Is the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover a Good SUV?

The 2021 Range Rover is a fine luxury SUV. The Range Rover welcomes you with its library-quiet interior, top-notch cabin materials, and generous seating space for five occupants. This SUV feels fairly stable around turns, and it glides comfortably over rough road surfaces, yet it still provides great off-road capability when the going gets tough. The Range Rover’s muscular engine lineup enables quick acceleration and stout towing ability as well. Choices include gas and diesel six-cylinder engines, a hybrid four-cylinder, and a pair of V8s.

It’s not all good news though. The Range Rover has a complex infotainment system that can be difficult to use, especially when driving.

Why You Can Trust Us: 43 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 43 Land Rover Range Rover reviews, as well as data points like reliability scores and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

This 2021 Range Rover review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2013.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

Should I Buy the Land Rover Range Rover?

The 2021 Range Rover is worth a look if you’re shopping for a luxury large SUV. It’s spacious, dressed to the nines, and relaxing to drive day to day. It’s far from a good value though. Relative newcomers like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS offer comparable on-road performance and interior refinement but at a price that undercuts the Range Rover by thousands of dollars.

2020 vs. 2021 Land Rover Range Rover: What’s the Difference?

Land Rover adds three special editions to the 2021 Range Rover lineup: Westminster Edition, Fifty Edition, and Black Edition. These models have unique accents and cosmetic updates but otherwise offer the same previously available features.

Compare the 2020 and 2021 Range Rover »

The Range Rover was last redesigned for 2013. Here are its key changes over the last few years:

  • 2016: turbodiesel V6 engine became available
  • 2017: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning added to standard features list; gained larger standard touch screen (10 inches, up from 8)
  • 2018: refreshed interior and exterior styling; two 10-inch touch screens replaced single-screen infotainment system
  • 2019: added available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; plug-in-hybrid variant debuted
  • 2020: turbocharged inline-six engine replaced supercharged V6
  • 2021: Westminster, Fifty, and Black special editions debut

If you’re considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Range Rover2019 Range Rover, and 2020 Range Rover reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Much Does the Land Rover Range Rover Cost?

The 2021 Range Rover has a $92,000 starting price, which is well above average for a luxury large SUV. The price climbs to $131,000 for the midrange Autobiography trim, and it skyrockets to $211,000 for the long-wheelbase SVAutobiography model.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Land Rover dealer.

Want to trade-in or sell your current car? Get an instant cash offer that can be used toward the purchase of your next car.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Land Rover Range Rover?

The cost of insuring a Land Rover Range Rover will depend on a variety of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage that you want, and the type of insurance that you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also have an impact on your insurance rates. Check out our car insurance guide  to find the best policy for you.

Land Rover Range Rover Versus the Competition

Land Rover Range Rover vs. Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport has a lot in common with the larger Range Rover, from its styling and engine options to its driving dynamics and convenience features. There are two key differences though: price and seating accommodations. The Sport starts at $69,500, and it’s offered in five- and seven-seat layouts, while the Range Rover starts at $92,000 and can only seat up to five, albeit with more space for those passengers. These are both well-rounded luxury SUVs, but the Range Rover Sport provides a lot more value and practicality. Give it a look first.

Compare the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport »

Land Rover Range Rover vs. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, has similar appeal to the Range Rover in some ways. Both of these five-seat SUVs boast top-notch cabin materials, comfortable rides, and terrific off-road capability. The G-Class has an easier-to-use infotainment system and is more recently redesigned. On the other hand, its base price is $38,000 more than the already-pricey Range Rover. If it’s in your budget, go with the Benz.

Compare the Range Rover and G-Class »

Compare the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and G-Class »

Range Rover Interior: Roomy and Reserved

Range Rover Cargo Space

The Range Rover has a sizable cargo area, but it trails almost all other luxury large SUVs for overall space. The standard model has 34.5 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and 70.9 cubic feet with these seats folded. The long-wheelbase model increases total cargo space to 77.5 cubic feet.

How Many People Does the Range Rover Seat?

The Range Rover is a two-row SUV with five seats. The front seats are supportive, albeit a little firmly cushioned, and there’s generous headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants. The driving position is relaxing, and outward visibility is good in all directions. The back seat provides the comfiest accommodations though, especially in the long-wheelbase model, which offers nearly 47 inches of legroom, 7 inches more than the standard model. Even an NBA star should have room to stretch out in these seats.

A luxurious four-seat layout is available, and it replaces the rear middle seat with a center console and folding tray tables. Unfortunately, it’s only offered in the priciest trim.

Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. Options include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front and rear seats with massage functions.

Range Rover and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.

Range Rover Interior Quality

The Range Rover has a high-end interior with quality materials in most areas, including padded leather, soft-touch plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The cabin filters out most road and wind noise, even at higher speeds. The interior design is somewhat polarizing though. Some critics admire the clean-cut and minimalist styling, while others say it’s too restrained and bordering on dull for such an expensive vehicle.

Range Rover Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Range Rover’s dashboard features two 10-inch touch screens. The upper display controls the audio and navigation functions, as well as the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, while the lower display and two dials adjust the air conditioning, seating, and drive mode settings.

The Touch Pro Duo setup looks crisp and modern, but it’s not very user-friendly. Both displays tend to respond slowly to inputs. The bottom screen is particularly distracting to use, because its dials adjust different functions depending on which menu is displayed. The same can be said of the digital steering wheel buttons, which change based on the gauge cluster menus. Overall, the iDrive and MBUX systems found in the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, respectively, are easier to use.

  • Standard infotainment features: two 10-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, HD Radio, satellite radio, 13 speakers, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot
  • Available infotainment features: a 19- or 29-speaker sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10-inch displays
  • Additional standard features: keyless entry, push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and a hands-free power liftgate
  • Other available features: an activity key wristband, power soft-close doors, quad-zone automatic climate control, a refrigerated front center console, and a rear center console with foldable tray tables.
Range Rover Engine

The 2021 Range Rover is offered with a wide variety of powertrain options, though we suspect most drivers will be pleased with the standard configuration, which includes a 355-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. This inline-six engine – P360 in Land Rover lingo – feels punchy, and it can shuttle the SUV from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 6.6 seconds. The transmission shifts smoothly and promptly, and it enables relatively swift passing maneuvers at highway speeds.

An upgraded P400 version of this engine is available, and it produces 395 horsepower. It can trim the SUV’s zero-to-60 mph sprint to 5.9 seconds. Opt for one of the Range Rover’s 518- or 557-horsepower supercharged V8s (P525 and P565, respectively) if you’re looking for truly high performance. These V8 engines offer snappier throttle response, a sweeter exhaust note, and authoritative acceleration. The dash from zero to 60 mph is accomplished in just 5.1 seconds.

The other two options include a 398-horsepower plug-in-hybrid four-cylinder engine and a 254-horsepower turbodiesel V6. The P400e plug-in hybrid offers a smooth blend of gas and electric power, and it can hustle from zero to 60 mph in a very respectable 6.4 seconds. It feels peppy in everyday driving. The diesel V6 is remarkably quiet. It does a decent job of hauling the SUV around once up to speed, but initial acceleration is leisurely – zero to 60 mph takes 7.5 seconds – and throttle response feels delayed.

Range Rover Gas Mileage

The Range Rover offers some of the best fuel economy in the luxury large SUV class, though that’s admittedly not a very high bar. The turbocharged six-cylinder model gets an EPA-rated 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the diesel V6 model returns 22/28 mpg city/highway. Gas mileage ranges from 16/21 mpg to 13/19 mpg for the V8-powered models.

The Range Rover plug-in hybrid earns 19 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and it can also drive for up to 19 miles on battery power alone. Recharging its battery pack takes 7.5 hours using a 120-volt household-style power outlet. Using a Level 2 public charger or a 240-volt home outlet can recharge the pack in about three hours.

Range Rover Ride and Handling

The Range Rover excels at providing a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks in large part to its adaptive air suspension, which gracefully soaks up bumps and dips in the road. This is especially true for models outfitted with the smaller 19- and 20-inch wheels. Rough pavement is ironed out with remarkable poise. The trade-off for this silky smooth ride is noticeable body lean around high-speed turns, which can be disconcerting. That said, the Range Rover feels reasonably stable at city driving speeds, the steering is responsive, and it’s surprisingly easy to maneuver and park in tight areas. The brakes provide sufficient stopping power.

Range Rover Off-Road Performance

The Range Rover may not advertise its off-road pedigree as obviously as the chunky Mercedes-Benz G-Class or rugged Toyota Land Cruiser, but there’s no denying its capability. This SUV boasts an excellent 11.7 inches of ground clearance with its air suspension in the highest setting, allowing the Range Rover to safely climb over rocks and through ditches without dragging its underside. A two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing comes standard, and it helps to maximize traction on rough surfaces. Additional equipment includes off-road traction control modes, a low-speed crawl control system, and a limited-slip differential.

Range Rover Towing Capacity

The Range Rover can tow up to 7,716 pounds when properly equipped. The only exception is the P400e plug-in-hybrid variant, which is rated to tow up to 5,511 pounds.

Read more about performance »

Range Rover Reliability

Is the Land Rover Range Rover Reliable?

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover has not been scored for predicted reliability at the time of writing.

Land Rover Range Rover Warranty

Land Rover covers the Range Rover with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

Range Rover Safety

Range Rover Crash Test Results

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2021 Range Rover. This is typical for high-end luxury vehicles.

Range Rover Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

  • Rearview camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist

Available advanced safety features:

  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Hands-free park assist
  • Driver drowsiness monitoring
  • Road sign recognition
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Head-up display

Read more about safety »

Range Rover Dimensions and Weight

The Range Rover is 16.4 feet long in its standard configuration and 17.1 feet long in its long-wheelbase configuration. Its curb weight varies from 4,940 to 5,725 pounds.

Where Is the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Built?

Land Rover builds the 2021 Range Rover in the United Kingdom.

Which Land Rover Range Rover Model Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover comes in seven trim levels: base, HSE, Westminster Edition, Autobiography, Fifty Edition, SVAutobiography, and Black Edition. The base model is a good pick for most shoppers. It offers spry engine performance and lots of standard convenience and safety features. It can also be optioned up with amenities like a refrigerated center console and soft-closing doors.

The higher trims offer a few more luxuries like ventilated and massaging seats, a wider selection of engines, and a long-wheelbase variant with extra rear legroom. Just watch the price tag. This SUV can easily exceed $200,000 in its upper trims.

Range Rover

The base Range Rover has a $92,000 starting price, and it’s equipped with a 355-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a four-wheel-drive system with high- and low-range gearing.

Standard features include a pair of 10-inch touch screens, a digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, 13 speakers, Bluetooth, USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, push-button start, a hands-free power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, off-road traction control modes, an adaptive air suspension, and 19-inch wheels. A rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and LED headlights are also standard.

Options include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a refrigerated center console, power soft-close doors, a 19-speaker sound system, an activity key wristband, blind spot monitoring, a surround-view parking camera system, hands-free park assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, road sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, a head-up display, and 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels.

Range Rover HSE

The Range Rover HSE starts at $97,000 and features a 398-horsepower plug-in-hybrid system. This trim adds 20-inch wheels, blind spot monitoring, road sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, 19 speakers, and power soft-close doors. A 254-horsepower turbodiesel V6 engine is available for $1,000.

In addition to the previously mentioned options, the HSE is available with quad-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, ventilated rear seats, two 10-inch displays for back-seat passengers, and a locking rear differential.

Range Rover HSE Westminster Edition

The HSE Westminster Edition is priced at $103,500 and boasts a 395-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine. This trim gains 21-inch wheels, quad-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a refrigerated console, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and a head-up display. A 518-horsepower supercharged V8 engine is available for $10,000. Upgrading to the long-wheelbase variant costs an additional $4,000. All other options carry over unchanged.

Range Rover Autobiography

The Range Rover Autobiography starts at $131,000. This trim features the 398-horsepower plug-in-hybrid system plus massaging front seats, ventilated rear seats, 29 speakers, a surround-view parking camera system, hands-free park assist, and a locking rear differential. A supercharged V8 engine is available for an extra $13,500. The long-wheelbase variant costs an additional $6,500. As before, most options carry over unchanged.

Range Rover Autobiography Fifty Edition

The Autobiography Fifty Edition costs $148,500 for short-wheelbase models and $155,000 for long-wheelbase models. This special edition boasts the 518-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, “fifty” script badges and logos, unique grille and bumper accents, and 22-inch wheels. This trim celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Range Rover, which debuted in 1970.

Range Rover SVAutobiography

The SVAutobiography trim starts at $179,500 and sports a 557-horsepower supercharged V8 engine and quilted leather upholstery. Upgrading to the long-wheelbase variant costs an additional $31,500, though it also adds a luxe four-seat layout with massaging rear seats, a rear center console with a refrigerated compartment, foldout tray tables in the back seat, and two rear-seat 10-inch displays.

Range Rover SVAutobiography Black Edition

The SVAutobiography Black Edition costs $183,000, and it’s only offered in the short-wheelbase configuration. This trim adds black exterior accents and gloss black 22-inch wheels.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Land Rover dealer.

See 2021 Land Rover Range Rover specs and trims »

The Final Call

For 2021, the Range Rover upholds its reputation as a luxury SUV that’s as much at home on the highway as on off-road trails. It’s spacious, well-trimmed, comfortable to drive, and a true workhorse when slogging off road or saddled with a heavy trailer. It continues to be a fine option in the luxury large SUV class, but it’s no longer a top pick. Rivals like the Lincoln NavigatorBMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS can give you much of the Range Rover’s exclusivity and refinement but at a more attainable price and with fewer tech foibles.

Originally published here