2006 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover help you decide if a 2006 Land Rover Range Rover is right for you.

2006 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room

Build quality

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	7	5.1

All Range Rovers are heavyweights, but HSE has ample power for daily driving. Supercharged markedly stronger in all situations. Land Rover quotes 0-60-mph times of 8.3 sec for HSE, 7.1 sec for Supercharged. In both, transmission's sport mode provides noticeably quicker downshifts.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
3	3	2.1

No opportunity to measure with HSE. Test Supercharged averaged 15.6 mpg. Both Range Rovers require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	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. Little ride penalty with Supercharged's 20-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	6	3.4

A mountain goat off-road and carlike on-road. Impressive grip, but tall build contributes to pronounced lean in corners. Supercharged leans less, feels more nimble than HSE. Steering light at low speeds, with numb on-center feel at high speeds. Compact-for-class turning circle a parking lot convenience. Stopping performance good for a big SUV, especially with Supercharged's Brembo brakes.

Quietness

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
8	8	6.1

Rivaled only by Lexus LX 470 for overall refinement in an SUV. Noticeable whine from engine compartment during fast acceleration in Supercharged. Tire noise generally low. Wind rush nicely quelled.

Controls

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	5.8

Most controls handy, but orientation to the daunting array of switches and knobs takes time. Silken switchgear movement, top-grade leather, and real wood add to opulent feel. Instrument panel features graphic display of front-wheel angle--handy when off-road.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
9	9	8.1

Generous head and leg room. Tall driving position. Seats comfortably supportive, but lack side support, allowing occupants to slide around in fast cornering or at steep off-road angles. 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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	7.2

Theater-style seating means only adequate six-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	Supercharged	Class Average
8	8	8

Maximum volume among tightest of premium SUVs, but ample room for most needs behind rear seat. Load deck relatively high, but cleverly designed combination liftgate/tailgate adds to convenience. Accordion-fold hard cargo cover awkward to remove/install. Small glovebox, but adequate small-item storage elsewhere.

Value within Class

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
4	4	4.9

Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The updates for '06 polish its upper-crust credentials, while the Supercharged model adds real muscle--for a hefty price premium. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance, but for Range Rover's well-heeled buyers, little else will do.

Total Score