2008 Land Rover Range Rover [ 2007 ]

#4

in Luxury Large SUVs

Based on analysis of 46 Range-Rover reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $77,175 - $92,825
Invoice: $70,229 - $84,471
MPG: 12 City / 18 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:8.6
Exterior:9.3
Interior:8.8
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0
Pros
  • Class-leading off-road performance
  • Luxurious, smooth, and surprisingly nimble (for its size) on-road manners
  • Gorgeous interior and exterior styling
  • Pampers with long list of features, technology, and luxury touches
Cons
  • Very high price, even for its class
  • Poor fuel economy versus peers
  • Based on past history, reliability questions remain

Land Rover Range Rover - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover ranks 4 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Land Rover Range Rover, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Range Rover is widely viewed as one of the finest luxury vehicles built today, and its smooth on-road and rugged off-road performance are seen by many as best-in-class.  However, Land Rover's spotty reliability record detracts from its overall appeal.

With luxury and performance to spare, reviewers are almost unanimous in saying that the Land Rover Range Rover is a wonderful full-size luxury SUV, among the finest overall luxury vehicles on the road. Not only does it ride and handle well on the city streets, it is class-leading in its off-road capabilities. Since the Range Rover got several changes last year, it gets only minor interior tweaks for 2008. The Range Rover comes in two trims. The HSE base model features a 305-horsepower V8 engine and the Supercharged model features a more powerful 400-hp V8.  Conventional wisdom says that if you can afford a Range Rover, you can also probably afford to fill it up -- but buyers may want to note that the Range Rover's gas mileage is in the middle of the class, and the SUV requires premium fuel.

  • "A beautifully executed amalgam of old-money luxury sedan and Land Rover's rugged, go-anywhere capability." -- Car and Driver
  • "One of the few luxury cars that is actually worth its asking price." -- The Family Car
  • "The Range Rover blends conflicting functions by offering supreme luxury and extreme off-road ruggedness. Few other SUVs offer such high levels of both. The trade-off is a steep price." -- Forbes

Range-Rover Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

The Land Rover Range Rover pleases just about every reviewer who evaluated its performance, whether engine, brakes, handling, or its best-in-class off-road capabilities. Driving the Range Rover is, according to the majority of test drivers, an unparalleled experience. Cars.com says the Range Rover "can tackle tough offroad terrain that would fail less-capable SUVs, yet still has the cachet to warrant a front-and-center parking space at upscale hotels."  Other reviewers agree. To see what they liked, continue with our full performance review. continue

Range-Rover Exterior - 9.3 (Excellent)

The widely held assessment of the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is that it has a beautifully styled exterior. The Detroit News says the Range Rover is "a stunner, with jewel-like head and tail lamps that reflect daylight with a dazzling prismatic effect. The skin is sleek and taut, tucked into tight curves around the corners."  Most reviewers feel the same way.  To learn what they say about the Rover's looks, check out our full exterior review.  You can also see our Range Rover pictures for yourself. continue

Range-Rover Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)

Our analysis shows the interior of the Range Rover is comfortable and luxurious, with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. Road and Track calls it an "exquisitely appointed interior, which has no rival in elegance." To find out more about the Ranger Rover's features and seating, continue with our full interior review. You can also see Range Rover interior pictures. continue

Range-Rover Safety - NA

The 2008 Land Rover Ranger Rover is equipped with a long list of expected safety features, including dual-stage frontal and side impact air bags, side curtain air bags for all rows of seats, and even an air bag to protect the driver's knees. However, the Land Rover Range Rover has yet to be subject to government or insurance industry crash tests. continue

Range-Rover Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Rover Range Rover comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue

Review Last Updated: 7/11/08