Pros
- Refinement
- Interior materials and comfort
Acceleration
6/10
Though heavyweights, HSE versions have ample power for daily driving. Land Rover quotes 7.2 seconds 0-60 mph for HSE. Supercharged models are impressively stronger, and Land Rover's claim of 5.9 seconds 0-60 mph feels right. The transmission is smooth and the progressive throttle makes it easy to match power delivery to demand.
Fuel Economy
1/10
No opportunity to measure. Both engines require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
7/10
Range Rovers are nearly luxury-sedan composed on most surfaces, and most bumps are quelled with little drama. The HSE's Luxury Interior Package adds 20-inch wheels; models so equipped felt little different than the Supercharged version during preview drives in New England.
Steering/Handling/Braking
6/10
Range Rover is a mountain goat off-road, and car-like on the road. There is good grip, and the small-for-its-class turning circle is a boon for close-quarters driving. Stopping performance is impressive for a big SUV.
Quietness
8/10
The HSE's engine makes a refined snarl during acceleration but is nearly silent otherwise. Same goes for the Supercharged, but some blower whine makes its way into the cabin during brisk acceleration. On all models, there is impressively little wind or road noise for a tall SUV.
Controls
7/10
Range Rover's main gauges are "virtual" displays on a 12-inch wide screen in front of the driver. In practice, they are as easy to read as conventional dials, but on occasion the movement of the needles is a bit jerky. Most major controls use well-identified buttons and knobs that are easy to locate and use. Some secondary controls are accessed through the navigation system's touch screen. Setting Terrain Response, hill-descent control, and other off-road gear can puzzle the uninitiated.
Details
9/10
Interior materials are of high quality, and the assembly job looks first rate. The tasteful and understated cabin may look a bit more upscale outdoorsy than uptown opulent, but nothing disappoints and the wood trim adds warmth. The Autobiography Package that's available on the Supercharged model enhances to the interior's classy vibe, but at a stiff price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
9/10
Range Rover offers generous headroom and legroom, along with a commanding seating position. The seats are comfortable and supportive.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
6/10
Adult-size headroom and legroom. Some riders may find that narrow thresholds and the tall ride height combine for awkward entry and exit.
Cargo Room
9/10
Ample room for most needs behind the rear seat, but overall cargo room isn't exceptional for the class. Interior small-item storage is good and includes dual gloveboxes and door pockets. Thirsty riders may wish the door pockets offered additional drink holders.
Value Within Class
4/10
Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The Supercharged model brings even more power to the table, but at a hefty price premium. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance and better fuel economy, but for Range Rover's well-heeled shoppers, little else will do.
Highlights
The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover gets freshened styling and new engines. Land Rover's flagship SUV seats 5 and comes in HSE and Supercharged trims. The HSE has a new 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, which replaces a 305-horsepower 4.4-liter V8. The top-line Supercharged has a supercharged 510-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, which replaces a 400-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the lone transmission. Range Rovers have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Also standard is Land Rover's Terrain-Response system, which has a console switch that enables the driver to change suspension and powertrain calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading. Hill descent control is standard. An electronic adaptive suspension is standard on the Supercharged and optional on the HSE. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and wireless cell-phone link are standard. Blind-spot alert is available, as is a "Surround-Camera" system that shows the driver nearly the entire circumference of the exterior on the navigation screen. An optional Luxury Interior Package for HSE models includes 14-way heated and cooled front seats, upgraded leather and wood interior trim, an adaptive front-lighting system, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and 20-inch wheels and tires. Supercharged models can be equipped with the Autobiography Package that includes upgraded leather and wood interior trim, rear-seat entertainment, 4-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, HD radio, and specific wheels and badging. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium-Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.
Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Cadillac Escalade.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Land Rover Range Rover, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.