Range rover sport configurator

Land Rover|Car and Driver

Overview

Think of the Land Rover Range Rover as a Jeep Wrangler with a royal pedigree. While Land Rover fans might not appreciate the comparison, the Range Rover has much in common with its blue-collar American cousin. Both have an amazing tenacity for venturing places that leave many other SUVs, not to mention a fair number of pickup trucks, spinning their wheels in frustration. In the case of the Range Rover, however, this all-terrain prowess is matched to a luxury-laden cabin and a regal ride. Its high price might dissuade some from taking the Range Rover off paved surfaces, though this British SUV is engineered to coddle its occupants no matter what type of terrain it’s traversing.

What's New for 2017?

New to the 2017 Range Rover is the SVAutobiography Dynamic model (reviewed separately). A new 10.2-inch touchscreen is fitted to the interior and provides larger graphics and quicker responses than the previous infotainment system.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $86,645
• HSE: $93,645

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base Range Rover is powered by a 340-hp supercharged V-6 (tuned up to 380 horsepower in HSE trim), while a fuel-efficient 254-hp diesel V-6 is available. Either gasoline V-6 will provide adequate power, but the HSE variant is the one to have for some extra push. The diesel model we tested delivered acceptable acceleration times, but lazy in-gear passing made it hard to pull away from traffic on the highway; however, it does provide better fuel economy. The Range Rover's handling gets flustered when pushed hard, so it’s best not to upset this 2.5-ton SUV by plowing headfirst into corners. An air sprung suspension helps make up for some of this dynamic awkwardness by providing a genteel and plush ride over all surfaces.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

High-quality materials and leather-covered surfaces are everywhere you look in the Range Rover's cabin. Then again, given its substantial price, you wouldn’t expect anything less. Standard features include heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and genuine wood and metal trim. One surprise is that the Range Rover’s cargo capacity is less than what most other large luxury SUVs have to offer.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

This has been something of an issue with the Range Rover, so it’s good to see attention has been paid towards improving this imposing SUV’s infotainment system. It performed well in our testing and delivers plenty of features, but we’re still missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a significant oversight in such an expensive vehicle. Standard tech includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, navigation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker Meridian stereo with satellite radio.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Land Rover Range Rover’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.

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