Land Rover Range Rover (02 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
The Range Rover is an iconic vehicle and one that's highly regarded as combining true luxury with serious off road ability. The latest model is the best exponent of that thinking yet. Inside it's wonderfully upmarket with a modern and stylish cabin that's superbly finished with expensive-feeling materials. On the road it's just as good with a supremely supple ride and excellent noise insulation, while there's acres of space, particularly for passengers in the back. The downside is a hefty price tag and relatively high running costs. But for sheer class and desirability - few cars can match the Range Rover. In 2008 it was improved even further with the introduction of an excellent TDV8 diesel engine while the model was revised in 2009 with improved handling and a more advanced cabin.
4 out of 5

Safety

Despite its large size, the Range Rover didn't achieve the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, instead it was awarded four stars. Still, as you'd expect it has an immensely strong body but the safety organisation highlighted risks to the driver's and passenger's knees from hard points behind the facia. On the plus side, all models get eight airbags including curtain bags for those in the rear and electronic safety aids complement the all-wheel traction.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

This generation Range Rover is a big improvement in reliability over the previous model, although we still hear occasional reports of problems. The material quality and engineering is quite exceptional.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2007 where brake fluid may leak from a brake pipe. Only 23 cars were affected though.

Other

A recall in 2005 where the parking function on the automatic gearbox may not work correctly