Styling Size-up: 2018 Range Rover Velar vs. The Competition

The all-new 2018 Range Rover Velar appeared out of nowhere to fill in the “white space” between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, according to the British automaker. Despite being a bit larger than its competitors, the coupe-like ‘ute joins a growing category of stylish premium compact SUVs, including the Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, and the Velar’s tween-sized platform-mate Jaguar F-Pace. The new model integrates the larger Range Rovers’ ruggedly handsome, boxy styling cues into a sleeker and slightly more compact package, but is it good enough to compete with the other sharp-looking entries in the class? You decide.

The Velar features a high-mounted trapezoidal front grille that shares the same top plane as the headlights. In comparison, the Q5’s large hexagonal grille dominates the entire front end, while the F-Pace’s roundish grille sits about mid-height and the Macan’s hexagonal grille sits low in the fascia.

Although the Velar’s side profile and D-pillar/rear window most closely resemble the Q5, the new Range Rover shares its 113.1-inch wheelbase and much of its chassis with the swoopy F-Pace. In comparison, the Q5 and Macan ride on 110.5-inch and 111.6-inch wheelbases, respectively.

Around back, the Range Rover Velar’s roofline features the most dramatic rearward slope, giving it the narrowest rear greenhouse. The rear fascia also slopes up more aggressively and shows a pair of large rectangular exhaust outlets.

Which luxurious European SUV do you like the most? Of course, there’s also the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 to consider. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below.

Last week, we looked at the redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Reactions were mixed, but most commenters found the redesign refreshing:

CarolinaBlue82 said: “This is finally a GM I think they knocked outta the park. I would definitely buy one for my wife and most likely myself.” Beard agreed saying, “Extremely refreshing. It looks great both inside and out. The first generation was awkward from every angle.” -Dequindre- was also a fan, saying, “VERY refreshing! I appreciate the sculpted, more muscular look of the new model.”

Not all comments were positive: dacronic1 thought, “They butched it up which is a good thing. The previous one was still as mommy as a minivan. As are many other CUVs. I’ll go with a Durango though.”

Mike said, “I like the interior better, but the exterior of the previous one looks better (although it appears the new one has the details on the exterior executed better).”

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