A much-changed Villa side came into the game on the back of three successive away wins in the space of a week but failed dismally to recapture their recent form.
The Midlanders were torpedoed by a 58th-minute goal from Damion Stewart.
Villa, showing six changes from the side which defeated West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, dominated most of the game but clearly lacked a cutting edge to destroy a resurgent QPR.
Ashley Young was outstanding, but even the youngster's trickery could not open up a Rangers defence which battled resolutely for the entire game.
Rangers never made any attempt to disguise their tactics. They were content to defend in depth and it paid dividends.
But the London club survived several anxious moments, particularly in the first half, when Marlon Harewood wasted two good opportunities.
The former West Ham United striker created an opening for himself but was effectively checked by Matthew Connolly as he was about to shoot.
His other chance came just four minutes before the break when Young cleverly carved out an accurate cross from the left but the stocky striker headed aimlessly over the bar.
In the second half Villa were expected to cash in on their superiority but it didn't work out as Rangers took a shock 58th-minute lead through Stewart.
Daniel Parejo, a youngster on loan from Genoa, floated in a high cross which found Stewart six yards out and he headed home from close range.
Villa's best chance of an equaliser fell to Gareth Barry. The England international, reinstated as his side's skipper, latched on to a neat pass from John Carew, but conspired to scoop his shot wide with only Radek Cerny to beat.