2025 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Sized between the small Evoque and larger Range Rover Sport, the Velar serves as a stylish middle ground in Land Rover’s SUV lineup. This sleek SUV was introduced for 2018 with a focus on fashionable design and roadgoing luxury. Rivals to the Range Rover Velar include the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, and Lincoln Nautilus.
What’s New
The Velar was updated for 2024, when it gained fresh styling details, a more modern infotainment system, revised powertrains, and new interior upholstery choices. For 2025, proximity locking and unlocking becomes standard on all Velar trims. Additionally, various driver assist features gain functionality improvements.
What We Think
Although it’s aging, the Velar remains in compelling form. The cabin feels upscale and surprisingly spacious in the passenger and cargo areas given the vehicle’s size. The new infotainment system added last year brought the Velar’s tech setup into modernity, even though, like many newer vehicles, that touchscreen is responsible for too many basic functions. More physical buttons would be warranted.
At least when it’s equipped with the available I-6 engine and air suspension system, the Velar is quite lovely to drive. Rather than being quick or sporty, it feels tuned for plush comfort, as its engine revs smoothly and suspension adeptly absorbs road imperfections. With Land Rover’s legendary heritage, the Velar can even venture off the beaten path.
Design remains the Velar’s most appealing attribute—it still looks great after all these years. But given its price is generally higher than its segment rivals, you have to love how it looks to choose it over a different luxury SUV that’s higher-performance, easier to use, more spacious, or otherwise newer, potentially for less money.
Performance and MPGs
Two engines are offered in the 2025 Velar, both connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
The entry-level engine is badged P250. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Land Rover estimates its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph at 7.1 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 22/26 mpg city/highway.
The optional engine has P400 designation. It’s a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with mild hybrid assistance. Output measures 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, which enables a 5.8-second run to 60 mph, according to our tests. Fuel economy is rated at 19/25 mpg.
Safety Features
Many driver assist and active safety features are standard on the Velar. Among those are adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beams. For 2025, the operation of some of these features is improved, and drivers now activate these features via an updated steering wheel button.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Velar’s cabin feels roomy given its exterior dimensions. However, some rival luxury SUVs provide more space, particularly in the back seat.
Technology
Every 2025 Velar is equipped with a 11.4-inch curved infotainment touchscreen running Land Rover’s Pivi Pro7 user interface. That has a variety of integrated functionality and entertainment apps, in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most of the vehicle’s functions and climate control settings are adjusted via the touchscreen. All Velar models also have an all-digital gauge cluster display. USB charge ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. Above the standard audio system, a 17-speaker Meridian premium arrangement is available. Other optional tech features include a head-up display, multicolor interior ambient lighting, and Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity.
Which Range Rover Velar Trim Level Is Best?
Our choice in the Velar range is the P400 Dynamic SE model. It’s equipped with the smooth and strong I-6 engine, in addition to luxuries including a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel. The entry-level Velar S is quite generously equipped to start with, but it’s only available with the I-4 engine—the I-6 makes upgrading to the roughly $65,000 P400 Dynamic SE model worth it.
Is the Velar Being Discontinued?
The Velar was introduced for model year 2018, meaning that for 2025 it’s seven years old. That’s about the age at which modern vehicles begin to reach the end of their lifecycle, but curiously, Land Rover has already announced the 2026 Velar, which only gains revised trim levels, new paint and trim options, and more standard equipment. Although the Velar is now guaranteed to live a little longer, it’ll probably be discontinued and replaced by an all-electric model in 2027 or 2028.
