What Is the Difference Between a Range Rover Velar and Sport?

Find out which Range Rover fits your lifestyle

Kelly LinPhotographerFeb 12, 2020

The original Range Rover has spawned unique variants under the same nameplate, starting with the traditional flagship, then the Sport, then the Velar, and finally, the Evoque. To make matters more complicated, they don't all share the same platforms or underpinnings.

While the Evoque is noticeably the smallest model, it can be harder to tell the other variants apart, especially the similarly-sized and -priced Sport and Velar. So what is the difference between a Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Sport? Here's the spotter's guide:

Which Is Bigger?

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST side

Is the Range Rover Velar larger than the Sport? The Velar is actually smaller, but not by much. It's about 3 inches shorter in length and an inch and a half less wide. But the biggest difference is its low roofline; it's about 5.5 inches closer to the ground than the Sport.

The Range Rover Sport is a midsize SUV that competes with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6. The Velar slots just below the Sport in Range Rover's lineup. Although the overall size difference between the two models might not be immediately apparent, the low roof and windswept body distinguish the Velar from its boxy sibling.

Whereas the Velar offers seating for five, the Range Rover Sport has room for up to seven people, depending on the trim. Be warned: the third-row seats are a tight squeeze, though, as it is a 5+2 configuration.

Overall, the Velar has more cargo room. Behind the second row, the Range Rover Sport provides 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space (24.8 for the PHEV), compared to 34.4 cubic feet for the Velar. The Sport's cargo volume maxes out at 59.5 cubic feet (56.8 for the PHEV) behind the first row, but it's a whopping 70.1 cubic feet in the Velar.

Which Has Better Engine Choices?

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST engine 1

Both SUVs offer a wide variety of engines, from high-performing V-8s to fuel-sipping turbo-fours. If you're looking to save fuel, the Sport offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers 42 MPGe (see our explanation of MPGe here). The Sport also boasts a fuel-efficient diesel engine that nets 24 mpg combined. That's comparable to the four-cylinder gas engine offered on the Velar, which tops out at 23 mpg.

The Range Rover Sport delivers a bit more power than the Velar. The Sport gets anywhere from 254 hp to 575 hp, depending on the engine chosen, compared to the Velar's 247 to 550 hp. No matter which version of the Sport or Velar you get, it won't be a slouch. Even the four-cylinder Velar feels quick enough in the city and on the highway.

Range Rover Velar vs. Sport Performance and Fuel Economy

2020 Range Rover Velar

2.0-liter 4-cyl | 247 hp, 269 lb-ft of torque | 21/27/23

3.0-liter V-6 | 340 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque | 18/24/20

3.0-liter V-6 | 380 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque | 18/24/20

5.0-liter V-8 | 550 hp, 502 lb-ft of torque | 15/20/17

2020 Range Rover Sport

3.0-liter V-6 diesel | 254 hp, 443 lb-ft of torque | 22/28/24

2.0-liter PHEV | 398 hp, 472 lb-ft of torque | 42 MPGe

3.0-liter inline-six | 355 hp, 365 lb-ft of torque | TBA

3.0-liter inline-six | 395 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque | TBA

5.0-liter V-8 | 518 hp, 461 lb-ft of torque | 17/22/19

5.0-liter V-8 | 575 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque | 15/20/16

Which Is More Capable Off-Road?

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST rear three quarter in motion

If you're looking for serious off-road capability, the Sport should be your pick. It offers a high-/low-range transfer case for precise control in off-road situations. The Velar, on the other hand, is less tailored to Moab-style rock-crawling, but will be sufficiently capable of getting you to your snow chalet. Range Rover intended the Velar to be more off-road capable than most SUVs, but it still can't compete with the Sport as it doesn't have the Sport's low-range transfer case.

The Range Rover Sport boasts an approach angle of 29.1 degrees and departure angle of 28.5 degrees. Compare that to the Velar's 21.2 degrees and 20.6 degrees.

Both models are available with many off-road features. These include All Terrain Progress Control, a low-speed cruise control for driving on slippery surfaces; and Terrain Response 2, which automatically selects the right driving mode for the traction conditions.

Which Is Safer?

Neither the Sport nor the Velar have been crash test rated by the Department of Transportation or IIHS. That said, both models come with automatic emergency braking and front and rear park assist. Also look for blind spot assist, lane keep assist, and stop-and-go cruise control on both vehicles.

Which Is More Expensive?

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST rear detail 1

You can get a 2020 Range Rover Velar for as low as $57,325 if you opt for the four-cylinder engine. The 2020 Range Rover Sport, however, starts at $69,945, with the base model carrying the 355-hp six-cylinder. The price variation is even bigger if you compare the top trims of both models. The 550-hp Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic starts at $91,815, and the 575-hp Sport SVR goes for an insane $115,795. What a difference 25 horsepower can make.

Which Is the Best?

2018 Range Rover Velar R Dynamic SE front grille

When it comes to buying the Range Rover Velar vs. Sport, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Buyers looking for top off-road performance will want to veer toward the Range Rover Sport. The Sport also offers the most fuel-efficient powertrains, including its diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. Families who need a third row of seats every once in a while might also look at the Sport. The Velar may not be quite as rugged, but it offers head-turning styling and more cargo room, and it can be had for less than the Sport.