2022 Land Rover Range Rover

Fifty-one years have passed since Land Rover decided to combine the off-road ability of the Defender (called the Land Rover Series back then) with ultimate luxury to create the Range Rover. The new Range Rover SUV stays true to the original product brief. It will transport five people in sheer opulence through snow, rivers, mud, and congested cities.

Other manufacturers have tried to replicate the formula, and none have succeeded so far. BMW built the X7, Jeep the Grand Cherokee, and Mercedes-Benz the GLS. While all three are excellent cars in their own right, they don't have that x-factor the Ranger has. Historically, it has always been more of a rival to the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, despite the different body styles. Customers can choose between two engine types, namely a six-cylinder mild-hybrid in two outputs and a brutal 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in two outputs.

If you put a picture of the original model next to the newest Range Rover, you'd immediately recognize the design cues that have been carried over for decades. It's one of the most iconic pieces of automotive design, right up there with the BL Mini and Jeep Wrangler. We're not huge fans of the bling Land Rover added in recent years, as it just doesn't gel with the Range Rover's inherent sophistication. It's like the queen getting her face tattooed, Post Malone style.

All models come as standard with LED headlights and taillights, while wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the model.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is available in standard and long wheelbase. The LWB model has a wheelbase of 122.9 inches and a length of 204.7 inches, while the SWB offers a 115-inch wheelbase and 196.9 inches of length. Almost all of the extra length in the LWB model is allocated to the rear passenger legroom.

The SWB is 73.6 inches high, dropping down to 73.5 for the LWB. The maximum width is 87.4 inches, with the mirrors folded out. The standard ride height is 8.6 inches, but the air suspension can increase to 11.7 inches for off-roading. The SWB Range Rover has approach/breakover/departure angles of 34.7/28.2/29 degrees in the maximum height setting. Due to the additional length in the wheelbase, the LWB model has a breakover angle of 25.6 degrees.

The SWB is the lightest of the bunch at just five pounds shy of 5,000 lbs. The most substantial model is the LWB, equipped with a supercharged V8, weighing 5,725 lbs.

Like most expensive luxury cars, the paint options are practically infinite. If you don't like what you see on the color palette, you can take a sample, and Land Rover will match it. The color palette consists of five categories: solid, metallic, premium metallic, ultra metallic, and special paints. Solid and metallic options are offered at no extra charge. Premium metallics cost $1,950, ultra metallics add $4,550 to the price, and special paints add a whopping $9,200. Both ultra and special paints require the addition of front fog lights ($200) and a surround camera system ($820). These options are standard on some models, however. Color options range from a basic solid Fuji White, to a majestic Spectral British Racing Green. You can also go the nouveau riche route and select Madagascar Orange or Velocity blue.

Two engine options are available - a mild hybrid gas inline-six and a supercharged gas V8. The turbocharged V6 diesel and plug-in hybrid models have been dropped for 2022. The mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine is available in two power outputs: 355 horsepower and 395 hp. The P360 does 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 6.6 seconds, while the P400 can do it in 5.9 seconds. According to Land Rover, the 518-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8 will get this luxury barge to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The 557-hp V8 should be able to dispatch the sprint in under five seconds, despite Land Rover strangely quoting the same 5.1 seconds. You can add another split-second when you order an LWB.

While these performance figures are impressive, they're not what customers are interested in. These figures are nothing more than a byproduct of a luxury barge needing loads of low-down torque to deliver effortless power. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic, which blends into the background beautifully. All models' towing capacity is the same at 7,716 lbs.

All models in the Range Rover vehicle range come standard with a full-time four-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2022 engine lineup starts with the entry-level inline six-cylinder gas engine with mild hybrid assistance. In the standard Range Rover, it develops 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Power increases to 395 hp and 395 lb-ft in the SWB Westminster. For sheer grunt, nothing beats the 5.0-liter supercharged V8. It produces 518 hp and 461 lb-ft in the SWB Westminster and Autobiography models, and a staggering 557 hp and 516 lb-ft in the SWB Autobiography Dynamic and LWB SVAutobiography models.

The engines do a remarkable job, especially the 5.0-liter V8. It's not as lively or noisy as it is in the Velar or Range Rover Sport SVR, but it has a different job to do here. With more than 500 hp on tap, this engine just keeps on pushing way past the point where the driver feels comfortable. The Range Rover runs out of dynamic talent long before this engine stops providing forward momentum.

Though we've never driven a steamroller, we suspect the Range Rover has similar ride and handling. The adaptive air suspension simply flattens the road ahead, especially in comfort mode. As far as the driver is concerned, the road simply changes color. You barely notice where the tarmac ends and the gravel begins. That's pretty much what Land Rover was aiming for, though it might have gone too far in the comfort direction.

While we love the fact that it's so brazenly tuned for comfort above all else, it has to be said that the ride isn't perfect. Larger fluctuations on the surface have a way of upsetting the suspension for a few seconds. This used to be the case for most vehicles equipped with air suspension, but over the years, this niggle has been ironed out. We reckon this is just a symptom of the Range Rover's age.

Somewhere along the line, somebody also decided the Range Rover needs more direct steering. In theory, it should provide a more engaging ride, but that's completely at odds with what a Range Rover is supposed to be. The result is steering you constantly have to adjust on the freeway. What we actually want is a thin steering wheel that you can move using an index finger only.

Off-road, the Range Rover is the king. Every other luxury barge (apart from the G-Class) is just a poor imitation of the real thing. Most of them would be flummoxed by a wet grassy field, let alone a river crossing. Thanks to Land Rover's Terrain Response system, the Range Rover can get a lot further. There's no need to do anything as plebeian as engaging differentials or locking the hubs. You simply tell the system what's going on outside, and it changes the responses of the engine, gearbox, differentials, and ride height. There's a setting for dynamic driving as well, but it just lowers the car, stiffens the suspension, and makes the throttle super sensitive. In short, it makes one of the most comfortable SUVs in existence uncomfortable.

Granted, many owners will probably treat the Range Rover like an oversized crossover or CUV, rather than the true off-roading SUV it is. But it's good to know it can do the job. The same goes for supercar owners, most of whom will never go beyond 100 mph.

A large luxury barge isn't supposed to have exceptional gas mileage, and, true to form, the Range Rover doesn't. In the best-case scenario, you're looking at an EPA-estimated 18/23/20 mpg city/highway/combined for the MHEV inline-six gas engine, which is the most economical engine left, now that the hybrids and diesels are gone. The supercharged V8 can do 16/21/18 mpg. The more powerful version of the V8 does 14/19/16 mpg, while the LWB high-output V8 can only manage 13/19/15 mpg.

The price of gas is of little concern if you can afford a car like this. The estimated range on a full tank is more important because few things are as annoying as having to fill up a car every three days. All models have a 27.5-gallon tank. In real-world driving, the V8 models should get between 410 and 500 miles out of a tank on the combined cycle. The six-cylinder MHEV models should reach 550 miles.

As the Range Rover competes mostly with luxury sedans and SUVs, you expect a certain level of refinement and build quality. Land Rover delivers on both fronts and adds a decent amount of practicality to boot. Unlike most luxury sedans, the Range Rover's seats can fold flat.

All models are equipped with leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and heated seats. Whatever trim you go for, the Range Rover is a prime example of superior build quality, and how different materials can be used to create an opulent space. We love the blend of soft-touch materials, leather, wood, aluminum, and piano black lacquer.

The infotainment, however, is a letdown. We actually prefer the pre-facelift version with its chunky buttons, as the new dual-screen interface is confusing and laggy. Land Rover fixed this problem in its other models by equipping a new interface, but the Range Rover soldiers on with the older Touch Pro Duo.

All Range Rover offers seating for five, except for the SVAutobiography, which is a strict four-seater. This particular model is based on the LWB and comes with two reclining seats in the second row.

The headroom in both LWB and SWB is 39.2 inches, increasing to 39.4 front and rear with a panoramic roof. Rear headroom in the LWB model drops down to 39 inches when you spec on the optional roof. The front legroom in all models is rated at 39.1 inches, while the rear legroom in the SWB is 39.2 inches. Opting for the LWB model increases the rear legroom to 46.8 inches - more than enough for the tallest of pro wrestlers.

Thanks to the air suspension, the car drops down whenever it's parked. This makes getting in and out extremely easy. Visibility is exceptional for a car this size. Finding the perfect driving position is painless, too, thanks to 16-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a power-adjustable steering column.

Leather is standard across the range, and in a wide variety of colors as well. The SVAutobiography's seats are quilted for that ultimate business-class feel. Available colors depend on which model you opt for, but even the entry-level trim presents nine no-cost options.

There are two base colors, namely Ebony and Espresso. These are combined with other colors such as Ivory and Almond. A total of eight wood interior trims are available, but not across the entire range. In Dynamic models, Steel Weave Carbon Fiber trim is standard. You can expect to pay $500 or more for some of the more exclusive finishes.

Land Rover is quite proud of the available cargo space, and the multiple seating configurations available. With all five seats in place, the SWB and LWB models have 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The extra length in the wheelbase goes toward the rear legroom, which is why trunk space remains the same. With the rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, the cargo capacity increases to 70.9. cubes in the SWB and 77.5 cubes in the LWB model.

The split-tailgate has always been a unique selling point for Land Rover. Apparently, it's a nice place to sit while watching the sunset. You can now even take it a step further and opt for what Land Rover calls the Tailgate Event Seating. It's essentially a third row crafted from Ebony leather, facing outward. Land Rover also offers a host of pet-friendly options, like the Pet Transportation Pack, and a Quilted Cargo Space Liner, to name just two. Why should only humans get quilted leather? Your purebred Corgi will be thrilled.

IIt pains us to refer to any Range Rover as a base model, but alas. Entry-level models have no nomenclature other than a badge with the power output. Westminster Edition is the next step up, followed by Autobiography, SVAutobiography Dynamic, and SVAutobiography Dynamic Black Edition. Whatever trim you choose, the Landy will be handsomely equipped. No-name models are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, LED headlights, grained leather seats, 16-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, a 13-speaker 380-Watt Meridian audio system, keyless entry and go, interactive driver display, front and rear parking aids, and a power tailgate with gesture control.

Westminster Edition trim adds 21-inch alloy wheels, soft-close doors, 20-way power-adjustable, perforated, heated and cooled Windsor front seats, a heated steering wheel, power reclining and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker 825-Watt Meridian surround-sound system, configurable ambient interior lighting, and more driver-assistance features. Autobiography adds a tow-hitch receiver, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, 24-way powered front seats with heating, cooling, and massaging functions, power reclining heated and cooled rear seats, a 29-speaker 1,700-Watt Meridian Signature audio system, four-zone climate control, and a full suite of driver-assistance features.

As the SVAutobiography Dynamic trim retails from around $180,000 in SWB configuration, you basically get everything. Its list of standard fare adds quilted leather seats, "Hot-Stone"-massaging front seats, Executive Class rear seats, a perforated leather headlining, and dynamic suspension tuning, to name just a few highlights. Lastly, the SVAutobiography Dynamic Black Edition adds to these special black exterior accenting, 22-inch alloy wheels, Grand Black interior veneer and accents, and Pimento Stitch and semi-aniline leather seat trim.

The Land Rover's infotainment system is called Touch Pro Duo, which is a pair of ten-inch screens mounted in the center console. The top screen takes care of entertainment, navigation, vehicle setup, and the like. The bottom screen takes care of the climate control and seating features. As standard, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation, SiriusXM, and HD radio. Sound-wise you get a 13-speaker Meridian sound system, which can be upgraded to a 19-speaker setup for the right price. Autobiography models get an insane 29-speaker system as standard. The interior is also equipped with up to seven USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged.

In theory, Touch Pro Duo should work like a charm, but in reality, it's slow and confusing. The rest of the Land Rover range has been updated with the faster and more intuitive Pivi Pro operating software, so why not the halo model?

The J.D. Power Survey gave the 2021 Range Rover Land Rover a rating of 72 out of a possible 100 points. No rating is available for the 2022 model yet. This isn't exactly a stellar performance, considering the price you pay. Also, given Land Rover's history in the USA, this score is less than ideal.

Only one recall was issued in recent years. In 2020 it was recalled due to the possibility that the high beams could switch on without the driver knowing it. There were no recalls in 2021 and so far for the 2022 model year.

Each Range Rover is sold with a basic four-year/50,000-mile warranty and a drivetrain warranty for the same period.

You won't find a Range Rover safety review from the IIHS nor the NHTSA, simply because luxury vehicles are just too expensive to crash willy-nilly. However, the basic safety spec is good and should provide reasonable peace of mind.

The standard safety features include ten airbags, park sensors, and a rearview camera. The base model's driver assistance includes emergency braking, lane-keep assist, cruise control, front and rear park assistance, and a speed limiter. From Westminster Edition upward, you get blind-spot monitoring, driver condition monitor, 360-degree parking assistance, clear exit monitor, rear traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, high-speed emergency braking, and an adaptive speed limiter. Autobiography models add a surround camera system, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, advanced towing assistance, and a head-up display. SVAutobiography Dynamic adds dynamic suspension tuning and SVAutobiography Dynamic Black Edition adds to that Park Pack Pro, incorporating parking assistance.

The Range Rover is the OG luxury barge, and while it may not be the best car in the Range Rover lineup, it continues to impress with its versatility, even though it is essentially a luxury vehicle sitting on top of a chassis that can venture off-road.

Almost all of its rivals have gone the other route, opting for a sportier setup resulting in a more engaging ride. The Range Rover doesn't do handling, but rather crushes the road into submission. It is beginning to show its age in this regard, as its main rivals have figured out how to keep an air suspension from feeling wallowy in the corners. Interior-wise, it's easily on par with the Bentley Bentayga, and it offers nearly as many customization options.

The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 will be the default option for many, which is a good thing. The low-down grunt is epic, and it continues to provide more than enough power to keep this leviathan on the go. The fuel consumption is horrendous, but that's hardly a problem if you're spending this much money. It is annoying to visit the gas station so frequently, though.

The SWB Range Rover starts off with the P360 i6 MHEV, which has an MSRP of $92,000. Land Rover's P400 i6 MHEV engine is only available in Westminster trim and retails for $103,500. Pricing for the 5.0 V8 starts at well above $100k. The P525 in Westminster trim is $113,500, jumping to $144,500 for Autobiography trim. A P565 engine can be equipped with the SVAutobiography Dynamic and SVAutobiography Dynamic Black. They retail for $179,500 and $183,000, respectively.

A LWB model can only be ordered with a V8 engine. The P525 is available in Westminster Edition ($117,500) and Autobiography ($151,000). The P565 engine can only be ordered in SVAutobiography trim, and this top-of-the-line Range Rover will cost you a hefty $211,000. The base price of a 2022 Range Rover excludes the automaker's destination charge of $1,350.

There are a total of nine Range Rover models left for 2022, down from 2021's 14, and split across short- and long-wheelbase forms. The SWB lineup consists of the P360 i6 MHEV, P400 MHEV Westminster Edition, and P525 in Westminster Edition and Autobiography. The P565 is available in SVAutobiography Dynamic and SVAutobiography Dynamic Black.

The long-wheelbase models consist of the P525 available in Westminster Edition and Autobiography trims. The P565 is available in SVAutobiography trim only.

The base Range Rover runs on 19-inch alloy wheels and standard equipment includes LED head- and taillights, a panoramic roof, air suspension, a hands-free tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, 16-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a 380-Watt Meridian audio system with 13 speakers. The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system incorporates a ten-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, voice control, and SiriusXM. Safety features include lane-departure assistance and front and rear parking aids.

The Westminster Edition adds to these 21-inch alloy wheels, soft-closing doors, Windsor front seats that are 20-way electrically adjustable and heated, perforated leather upholstery, power reclining and heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, configurable ambient interior lighting, and a 825-Watt Meridian Surround Sound audio system with 19 speakers. Added safety features are high-speed emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and the full Drive Pack and Park Pack driver-assistance packages.

The Autobiography trim adds to these features a lockable rear differential, tow-hitch receiver, 24-way electrically adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, power reclining rear seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone climate control, and a 1,700-Watt Meridian Signature audio system with 29 speakers. Added safety features include All-Terrain Progress Control, a surround camera system, Advanced Tow Assist, and a head-up display.

SVAutobiography Dynamic trim additionally gets quilted leather upholstery, "Hot-Stone"-massaging front seats, a four-seater-only seating layout with Executive Class reclining twin rear seats, and a perforated leather headlining. The air suspension is tuned more dynamically.

The SVAutobiography trim is only available in LWB and comes with a number of features aimed at making life more pleasurable in the rear. It's only available in four-seater configuration and has a fixed center console with a fridge, reclining Comfort Plus Executive Class rear seats, and power-closing doors.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic Black trim is a style package that adds 22-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black, Narvik Black exterior accents, and black brake calipers. Inside, there are Ebony quilted semi-aniline leather seats with a Pimento Stitch, and Grand Black interior veneer and accents.

Believe it or not, there are still some things you can add to a Range Rover. You can add the Driver Assist Pack to the base model, upgrading its safety spec with a host of driver-assistance features. This will cost you an additional $4,790, though it feels as if this should have been standard across the range. The Drive Pro Pack costs an additional $2,170 and adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, traffic sign recognition, driver condition monitoring, and high-speed emergency braking. The Park Pro Pack consists of a 360-degree camera system, clear exit monitor, rear traffic monitor, and retails for $1,450. Both the Driver Assist Pack and Park Pro Pack are available on Westminster Edition models, though cheaper because of the Westminster's generous standard specification. The Driver Assist Package's price drops to $2,030, while the Park Pro Pack drops to $850. The Entertainment Pack on the Westminster Edition and Autobiography consists of a domestic plug socket, wireless headphones, USB ports, and articulating ten-inch rear infotainment screens. It will cost you an additional $2,400. The SVAutobiography already comes with everything, except for the kitchen sink, but that's not available on the options list.

We think the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in Autobiography trim is the way to go. You get all of the nice luxuries like the 24-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, a 29-speaker Meridian sound system, upgraded leather, and improved Terrain Response with an active locking rear differential. You might never need it, but it's nice to know it's there. Most of the safety features you want are included, but we'd still upgrade to the full suite. Retailing at $151,000, it's not cheap, but it's the best balance between the $92,000 entry-level Range Rover and the $211,000 top-spec model.

We reckon Land Rover shot itself in the foot with the current Range Rover Sport. The old model was missing a number of features, creating a large gap between it and the full-on Range Rover.

Now, we don't really see the need to go all the way to the top. The Range Rover Sport is equally good off-road, also seats five, but offers a more dynamic driving experience. In terms of ride comfort, the Range Rover still comes out tops, but only just.

The Range Rover Sport pricing starts at $69,500, which is $22,500 less than the entry-level Range Rover. But for the price of a supercharged V8 Westminster, you can get the top-spec Range Rover Sport SVR with 575 hp. The SVR is quite a raucous thing, and might not appeal to a customer in search of comfort and refinement. It's safe to say that an SVR will likely be frowned upon by the school's PTA, especially during those gluten-free, pure organic bake sales.

Luckily, the Range Rover Sport is also available in a plug-in hybrid guise, allowing you to blend in with anti-gluten zealots. If we had to choose, we'd take a Range Rover Sport SVR in orange with black alloy wheels, thank you very much.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is equally iconic. In fact, Toyota basically killed Land Rover's market share in Africa. Before the Land Cruiser came along, people just accepted breakdowns as part of daily life. Today, Toyota's market share in Africa is around 42%, while Landy has dropped down to just 1%, catering mostly to folks in big cities. The Lexus LX takes everything that's great about the Land Cruiser and elevates it to a higher level of sophistication. It's not as opulent as the Range Rover. It has the same sort of luxury features, and it's a full eight-seater. The on-road driving experience is not as good as the Landy's, but both are too wallowy to be really engaging.

Off-road, the two are very close, but the Lexus feels more at home when the going gets tough. Lexus' secret is the tolerance levels the engineers build into the LX. It can take extreme punishment, and it will just keep on coming back and asking for more. Prices start at $86,830, and at that price, it is fully loaded. It will also be replaced within the next year or so, and you can be sure that Lexus had the Range Rover in its sights during the development phase.

Considering the price difference, Lexus is the logical choice, and it's the one we'd have. But once you go above a certain price point, being logical is no longer a factor. The fact is, the Lexus doesn't have the prestige of a Range Rover. If you want to make a statement, buy British.