One of the biggest updates in the Range Rover lineup is the introduction of the Ranger Rover Velar for the 2018 model year. Built on the same platform as the Jaguar F-Pace SUV, the Velar looks like a scaled-down version of the full-size Range Rover. Yet the Velar loses none of the original’s elegance or presence -- even if it isn’t as capable as an off-roader. With neat touches like door handles that fit flush with the bodywork and burnished copper accents on the bumpers, this premium automobile pays serious attention to detail. Because it’s such a fresh design, Land Rover left well enough alone, with no major changes to report for 2019.

Buyers have three engines available: the entry level turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, a turbodiesel with 180 hp and 317 lb-ft, and a V-6 that makes 380 hp and 332 lb-ft.

The V6 sprints from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. The base gasoline four-cylinder will take another full second. All Range Rover Velars get an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). While most people won’t do any hauling with their Velar, they can with the V6: it's rated to tow up to 5,500 pounds, or up to 5,200 with the gasoline four-cylinder. As for fuel economy, the turbodiesel is the most efficient at 26 mpg city, 30 highway, and 28 combined. The gasoline four, meanwhile, gets 21, 27, and 23. The V6 manages a respectable, but unremarkable, 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined.

The base suspension setup is double wishbones up front and an integral link rear. Adjustable air suspension, available as an option, can raise or lower the vehicle up to three inches, bringing total ground clearance up to 9.9 inches.

Range Rover interiors have long been a lesson in luxury to other automakers. The Velar is no exception. Start with the front seats: on many models, they offer 20-way adjustable positioning with heating, cooling, and massage features. While base Velars manage with synthetic leather and suede seats, all other models get high-quality, real leather.

All Velars get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 5.0-inch driver information display screen, and stacked dual 10-inch touch screens. Stepping up to the Velar S adds 19-inch wheels, a better stereo, a navigation system, and telematics services. The R-Dynamic gets 20-inch wheels, a higher-quality 17-speaker stereo, a digital driver info cluster, perforated leather upholstery, aluminum trim for the interior, and advanced safety features. The R-Dynamic HSE model gets 21-inch wheels, a power-adjustable steering column, and even more active safety features.

The Range Rover Velar hasn’t gone through the usual crash tests and is unlikely to, given its high price. Standard equipment on the safety front includes automatic emergency braking, a reversing camera, and lane-departure warning. R-Dynamic models add parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, traffic-sign detection, adaptive cruise control, and a drowsy driver monitor.

On the smaller four-door luxury SUV scene, the Range Rover Velar faces competition from the likes of Porsche’s Macan, the BMW X-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, not to mention its Jaguar F-Pace cousin. The Range Rover name is one of the most recognizable at this end of the market though. The freshness of the Velar’s design makes it a pretty clear standout.