Pros
- Silky smooth optional I-6 engine
- Looks excellent
- Feels spacious inside
Cons
- Not getting any younger
- Stark interior design
- Costs more than many rivals
Even within Land Rover’s lineup of stylish and luxurious SUVs, the Velar stands out with its alluring exterior design. How the Velar still looks so contemporary years after its 2018 introduction is a testament to its fashion-forward approach, which focuses on looks and luxury more than off-road performance like some other Land Rover models. Among the Velar’s rivals are the Lincoln Nautilus, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Macan.
What’s New
- A 360-degree camera and wade depth sensing become standard on all models
- Giola Green and Batumi Gold paints introduced; Hakuba Silver discontinued
- New design 21- and 22-inch wheels available
- Black-painted brake calipers become optional
- Black Exterior Styling package adds black brake calipers and other exterior trim details
- Gesture-controlled tailgate, Meridian premium audio, illuminated metal door sills, and adjustable driving dynamics offered as standalone options depending on trim
- Autobiography replaces HSE as range-topping trim
What We Think
The Velar still looks as good as the day it made its debut and likely still will long after its production run ends. Given the vehicle’s age—it’s about eight years old now—that conclusion could come soon, but the Velar is still alluring.
Design remains the Velar’s most compelling attribute, but luxury abounds, as well. The cabin is lined with upscale materials and feels more spacious than the exterior dimensions suggest. Although it’s a nice place to be, the interior design looks austere, especially contrasted against the evocative exterior. Furthermore, Land Rover’s touchscreen-intensive control layout isn’t very user-friendly; there’s a dearth of physical buttons for basic controls.
When equipped with the optional air suspension and six-cylinder engine, the Velar is a great SUV to drive, soaking up road chatter and providing swift, smooth acceleration. It’s no Defender, but the Velar should have what it takes to make it down an unpaved road. In addition to its age, a starting price that’s higher than many other luxury SUVs could inhibit buyers from choosing the Velar. Even so, those who do make it their own likely won’t be disappointed.
Performance and MPGs
Regardless of which engine is inside, the Velar is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
The basic engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s likely 0–60-mph acceleration will take about 7.1 seconds. Fuel economy should rate at 22/26 mpg city/highway. This engine is designated by a P250 badge.
A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with a mild hybrid system is offered as an upgrade. It makes 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, a Velar with this engine hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Expect fuel economy to rate at 19/25 mpg city/highway. This engine bears P400 designation.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
Among the Velar’s standard driver assist and active safety features are front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Although the Velar’s interior feels more spacious than its exterior dimensions might imply, some rivals nevertheless provide more room for passengers and cargo.
| Legroom (front/rear) | Cargo Space (seats up/down) | |
| 2026 Land Rover Velar | 40.3/37.1 inches | 29.5/60.2 cubic feet |
| 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe | 41.6/38.7 inches | 30.3/62.1 cubic feet |
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 43.5/43.1 inches | 36.4/71.3 cubic feet |
Technology
All 2026 Velar models have an all-digital gauge cluster display and 11.4-inch curved glass infotainment touchscreen. That touchscreen runs Land Rover’s Pivi Pro 7 user interface and also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Various USB ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. A 17- or 22-speaker Meridian premium audio system is available as an upgrade over the stock setup. Other premium technology options include Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity, color-adjustable cabin ambient lighting, and a head-up display.
New 2026 Velar Autobiography
For 2026, Land Rover introduces the Velar Autobiography as the new range-topping trim, replacing the HSE model. In addition to the six-cylinder P400 engine and air suspension, the Velar Autobiography is equipped with niceties such as a Meridian audio system, suede headliner, extended leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Beyond 21-inch wheels, the Velar Autobiography can be distinguished by its exclusive copper-colored exterior trim accents. The 2026 Velar Autobiography starts at slightly more than $80,000.
Velar EV Coming Soon?
Maybe. Land Rover has been clear about its intentions to create all-electric SUVs, but that campaign will start with the iconic Range Rover. It’s likely a Velar EV will arrive to replace today’s model, wearing eye-catching design that brings attention to Land Rover’s electric efforts. If Land Rover does introduce an electric Velar, expect it to arrive for 2027 or 2028.
