Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the X2 and the Range Rover Velar have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, its “Good” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X2 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 195 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Range Rover Velar has not been tested, yet.

The X2’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the Range Rover Velar’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Land Rover doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Range Rover Velar.

There are over 77 percent more BMW dealers than there are Land Rover dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X2’s reliability 20 points higher than the Range Rover Velar.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Range Rover Velar isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Land Rover vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Land Rover is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Land Rover vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Land Rover is rated below average.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW X2 xDrive28i is faster than the Range Rover Velar P250 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the Range Rover Velar:

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Range Rover Velar:

The X2 stops much shorter than the Range Rover Velar:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Range Rover Velar’s standard 55 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the Range Rover Velar pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.7 seconds quicker than the Range Rover Velar (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Range Rover Velar’s (37.2 feet vs. 39.2 feet).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 700 pounds less than the Land Rover Range Rover Velar.

The X2 is 1 foot, 4.7 inches shorter than the Range Rover Velar, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Land Rover. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 51% lower rating, Land Rover is ranked 30th.

If the windows are left open on the X2 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Range Rover Velar can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X2 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Consumer Reports rated the X2’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Range Rover Velar’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X2 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The X2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Range Rover Velar doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the X2 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X2 will cost $1110 to $5985 less than the Range Rover Velar over a five-year period.

The X2 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X2 will retain 48.65% to 51.59% of its original price after five years, while the Range Rover Velar only retains 46.61% to 47.97%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X2 will be $24060 to $31181 less than for the Land Rover Range Rover Velar.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X2, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Land Rover Range Rover Velar isn't recommended.