2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting elegant SUVs. Its design was a testament to wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty package drawing inspiration from the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The vehicle's design elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, while subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and flush door handles enhanced its streamlined appearance.

Inside, the Velar's cabin mirrored its exterior's sophistication. Even in the base trim, the materials were of high quality, with a polished black centre stack and attractive seat patterns. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, featured sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. While upper trims offered more luxurious materials, the base model still provided a reminder of the Velar's premium status.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a different kind of appeal, focusing on ruggedness and versatility. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style, with a variety of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was iconic, with its removable roof and doors providing a unique open-air experience. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added features like LED lighting and a body-colour hardtop, enhancing its off-road capability.

Inside, the Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges but enjoyed decent accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, but the Wrangler's cargo space was generous, especially with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike previous Land Rovers. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional electronic air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered 335 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the R-Dynamic model, and 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the HST, delivering the high performance expected by luxury buyers.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its rugged character and off-road capabilities providing an immersive experience. However, it required frequent stops at the gas station and had a noisy cabin, vague steering, and a rough ride.

The Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, and the interior materials were durable. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were obstructed. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but had decent accommodations. Cargo space was generous, with 898 litres behind the rear seats and 2,050 litres with them folded.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and a PM2.5 air filter. The system offered a variety of customization options and advanced navigation features. Standard equipment included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

The Wrangler's infotainment system was basic but functional, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger Uconnect system with satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler also featured remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system.

The Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The Wrangler's safety features were optional, with the Safety Group adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advanced Safety Group adding adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for crash tests.