Range Rover (2013-2022) Review

The ultimate go-anywhere luxury car

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Spacious, luxurious interior
  • Large boot
  • Great off-road
  • Expensive to buy
  • Expensive to run
  • Big, but only has 5 seats

Range Rover prices from £29,999   Finance from £615.04 per month

Since its launch in 1970, the Range Rover has become the quintessential British luxury 4x4. Even in the face of new, more expensive rivals from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, many drivers in the upper echelons of society would contend that the Range Rover remains the king of the hill.

Along the way there have been ups and downs, but the current generation Range Rover, launched in late 2012, is the model that has raised the bar highest during its 48 years of service.

Many drivers prefer the Range Rover to a luxury saloon car, like an Audi A8, BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class. Often, that’s because they like to perch on a tower of power, and when it comes to looking down on other drivers, few cars are as lofty as a Range Rover.

As the flagship of the Land Rover family of 4x4s, a new Range Rover costs from around £80,000 but used 2013 examples on BuyaCar are available from less than £40,000, with finance starting from around £510 a month.  

At this price level, it doesn’t have many natural rivals. Some versions of the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GLS and G-Class and Volvo XC90 are worth comparing with a Range Rover, but drivers would need to turn to the Bentley Bentayga for a 4x4 that feels as regal.

All Range Rovers feature permanent four-wheel drive and a sophisticated system for driving on all surfaces, called Terrain Response. They will lower themselves, to let you step out or climb in, wade through water up to 90cm deep and tow a horsebox or trailer weighing much as 3,500kg. Yet they’re just as good at making an entrance at the doors of the Dorchester.

There is no seven-seat version of the Range Rover. Land Rover argues that its customers tend to own other cars for the task of ferrying six children to a hockey match. However, what is on offer is a feature called Tailgate Event Seating, an elaborate way of saying drivers can add a pair of picnic chairs, which fold out of the boot and hang over the back bumper.

Customers have a choice of standard or long-wheelbase body styles. The latter is 20cm longer, at 5.2 metres, and ideal for those who prefer to be driven, or simply demand the most expensive and exclusive of everything.

There are five trim levels in the standard wheelbase range, starting with HSE, then Vogue, Vogue SE, the lavish Autobiography and the flagship SVAutobiography or SV Autobiography Dynamic; the Dynamic version is like putting the world’s best butler on roller skates.

As for the engine range, Land Rover is trying to move with the times, and now offers the Range Rover with a new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain, illustrating that even the world’s wealthiest drivers have a conscience. There are also the proven V6 and V8 diesels, or a supercharged V8 petrol (presumably, for those without a conscience).

The highlight of any Range Rover, however, is how it makes you feel when you sit behind the wheel. It may not be the most refined luxury car, nor the most accomplished to drive on the road, and some cars may boast more gadgets and gizmos, but the sumptuous surroundings of the interior (which can be configured all manner of ways, depending on your taste and budget) will sooth away any stresses and strains at the end of a day.

As you’d expect in a car of this size, there’s plenty of room for five to sit comfortably, while the electric tailgate opens to reveal a large, 900-litre boot. You can also specify what kind of seating, so you can have four ‘executive style’ seats instead of five standard seats, plus you can also venture into the extensive options list and specify things like a fridge, wine cooler and entertainment for rear seat passengers.

The air suspension does a fine job of smoothing out Britain’s bumpy roads, and is part of what makes the Range Rover so versatile off-road. There is plenty of ground clearance, which can be altered depending on the driving conditions, and the car’s ability on difficult terrain is the stuff of legend. Few owners are likely to challenge their ‘Rangie’ when they venture off the beaten track, as they are more likely to wimp out before the car does.

It’s also stable for towing, which is reassuring when you may have a potential Grand National winner in the trailer, or just as well your child’s beloved pony.

What it isn’t, however, is sporty. Even the SV Autobiography Dynamic feels like a bit of a barge, albeit it a magnificently appointed one with a bellowing V8 engine to listen to. You can pick the Velar or Range Rover Sport if you wish to drive as if your moleskin trousers are on fire.

The majority of owners opt for the V6 diesel engine. It gives just the right blend of reassuring urge (0-60mph in 7.5 seconds), respectable fuel economy (40mpg) and acceptable CO2 emissions (182g/km).

 

Key facts

Warranty 3 years, unlimited mileage
Boot size 550 litres
Width 1,983mm
Length 4,999mm
Height 1,910mm
Tax (min to max) £225-£505 per year

Best Land Rover Range Rover for...

Best for Economy – Range Rover P400e

No Range Rover is cheap to run, but the new P400e plug-in hybrid model model returns up to 101mpg and because its CO2 emissions are 64g/km, it costs £15 to tax in the first year and then £440 a year.

Best for Families – Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE

The 3.0 TDV6 is the all-rounder in the range thanks to plenty of power and claimed economy of just over 40mpg. Vogue SE trim has luxuries such as an electric tailgate that will assist with family life. You can also add screens for rear passengers as well as a fridge to keep children happy when you head for a holiday home in Cornwall.

Best for Performance – Range Rover 5.0 V8 SVAutobiography SWB

Fitted with the 542bhp supercharged V8 engine, the Range Rover will go from 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph. It’s incredibly quick for such a large car, but requires annoyingly regular visits to petrol stations.

One to Avoid – Range Rover 5.0 V8 SV Autobiography LWB

Not only does this model cost more than £177,000 to buy, you’ll be lucky to get more than 20mpg in everyday driving and the residual value of this lavish model should be carefully considered.

History

August 2012 - Range Rover first revealed
September 2012 - Officially launched with prices starting at £71,295
September 2013 - Hybrid diesel version added to the range
July 2014 - Updates across the range including new wheels, colours and tweaks to the equipment lists. Long wheelbase Autobiography Black added to the range

Understanding Land Rover Range Rover names

Trim Vogue

Vogue is the basic trim level, with more equipment offered on higher trims through Vogue SE and Autobiography to SV Autobiography

Land Rover Range Rover Engines

Diesel - 3.0 TDV6, 4.4 SDV8; Petrol – 3.0 V6, 5.0 V8; Plug-in hybrid - 2.0 four-cylinder PHEV

Just as the rest of the car has had to move with the times, such as using an aluminium construction that’s lighter than steel, the Range Rover engine range has had to evolve. There are two diesels, two versions of the supercharged V8 petrol and one plug-in electric hybrid. All use an eight-speed automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels.

The 3.0 TDV6 diesel is the smallest and least powerful, but it’s also one of the most economical to run and the most popular. It’s got 254bhp and is fairly refined, and can return as much as 40mpg, so it’s the one to choose for sensible running costs.

The 4.4-litre SDV8 engine is powerful and moves the Range Rover along with the ease of a buffalo giving an oxpecker a ride. The 0-60mph time is just 6.5 seconds - about as quick as a hot hatchback like a Golf GTI.

For the ultimate in low emissions and fuel economy, there’s the new P400e. It’s a plug-in hybrid model that weds a four-cylinder petrol engine together with a battery-powered electric motor. The electric driving range is 31 miles, and the combined fuel economy works out at 101mpg, assuming you drive like a saint and keep the battery charged – a process that takes seven hours from a domestic plug, or less than three with a high-powered wallbox.

For amusing performance to impressive/turn giddy passengers, try the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine. It growls like a bear, but brace yourself for the petrol bills, as it will struggle to achieve more than 20mpg.

 

Economy

Power

0 - 62mph

Top speed

3.0 TDV6

4.9mpg

254bhp

7.8secs

130mph

4.4 SDV8

33.6mpg

334bhp

7.0secs

135mph

5.0 V8

22.1mpg

542bhp

5.1secs

155mph

P400e

101mpg

398bhp

6.4secs

137mph

Land Rover Range Rover Trims

Trims: HSE, Vogue, Vogue SE, Autobiography, SVAutobiography and SV Autobiography Dynamic

As you’d expect from a car costing more than £80,000 even in ‘entry-level’ HSE trim, the Range Rover comes as well equipped as a new-build luxury home. There is air suspension, hill descent control, roll stability control, adaptive driving programmes and Terrain Response, automatic wipers and lights, the impressive Touch Duo double-decker touchscreens, a 4G WiFi hotspot connection, Bluetooth, cruise control, heated and folding electric mirrors, leather seats, climate control with adjustment for the two heated front seats and the back row of seats, a Meridian audio system and rear-view camera. 

Vogue models have heated and adjustable rear seats, a heated steering wheel, soft-closing doors, digital TV, surround-view cameras, a keyless tailgate that can be opened by gesture recognition, 20-inch alloy wheels and some cosmetic additions.

Step up to Vogue SE and you’ll get the latest Terrain Response 2 system, 21 inch alloy wheels, cooled seats, mood lighting, an uprated Meridian audio system and a panoramic fixed glass roof.

Range Rover Autobiography models add a panoramic opening glass sunroof, brighter xenon headlamps, a massage function for the front seats, four-zone climate control, a pair of ‘executive class’ rear seats and electric blinds for the rear doors.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic has been created by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division and comes with an extensive list of luxurious standard equipment. Most of those are cosmetic, but Dynamic Response (a fun button), surround-view cameras, lane keep assistance, adaptive cruise control and a park assist system mark it out above the standard Autobiography model.

The SVAutobiography tops that lot off with more lavish trim and fittings, exterior styling changes and back doors that can close themselves automatically from wide-open.

Land Rover Range Rover Reliability and warranty

Used car buyers should note that Land Rover offers a two year, unlimited mileage warranty with its manufacturer-approved used car programme on models less than five-years old and under 100,000 miles.

The earliest versions of this fourth-generation model date back to 2013 and cost from about £35,000 today.

As with the new model, the most sensible choice for the majority of drivers is the 3.0 V6 diesel. However, some may be tempted by the extra performance of the V8 diesel, and be pleasantly surprised to find that – presumably - due to less demand its values have fallen to the same level of the V6.

Those early cars suffered from electrical gremlins that were well documented by owners. However, these should have been repaired under warranty or fixed at the expenses of owners since; make sure you scrupulously check every feature of any used Range Rover.

Service history, with all accompanying invoices to show what’s been done over time, from a Land Rover dealer or specialist is infinitely preferable to a car that’s spent time with owners who try to cut corners and skimp on maintenance.

Used Land Rover Range Rover

There are currently 52 Range Roverss available on BuyaCar, with prices ranging from £29,999 to £99,999 for nearly-new models.

Used car buyers should note that Land Rover offers a two year, unlimited mileage warranty with its manufacturer-approved used car programme on models less than five-years old and under 100,000 miles.

The earliest versions of this fourth-generation model date back to 2013 and cost from about £35,000 today.

As with the new model, the most sensible choice for the majority of drivers is the 3.0 V6 diesel. However, some may be tempted by the extra performance of the V8 diesel, and be pleasantly surprised to find that – presumably - due to less demand its values have fallen to the same level of the V6.

Those early cars suffered from electrical gremlins that were well documented by owners. However, these should have been repaired under warranty or fixed at the expenses of owners since; make sure you scrupulously check every feature of any used Range Rover.

Service history, with all accompanying invoices to show what’s been done over time, from a Land Rover dealer or specialist is infinitely preferable to a car that’s spent time with owners who try to cut corners and skimp on maintenance.

    1 year old 2 years old 3 years old

Best for performance Range Rover 5.0 V8 SVAutobiography SWB

Price N/A N/A N/A

Best for families Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE

Price N/A N/A N/A

Best for economy Range Rover P400e

Price £29,999 £29,999 £29,999