The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Porsche Macan are sporty compact luxury SUVs with sleek shapes and energetic driving manners. Each represents the foundational values of its respective brand, such as all-terrain capability with the Velar or sports car-like handling in the Macan.
Both are a little less practical than larger, more square-shaped rivals such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Acura RDX. Yet car shoppers considering the Velar and Macan are likely more interested in performance and opulent interior trim than cupholder count and cargo capacity.
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Velar and Macan to see how they compare.
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
The 2024 Range Rover Velar arrives with a few detailed improvements this model year. For starters, the grille and headlights are redesigned to bring the look more in line with other recently updated Range Rover models. Gone is the dual-screen infotainment design used previously; in its place is a sleeker and more intuitive curved 11.4-inch touchscreen.
The base drivetrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that sends 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via the standard all-wheel-drive system. Composed and comfortable are two traits that routinely come up while test-driving the Velar. The available air suspension makes the ride even more supple. Pricing for the Range Rover Velar starts at $62,775, including a $1,275 factory-to-dealer delivery fee.
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Optional turbocharged 6-cylinder: We think many Velar shoppers will be happy sticking with the turbo 4-cylinder. Yet an available turbocharged inline-6 — known as the P400 drivetrain — adds considerably more verve, especially when quick passenger maneuvers are needed. This 295-hp engine scoots the Range Rover Velar from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Vegan-friendly interior: New for the 2024 model year is an optional vegan-friendly upholstery. Designed by Danish textile firm Kvadrat, this wool blend is both sustainable and luxurious. It’s also great for those who live in warmer climates where sun-drenched leather seating surfaces can turn into torture devices.
Off-road talent: A Range Rover simply isn’t a Range Rover if it’s not capable of tackling rugged terrain. True to tradition, the Range Rover Velar comes with AWD and the Terrain Response 2 system. It has a variety of driver-selectable off-road driving modes. Low-speed cruise control for off-road driving is also standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Range Rover Velar models near you.
2024 Porsche Macan
The 2024 Porsche Macan enters its latest model year with no notable changes. This first-generation of Porsche’s smallest SUV dates back to 2015. That’s pretty old in luxury car years, but an all-new electric model is on the way for 2025. The Macan still looks fresh and delivers the driving dynamics expected of a vehicle with a Porsche emblem on its nose. That being said, the interior is sporty and functional but also falls behind direct rivals in terms of tech features.
The drivetrain in the base Macan and Macan T is a 261-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Stepping up to the Macan S and GTS means a twin-turbo V6 is nestled in the engine bay. Pricing starts at $64,895, factoring in a $1,995 delivery fee.
Porsche Macan Highlights
Steering agility: The absolute highlight of driving the Macan is how responsive its steering feels in every type of driving scenario. It’s a constant reminder that this is an automotive brand that honed its skills in building sports cars and racing cars. Even better, this agility is paired with a suspension that’s firm but not punishingly so over rough roads.
GTS model: With its 434-hp twin-turbo V6, the GTS requires only 4.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Consider it a high-riding Porsche 911 that’s equally at home on a racetrack or trundling along in the carpool lane.
Sport Chrono package: A popular extra on the Macan, the Sport Chrono package includes launch control, selectable drive modes, and an analog clock mounted in the center of the dashboard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Macan models near you.
Similarities
Speedy and stylish, the Range Rover Velar and Porsche Macan are fashion-forward SUVs that are entertaining to drive and easy on the eyes.
Conclusion
The Range Rover Velar and Porsche Macan are luxury SUVs that trade a dollop of practicality for a whole lot more style and performance. They’re a little more indulgent, granted, but having spent many hours behind the wheel of each, we’ll vouch they justify their premium price tags.
Of the two, the Velar looks and feels fresher in terms of its overall design and interior ambiance, plus it has much more cargo space than the Porsche. Battling back, the Macan still reigns supreme when it comes to driving dynamics and acceleration, especially when equipped with its optional twin-turbo V6. Then again, if a given journey demands all-terrain prowess, the clear winner is the Range Rover Velar.
| 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar | 2024 Porsche Macan | |
| Starting Price | $62,775 | $64,895 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 261 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 22 city/26 highway/23 combined | 19 city/25 highway/21 combined |
| Also Available | Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 | Twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.1 inches | 110.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.9 inches | 186.1 inches |
| Width | 80.4 inches | 76.1 inches |
| Height | 66.3 inches | 63.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.2 feet | 39.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 40.3 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.2 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.2 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 30.9/62.7 cubic feet | 17.2/53.0 cubic feet |
