Acceleration

HSE	Class Average
6	5.1

Acceleration supports Land Rover's 9-sec 0-60-mph claim, though midrange response can feel a bit labored in this heavyweight SUV, despite a smooth, quick-acting transmission.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Class Average
2	2

Test models averaged 12.0-13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Range Rover requires 91-octane or higher fuel.

Ride Quality

HSE	Class Average
7	5.8

Taut, but almost luxury sedan composed on smooth surfaces, with little tire thump on expansion joints. Air suspension can't quite keep up with some pavement undulations, however, resulting in minor but annoying vertical jitters or side-to-side rocking.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Class Average
5	3.4

A mountain goat off-road and carlike on-road. Impressive grip, but tall build can overwhelm the suspension to allow marked cornering lean. Steering light but slow at low speeds, with numb on-center feel at high speeds. Relatively compact turning circle a parking lot convenience. Brake performance good for a big SUV, though some testers complained of touchy pedal feel. Automated settings take guesswork out of off-road driving.

Quietness

HSE	Class Average
7	6

Rivaled only by Lexus LX 470 for overall refinement in an SUV. Engine smooth and hushed. Tire noise generally low, but noticeable wind rush sets in from as little as 60 mph, a penalty of the tall, blocky build.

Controls

HSE	Class Average
5	5.6

Most controls handy, though not all are clearly marked, and each takes time to learn. CD changer deep in glovebox. Silken switchgear movement, top-grade leather, and tasteful wood reflect BMW's high-end design influence--though test models suffered some minor interior rattles and buzzes. Instrument panel features graphic display of front-wheel angle--handy when off-road.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Class Average
9	8.1

Tall driving position. View aft and to sides blocked by thick headrests and roof pillars, making standard obstacle detection helpful. Step-in a little steep for shorter people. Seats comfortably supportive, but allow occupants to slide around in fast cornering or at steep off-road angles. Generous head and leg room.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Class Average
7	6.7

Theater seating means only adequate 6-footer head room. Ample leg space, but cushion a bit short for best leg support. Narrow thresholds combine with tall ride height for awkward entry/exit.

Cargo Room

HSE	Class Average
7	7.8

Maximum volume among lowest of premium SUVs, but ample room for most needs behind rear seat. Load deck is relatively high, and accordion-fold hard cargo cover is awkward to remove or install. Small glovebox, but adequate small-items storage elsewhere. Fold-out front cupholders--one in dashboard, one in console--are afterthoughts with limited usefulness.

Value within Class

HSE	Class Average
4	4.6

Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. There are less-expensive alternatives that match it in one or two of these areas, but for Range Rover's well-heeled buyers, little else will do.

Total Score

HSE	Class Average
59	55.1

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		55
High Score		64