futuristic looking. Materials are high-end with a nice look and feel, as you’d expect in a Range Rover. However, the only interior colors are black and grey so those who like more pizzazz will be out of luck. A large 11.4-inch touchscreen is on the dash. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Those in front have good leg- and headroom. While the second row can accommodate three people, two would be more comfortable, especially if they’re adults. Legroom is decent in the second row, but taller passengers may wish for more headroom because of the sloping roofline.
Standard features include remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with 11.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, 11-speaker Meridian audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, Amazon Alexa, voice commands, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, ambient cabin lighting, universal garage door opener, and a sliding panoramic sunroof.
Available features include a head-up display, 20-way power-adjustable front seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 16-speaker Meridian audio system, and configurable ambient interior lighting
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and driver-attention monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include a surround-view camera system and park assist.
The infotainment system was updated for 2024, doing away with the two-screen set-up, and now has a large, curved 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system has the Jaguar Land Rover Pivi Pro interface, which has a bit of a learning curve at first. The touchscreen looks gorgeous with sharp graphics, but there are no physical controls at all – not even for volume – which can be annoying as every adjustment has to be made via the touchscreen. On the plus side, the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Cargo space is decent with 34.4 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 70.1 cubes with the second row folded. A power liftgate comes standard.
The good:
Stylish looks
Respectable off-road prowess
Smooth ride
Beautiful, minimalist cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Underwhelming base engine
Not as fun to drive as some rivals
Price can quickly climb with packages and options
Infotainment system has no physical controls, not even a volume knob.
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $70,600. The Dynamic Handling pack is $1,680 and includes configurable dynamics, electronic air suspension, and red brake calipers. The Cold Climate Pack is $1,175 and includes a heated windscreen, headlight power wash, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats. 21-inch dark grey wheels with diamond turned finish are $2,600. The Technology Package is $1,300 and includes a head-up display, 3D surround camera, park assist and wade sensing. The Arroios Grey paint is $950. The black contrast roof is $800. The Premium Interior Protection Pack is $700. Gloss b lack roof rails are $450. Basic Rear Seat Convenience Pack is $265. Wheel Protection Pack is $225. Emergency Pack is $75. Range Rover Handover Pack is $65. The destination fee is $1,375 bringing the grand total to $82,260.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is sleek and stylish with a smooth ride and an elegant, futuristic cabin. And it’s got respectable off-road prowess, though it’s not as capable as some of its Range Rover siblings. Drawbacks are the Velar isn’t as fun to drive and costs more than some rivals. Still, it’s worth a look if you’re shopping for a classy and capable smaller midsize luxury SUV.
