2007 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Land Rover Range Rover includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Land Rover Range Rover from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Land Rover Range Rover, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Land Rover Range Rover help you decide if a 2007 Land Rover Range Rover is right for you.

2007 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Quietness	Entry/exit

Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

HSE	Class Average
6	5.4

HSE only '07 Range Rover made available for test so far. Though a heavyweight, it has ample power for daily driving. Land Rover quotes 8.3 sec 0-60 mph for HSE, 7.1 for Supercharged. Transmission smooth, with sport mode providing noticeably quicker shifts.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Class Average
2	2.5

Test HSEs averaged 12.3-14.1 mpg. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel for HSE, requires it for Supercharged.

Ride Quality

HSE	Class Average
7	6.6

Almost luxury-sedan composed on most surfaces. Little tire thump on expansion joints, and air suspension copes ably with pavement undulations. No opportunity to test with available 20-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Class Average
5	4

A mountain goat off-road and carlike on-road. Good grip, but tall build contributes to pronounced body lean in corners. Compact-for-class turning circle a boon for close-quarters driving. Stopping performance good for a big SUV.

Quietness

HSE	Class Average
7	6.7

Engine emits a refined snarl during acceleration, is inaudible otherwise. Impressively little wind or road noise for a tall SUV. Virtually no coarse-surface tire thrum.

Controls

HSE	Class Average
4	6

Most controls handy, but orientation to daunting array of cryptic switches and knobs takes time. Navigation system separate from climate controls, but integrates audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments. Some testers find gauges small, hard to read in certain light conditions.

Details

HSE	Class Average
7	7

The interior is premium all the way. Materials used befit the Range Rover's premium pedigree.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Class Average
8	8.3

Generous head and leg room. Tall driving position. Seats comfortably supportive. View aft and to sides blocked by thick headrests and roof pillars, making standard obstacle detection necessary. Standard rearview camera prone to collecting road grime, limiting its usefulness. Step-in steep for shorter people.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Class Average
7	7.1

Adult-size head and leg room. Bottom 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	7.3

Ample room for most needs behind rear seat, but overall cargo volume tight for the class. Range Rover's liftgate has opening glass and a clamshell design that creates a drop-down tailgate section. High load floor complicates loading of large items. Dual glove boxes, large door pockets make for good interior storage.

Value within Class

HSE	Class Average
5	5.5

Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The updates for '07 further polish its upscale credentials, while the Supercharged model adds more muscle--for a hefty price premium. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance and better fuel economy, but for Range Rover's well-heeled shoppers, little else will do.

Total Score