Luxury sport-utility vehicles hail from many sources nowadays, but Land Rover is the original. The best of that renowned brand is the full-size Range Rover. Not only it is loaded with posh features and amenities in the British tradition, led by fine wood and leather trim, it’s a showcase of craftsmanship. In addition to virtually unbeatable off-road capabilities, Range Rover provides an ultimate helping of prestige, mixed with old-world charm and an iconic history dating back to long-ago treks through the African jungle.
What's New for 2016
A 3-liter diesel engine becomes available for both the base and HSE editions, promising markedly better fuel economy. Meanwhile, the HSE’s gasoline V6 gets a boost from 340 to 380 horsepower. Newly available driver-assistance features include All-Terrain Progress Control (like a low-speed cruise/crawl mode) and Surround Camera System3. A rear-camera wash system, Hands-Free Gesture tailgate, and Automatic Access Height now are standard. SV Autobiography is now the top trim level.
Choosing Your Land Rover Range Rover
All Range Rovers have full-time four-wheel drive with a Low range. The Terrain Response system optimizes traction through five selectable surface conditions. Terrain Response 2, available for every model (standard on some), goes a step further, sensing road characteristics and adjusting the appropriate systems with no intervention from the driver. Seating five, Range Rover is available with an extended wheelbase for even greater rear-seat comfort.
The standard supercharged 3-liter V6 produces 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. If that won’t suffice, you can upgrade to a 5-liter V8, also supercharged, that cranks out 510 horsepower (550 in the SVAutobiography model). For 2016, you also have the option of a diesel engine, with fuel economy estimated at 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (versus 17/23 mpg for the supercharged V6). Mileage sinks to 14/19 mpg with the V8.
Each engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All versions have an adaptive air suspension, as well as automatic emergency braking.
Base TD6
New for 2016 and priced $1,500 above the gas-engine base model, the Td6 holds a 3-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters are included.
HSE
Stepping up to the HSE adds a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather seating, heated rear seat, auto-dimming mirrors, foglamps, and 20-inch wheels.
HSE TD6
With a diesel engine, the HSE price escalates by $1,500. Equipment is similar to the gas-engine HSE.
Supercharged
In addition to the gasoline V8 and all HSE equipment, this $103,195 version gets Terrain Response 2, stainless steel pedals, and 21-inch wheels. Picking a long-wheelbase (LWB) version adds $5,000.
Base, HSE and Supercharged models can get a Vision Assist package that includes Terrain Response 2 and a surround-view camera, as well as blind spot monitoring and adaptive headlights.
Autobiography
Offered in regular or extended length, starting at $139,995, Autobiography gets the V8 and all equipment indicated above, plus an ultra-premium 29-speaker Meridian sound system. An Autobiography LWB costs $5,000 more. An optional Rear Executive Class Seating package adds a center console between individual reclining rear seats, with memory and massaging.