The Range Rover has created and dominated the luxury SUV segment for most of its existence, but rivals are getting stronger than ever. Still, the fourth-generation model launched in 2012 has set the bar high enough for Land Rover to remain relaxed about the competition. The Range Rover combines an iconic design with a much lighter aluminum bodywork than before (by up to 420 kg), as well as supreme luxury and class-leading off-road capabilities in an overall package that is almost impossible to replicate.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Imposing Presence
- Excellent Off-Road
- Supremely Comfortable And Luxurious
- Refined 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine
Recommended Versions
- 3.0 Td6 (U.s.)
- 3.0 Tdv6 (Europe)
- 3.0 Tdv6 (Europe)
Cons
Weak Points
- Handling Not As Agile As Some Competitors
- Not The Most Reliable Vehicle In Its Class
- Expensive To Buy And Run
Stay Away From
- Optional 22-Inch Alloy Wheels
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- Certain 2013-2016 Range Rovers Were Recalled In June 2015 To Update The Keyless Entry Software To Prevent Doors From Unexpectedly Unlatching When Closed.
- Land Rover Recalled Some 2015 Range Rover Vehicles In September 2015 To Inspect The Second-Row Seat Mechanism And Replace It If Necessary.
- The Automaker Recalled Certain 2013-2015 Range Rovers In February 2015 To Update The Occupant Classification System (Ocs) Software To Prevent The Front Seat Passenger Air Bag From Being Disabled.
- Some 2015 Range Rover Vehicles Were Recalled In February 2015 To Replace The Wheel Nuts That May Have Cracked And Detached From The Wheel Hub Stud.
- Land Rover Recalled Certain 2013-2014 Range Rovers In January 2015 To Inspect The Brake Vacuum Hose And Correctly Route It As Necessary.
- Certain 2014 Range Rover Vehicles Were Recalled In October 2014 To Update The Body Control Module (Bcm) Software So That The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Tpms) Functions Correctly.
- The Carmaker Recalled Some 2014 Range Rovers In March 2014 To Update The Vehicle Software So That The Turn Signal Indicators Work Properly.
- Certain 2013-2014 Range Rover Vehicles Were Recalled In December 2013 To Modify The Area Around The Supplemental Restraint System (Srs) Connector Located In The Driver And Front Passenger Side Seat To Prevent It From Becoming Disconnected.
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
The Range Rover offers four engine choices in the United States: a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with either 340 or 380 hp, a supercharged V8 with 510 hp (550 hp on the range-topping SVAutobiography) and, new for 2016, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with 254 hp. The oil burner is the most rational choice, as it has 443 lb-ft of maximum torque – only the V8 has more. It's obviously the most fuel-efficient unit, and it's refined too. All engines are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system. The standard 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine is only slightly quicker than the diesel while V8-powered models are the fastest (and thirstiest) of the range.
Handling
The fourth-generation Range Rover feels significantly better to drive on the road, thanks to its lighter body and lower center of gravity. Still, the big luxury SUV is not exactly an agile vehicle, so driving it fast on winding roads will not offer the same feelings one gets in a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5. The ride quality can get a bit shivery over rough pavement, especially with the big alloy wheels (up to 22 inches in size). The Range Rover offers unrivaled performance off-road, even on very challenging terrain, thanks in part to the Terrain Response 2 system. With a wading depth of nearly three feet, the Range Rover can reach remote places few other vehicles can.
Safety
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS assessed the Range Rover's behavior during crash tests. However, the Euro NCAP did that in 2012 and gave it the top overall five-star rating. The big luxury SUV received good scores for adult occupant protection (91%) and child occupant protection (84%), as well as for safety assist systems (86%). Pedestrian protection was rated at 63%. Standard safety features include ABS, stability and traction control, six airbags, and active front head restraints. All models come with Emergency Braking Assist as standard.
Interior
Comfort
As you would expect, the Range Rover delivers a very comfortable ride, particularly in long-wheelbase configuration. The driving position is high but excellent for this sort of vehicle while visibility is great towards all four corners of the car. While it doesn't feature the most ergonomic interior, the Range Rover has well-placed and easy to use controls, as well as clear dials. Seat comfort has improved significantly over the previous-generation Range Rover, and one can even get business-class twin rear seats in the SVAutobiography model. Furthermore, there's less wind noise than before thanks to better insulation and a raked windscreen which contributes to a more aerodynamic shape.
Quality
There's little to object when it comes to the sumptuous interior of the Range Rover: the materials are exquisite, and the ambiance is first class. The cabin feels as luxurious as it gets: it's hard to find better-quality leather and wood trim, especially if you're talking about top Autobiography and SVAutobiography models. It's not just the cabin that oozes quality: the suspension works in silence even on rough roads, and there's little noise perceived inside. Overall, the Range Rover offers a sense of occasion that's hard to find in other competitors.
Practicality
One look at the shape of the bodywork is enough to draw some conclusions about practical aspects. The boxy SUV accommodates five passengers and their luggage in complete comfort, with the long-wheelbase version offering more than 7 inches of extra rear legroom and additional seat back recline. The SVAutobiography model ups the ante with its business-class twin rear seats and power-operated leather tray tables and dash. The trunk is not as big as expected, though, with a volume of 32.1 cubic feet with all seats up. Folding down the rear seats results in a cargo volume of 71.7 cubic feet for the standard model and 82.8 cu ft for the LWB version.
Infotainment
All Range Rover models get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system and other vehicle functions. While the menu interface is slower than some of the systems from top rivals, the standard InControl Apps suite is one of its best features, allowing users to connect their Apple or Android smartphone so that certain apps look the same on the touchscreen as on the mobile device. The Range Rover is also equipped with a fine 13-speaker Meridian audio system with a USB port, as well as satellite and HD radio.
Budget
Efficiency
The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine is the most economical in the lineup, with an EPA-rated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway), which is a remarkable result for such a heavy vehicle. Supercharged V6 gasoline models return 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway) while the V8 averages 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). In European markets, Land Rover also offers a diesel-electric hybrid model, which is the most fuel-efficient version of the Range Rover family. The Range Rover has a combined fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 38 mpg), according to the European test cycle.
Equipment
There aren't many things that the base Range Rover doesn't offer. It comes as standard with hard-drive navigation, leather upholstery, power-assisted… everything, tri-zone automatic climate control, xenon automatic headlights with power washers, automatic wipers, 19-inch wheels, adjustable air suspension, Terrain Response, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and the list goes on and on. Long-wheelbase models add creature comforts such as an extended panoramic sunroof with passenger sun blind control, power rear window sunshades, and rear-door map pockets.
Acquisition
If you have to ask how much a Range Rover costs, then you probably can't afford it. The base 2016 Range Rover equipped with the 340hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine starts from $84,950 in the United States (excluding a $995 destination charge). If you want the diesel, you'll have to fork out $1,500 more, but in our view that's money well spent – it won't take long before you'll be able to offset this price premium thanks to significantly lower fuel bills. If money is not an issue at all, the 510 hp supercharged V8 engine makes the Range Rover as quick as a sports car, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 5.1 seconds.