Used Range Rover Velar 2017-present review

The Range Rover Velar name dates back to the late '60s: engineers hid the true identity of pre-production, original Range Rovers using the Velar title, which was derived from the Latin ‘velare’ – meaning to veil or cover.

Nowadays, the Velar isn't a red herring but rather an extremely stylish luxury SUV in its own right. It also bridges the gap between the smaller Range Rover Evoque and larger Range Rover Sport. Its popularity means there are now plenty of examples on the used market, often at temptingly low prices.

Engines & Performance: If you want a petrol engine in your Velar, you get a choice of either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol – in the 247bhp P250 and 296bhp P300 – or a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine in the 375bhp P380. There was also a supercharged 5.0-litre P550. Later models revised that to just the P250, a P400e hybrid and a P400.

In terms of diesels, there's the 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the 178bhp D180 and 237bhp D240, and the 3.0-litre V6 in the 296bhp D300. The four-cylinder diesels can be a bit rattly when cold but quieten down a little when warm, while the V6 engines are smooth and quite brisk. Later models trimmed the range down to just a newer D200 and the existing D300.

While the D180's 0-62mph time of 8.9sec won't get you foaming at the mouth, it's solid enough in the mid-range to get you going easily in town or on a motorway. If you can afford it, though, the D300 is nicer, with more mid-range oomph.

The most powerful of the petrols (setting aside the uber-fast and rare P550) is the P300, with 296bhp. It's quick flat out, but there's less shove lower down than the diesels provide so you need to work it much harder. The lower-powered 247bhp P250 petrol version needs even more of a work-out but still delivers its power smoothly.

Ride & Handling: The ride varies depending on which suspension and alloy wheel option you have. Four-cylinder models with traditional springs work best with the smallest 19in alloy wheels as the ride can get quite fidgety on rough, pockmarked roads.

Air suspension is standard on six-cylinder models and has settings to suit your mood. Comfort mode has a pleasant, wafty ride while Dynamic stiffens things up to improve the handling if you want to up the pace.

Interior & Practicality: Buttons are mainly a thing of the past in the Velar because the dashboard is made up of two touchscreens. You get two rotary control dials on the lower screen – which deal with climate and driving modes – to control various functions depending on what is shown on the display. The screen above looks after sat-nav and media-related functions.

SE and above Velars get a 12.3in configurable driver display, which includes the speedo and rev counter. It’s similar to Audi’s virtual cockpit except it’s not quite as slick. One major technology omission in earlier models is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring – there is a Land Rover app that gives you some mirroring capabilities but it’s awkward to use.

Space in the front of the Velar is fine, even for taller drivers. You get a lofty driving position that gives you a great view out over the road ahead. Things are not so good in the back, though. Head room is fine but leg room isn’t brilliant for those that are very tall.

For the class, the boot is a little subpar – we managed to fit eight suitcases below the parcel shelf. There is a flexible 40/20/40-split folding rear-seat bench, though.

Trims & Equipment: There's a wide variety of trims to choose from. Towards the lower end, there's S, granting you a decent kit list, including cruise control, climate control, keyless entry and a rear-view camera.

Towards the top end, there's Autobiography, which is kitted out with message seats, heated and cooling functions for the front seats, plus four-zone climate control.

Interested in buying a used Range Rover Velar? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used Range Rover Velar prices start at around £17,000 for a 2017 diesel with around 70,000 miles on it. If you'd prefer a petrol model, have around £20,000, rising to roughly £25,000 for a plug-in hybrid car – mind you, it will be from 2021-onwards. For a 2022 Velar, have upwards of £30,000 to spend. A 2023 car will set you back at least £38,000 and a 2024 model £47,000.

Check the value of a used Range Rover Velar with What Car? Valuations

Find used Land Rover cars for sale

MPG: Fuel economy for the diesel models isn’t terrible, and makes up for some of the expense of running a Velar. The base D180 version manages the best combined figure of the range at 52.5 mpg, or 42mpg under the later, more realistic WLTP tests. The more powerful D240 gets 48.7 mpg (41.1mpg), while the top D300 manages 44.1 mpg (38mpg).

The petrol engines aren’t as cost-effective to run, sadly. The P250 has a combined figure of 37.2 mpg (30.8mpg), the mid-range P300 is rated for 36.2 mpg (29.8mpg), and the high-performance P380 gets 30.1 mpg.

Road tax: All versions of the Range Rover Velar cost more than £40,000 when new and will be subject to the £410 surcharge for the most expensive cars. You’ll have to continue paying the surcharge for years two to five. That's on top of the flat-rate fee – currently £190 per year for petrol and diesel cars, and £180 per year for hybrid owners.

You can find out more information about current road tax costs here.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance is likely to be expensive – but that's true of a lot of premium SUVs.

Land Rover servicing isn’t cheap, with prices for the first five services ranging from £374.74 to £601.15 depending on the work being carried out. Plenty of Velar owners bought a service plan when the car was new to keep a lid on their costs. The plan covers the first five services and is transferable to the next owner, so it’s worth checking if the car you’re looking at comes with one.

Reliability

Concerns regarding reliability have been widespread in owner feedback. These include challenges with repairs under warranty, premature replacement of headlights, ongoing mechanical issues despite visits to the garage, and persistent faults. The inability of dealerships to effectively resolve these issues has added to the general dissatisfaction among owners.

Discover more about used Range Rover Velar reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

The Velar is a heavy car, even though it’s made of aluminium. Because of this, we’d recommend the more effortless performance of the 3.0-litre V6 D300 diesel. Its low-down torque has little trouble getting the car moving and it has plenty of power for faster roads. Plus, it still offers respectable economy for this size of SUV and the benefits of air suspension.

Trim

S is our preferred trim. Examples are reasonably priced, yet it gets a good amount of kit, including a reversing camera, an electric tailgate, upgraded stereo, leather seats and sat-nav. It also comes on the smaller 19in alloy wheels which are better for ride quality.

Our favourite Range Rover Velar: 3.0 D300 S

The Audi Q8 is a super-stylish SUV that handles extremely well and has a high-quality interior. Used prices are competitive, too, making this a viable alternative to the Velar.

The BMW X6 is another highly desirable premium SUV that doesn't sacrifice usability on the altar of style and sportiness. It's got a plush interior, a great infotainment system and it handles better than most in this class.

If you can't stretch to the X6, the BMW X4 has one of the best infotainment systems in the business and, with adaptive suspension, drives nicely too. However, if you want practicality, you’d be better served by the more regular shape of the BMW X3.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has 'like it or loathe it' looks and, even with air suspension, leans over heavily in corners. The lower roofline also compromises rear seat and boot space quite dramatically.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

Interested in buying a used Range Rover Velar? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.