Land Rover Range Rover

The redesigned Range Rover continues its legacy of pushing boundaries, with new tech and an elegant design. The standard engine is a mild-hybrid turbo inline-six that is smooth and powerful. The ride is steady and controlled, thanks in part to the air suspension, which also lowers the vehicle automatically for easy entry and exit. Handling is responsive but not agile. Controls are too complicated and distracting. The Range Rover is offered in four-, five-, and seven-seat configurations in the long wheelbase version. A twin-turbo V8 and a plug-in hybrid (with a 51-mile electric-only range) are also available. An EV will debut in 2024. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

An impressive redesign of the Range Rover brought an eight-speed automatic transmission along with supercharged V6 and V8 engines delivering immediate thrust. Combined with an aluminum unibody, fuel economy increased considerably. We averaged 17 mpg with the base V6. While not exactly stellar, this is better than most of the class. Handling is responsive and secure, but not sporty. However, ride quality is unsurpassed, as the suspension system swallows up nearly every bump. Further, off-road ability remains legendary. Tasteful wood, leather and chrome trim, in concert with very comfortable and supportive seats maintain the Range Rover’s reputation for luxury. However, some of the controls are dated, including the touchscreen infotainment system. Safety features such as blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning are options -- despite the high price of entry. 2016 models offer a 254-hp, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6; upgrades to the infotainment system; and an available hands-free tailgate opening system. 2018 brings an updated exterior, infotainment system, and a SVAutobiography Dynamic version with a 557-hp supercharged V8. Updates for 2019 include a level 2 partial automation as an option as well as a P400e plug-in hybrid version. Other new features include Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility. Changes for 2020 include a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, which comes with a mild hybrid system, producing between 355- and 395-hp.

This upscale SUV comes with all sorts of luxury-car amenities, power everything, and leather galore, as well as a number of advanced engineering features such as a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and air suspension. When you park, the body can lower itself to ease access. Once under way, it rises again. It rises still more when you select Low Range, the better to clear off-road obstructions. The Range Rover rode comfortably for an SUV and handled adequately, though it didn't accelerate briskly-even with its husky V8. Don't expect much in the way of fuel economy.