Range Rover Velar vs Audi SQ5

Performance

Image via Flickr by killrbeez

Comparing the base models is problematic, as Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery gives its Velar a small 2.0-liter inline-four motor. It's a fuel-efficient choice perfect for city driving, but it can't compete with the Audi's 3.0-liter V-6. Pitting this engine against the optional 3.0-liter V-6 in the upgraded Velar S provides a much fairer comparison.

The Audi's motor generates 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery's own V-6 motor makes 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. While torque keeps the car moving, horsepower provides acceleration and speed. If you want a sporty SUV, the upgraded Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery is the clear winner here.

The Audi's torque admittedly comes in handy when you're towing. However, you won't be able to tow as much with the SQ5. While its towing capacity of 4,400 pounds is sufficient for most motorists, the Velar is the real heavyweight with a towing capacity of 5,512 pounds.

Fuel Economy

By offering a four-cylinder version, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery appeals to motorists wanting fuel efficiency. The base model Velar gets an impressive 26 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, compared to the SQ5's 19 miles per gallon around town and 24 miles per gallon on the open road.

On paper there seems little difference between the cars with the V-6 engines; the Velar S gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. However, these statistics don't tell the whole story. The Velar's motor automatically turns off when the SUV stops and restarts when you're moving again, helping drivers save fuel in city traffic. The SQ5 doesn't have a comparable start/stop system. As the Environmental Protection Agency doesn't consider start/stop functionality in its fuel mileage tests, the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery is likely to be more fuel efficient on urban streets than the numbers suggest.

Measurements

The SQ5 and Range Rover Velar have similar widths and turning circles, making them equally easy to maneuver into tight parking spaces. However, the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery is 188.9 inches long, a full five inches longer than the Audi. This is your first hint at its practicality. Those extra inches give the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery a much bigger trunk. There are 34.4 cubic feet behind the Range Rover Velar's rear seats, compared to just 25.1 cubic feet in the Audi. The Velar really excels on those family road trips and major shopping excursions.

The Audi and Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery both seat five. However, the Velar treats them all equally. You'll enjoy around 38 inches of headroom whether you're traveling in the Velar's front or rear seats. The SQ5's sloped ceiling gives people riding up front an extra few inches, catering to tall drivers and passengers, but most people won't feel cramped in either vehicle.

The Audi SQ5 is a worthy adversary for the Range Rover Velar, but it plays in a space Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery has dominated for so long. While it mounts a fair challenge, Audi hasn't bested Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery yet.