Sunday Drive: 2025 Range Rover Velar – Luxury meets winter adventure
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- The 2025 Range Rover Velar proved to be an extremely capable SUV for Utah and beyond.
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- Inside, the 2025 Range Rover Velar continued to impress us with all the technology and luxury we could have wanted.
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- The 2025 Range Rover Velar.
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- The 2025 Range Rover Velar had plenty of storage space for any small family or empty nesters like ourselves.
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- Even from the road, the 2025 Range Rover Velar had a great look.
There’s something about a Range Rover that just really appeals to our sense of adventure. It must be the fact that they have done an excellent job of marketing their vehicles over the years. Perhaps it’s the fact that they are a British car maker which in and of itself is quite unique. Whatever the proper answer is, we were excited to get into the Velar as getting a Range Rover in Utah is a unique experience for us also.
After a week of driving, be it navigating city streets or conquering unpredictable mountain weather, we completely enjoyed the opportunity to test the 2025 Range Rover Velar, a sleek and sophisticated luxury SUV that delivered impressive performance in any condition we encountered.
Be it our daily commutes around Utah Valley to tackling a late-winter storm or taking a quick trip down Interstate 15 to Nephi, the Velar proved itself as an all-season, all-terrain performer with interior comfort we didn’t expect.
First impressions: Elegance with an edge
Our first chance out in the Velar was proof to us that blending modern luxury with rugged capability in the interior was very impressive. Our test model, finished in a striking Vasresine Blue, turned heads wherever we went. The Velar’s flush door handles, minimalist front grille and signature LED lighting created a futuristic look.
Again inside, we were greeted by an exquisitely crafted interior with Windsor leather seating, a minimalist dashboard, featuring a state-of-the-art 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen. The Pivi Pro infotainment system offered seamless connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a high-resolution navigation system.
The Meridian 3D Surround Sound system made every drive feel like a personal concert, whether we were enjoying classical music on a snowy evening or a road-trip playlist motoring down I-15.
Everyday driving: A smooth operator in Utah Valley
Before taking the Velar on a highway journey, we put it through its paces in everyday driving conditions around Utah Valley. From running errands in Springville and Provo, heading to meetings in Orem or picking up groceries at Costco, the Velar offered a serene and composed driving experience.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower, provided ample power for city driving, while the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly.
Maneuvering through tight parking lots was effortless thanks to the 3D surround camera and parking assist features. The Velar’s adaptive air suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease, making even the most uneven pavement feel like a smooth ride.
Despite its midsize, the SUV handled with precision and ease, proving that luxury did not come at the cost of agility.
Fuel efficiency came in at a respectable 24 miles per gallon combined, impressive for an SUV of this caliber. The mild-hybrid system contributed to smooth stop-and-go performance, ideal for navigating traffic on I-15 or Main Street in Springville.
Late-winter storm: The ultimate test of capability
As luck would have it, Utah’s unpredictable weather gave us the perfect opportunity to put the Velar’s all-wheel-drive system to the test. A late-winter storm rolled in midweek, blanketing the valley in fresh snow and turning local roads into somewhat of an icy challenge.
With a quick turn of the Terrain Response dial, we engaged the Snow Mode setting, allowing the Velar to automatically adjust traction control, throttle response and torque distribution for optimal grip. Heading to work that morning in slippery conditions was a breeze, as the intelligent AWD system effortlessly countered any loss of traction. The heated seats and steering wheel were much appreciated, keeping us comfortable as temperatures dipped below freezing throughout the week.
Braking felt secure even on slick surfaces, thanks to the Velar’s advanced ABS and stability control systems. We witnessed several vehicles struggling for grip on the icy roads, but the Range Rover handled the conditions with confidence, in turn giving us more confidence in winter driving conditions.
Highway performance: A relaxed yet engaging drive to Nephi
For a longer test, we set out on a “Sunday Drive” down to Nephi via I-15, covering nearly 100 miles round trip. The Velar’s highway manners were impeccable, offering a hushed cabin with minimal road noise. At cruising speeds, the SUV’s aerodynamics and adaptive cruise control contributed to a relaxed, effortless drive.
Acceleration was smooth, with the turbocharged engine providing ample passing power. Merging onto the freeway was seamless, and the optional 3.0-liter inline-six engine (available for those wanting extra performance) would likely make the Velar an even more exhilarating highway companion.
Lane-Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control worked harmoniously, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the journey while maintaining a safe following distance. The Heads-Up Display kept essential information in our line of sight, reducing the need to glance down at the instrument cluster.
As we approached Nephi, we took a slight detour onto some backroads to explore the Velar’s off-road prowess. The electronic air suspension allowed us to raise the ride height, making it easy to tackle gravel roads without hesitation. Even in mild off-road conditions, the Velar’s capability was evident — it’s a luxury SUV that did not shy away from adventure.
Technology & safety: A step ahead
Safety and technology were integral to the Velar experience. With an array of driver-assistance features, including Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Emergency Braking, we felt secure in every scenario. The ClearSight rearview mirror, which uses a high-definition camera feed, proved especially useful in poor visibility conditions.
Inside the cabin, the Pivi Pro infotainment system remained intuitive, with a customizable home screen and haptic feedback controls. Wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports ensured our devices stayed powered, while the integrated air purification system helped maintain a fresh cabin environment, even after tracking in snow and mud from our outdoor excursions.
At the end of the week: A luxurious, all-season performer
After a full week with the 2025 Range Rover Velar, it’s clear that this SUV was more than just a pretty face — it was a well-rounded SUV that seamlessly blended luxury, capability and innovation. Whether tackling our daily commutes in Utah Valley, navigating winter storms or embarking on a highway journey, the Velar handled every challenge with grace and confidence.
Base price: $63,600
Destination charge: $1,375
Price as driven: $76,115
