Acceleration

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	6	5.8

Though a heavyweight, HSE versions have ample power for daily driving. Land Rover quotes 8.3 seconds 0-60 mph for HSE. Supercharged models are stronger. Land Rover's claim of 7.1 seconds 0-60 mph feels right. The transmission is smooth, with its sport mode providing noticeably quicker shifts.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
1	1	2.2

Among the most thirsty vehicles of any stripe. In Consumer Guide testing, HSEs averaged 12.3-14.4 mpg in an even amount of city and highway driving. A Supercharged averaged just 12.0 mpg with slightly more city use. Land Rover recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	6.4

The HSE is almost luxury-sedan composed on most surfaces. There is little tire thump on expansion joints, and the air suspension copes ably with pavement undulations. Supercharged models with their 20-inch tires feel little different.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	4.2

The Range Rover is a mountain goat off-road and carlike on-road. There is good grip, but the tall build contributes to pronounced body lean in corners. The small for its class turning circle is a boon for close-quarters driving. Stopping performance is impressive for a big SUV.

Quietness

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	6.8

The HSE's engine emits a refined snarl during acceleration but is inaudible otherwise. Same goes for the Supercharged, though some whine makes its way into the cabin during brisk acceleration. On all models, there is impressively little wind or road noise for a tall SUV and virtually no coarse-surface tire thrum.

Controls

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
4	4	6

Most controls are handy, with the climate system deserving special praise for its ease of use. Most of the other controls are subject to cryptic markings that take time to fully understand. The navigation system is separate from the climate controls, but it integrates most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.

Details

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
9	9	7.6

Some testers find the gauges small and hard to read in certain light conditions. All agree that the interior materials befit Land Rover's premium pedigree. Range Rovers feature a steering wheel that power tilts up when the vehicle is turned off; this is to ease entry and exit. On one test model, though, the wheel would occasionally fail to tilt back down to the driver's desired position when the engine was started.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Range Rover offers generous headroom and legroom and a tall driving position. The seats are comfortably supportive, though some testers wish for more travel in order to find an optimal driving position. Power-adjustable pedals are a curious omission at this price level. The view aft and to the sides blocked by thick headrests and roof pillars, making the standard obstacle detection necessary. The rearview camera also helps. A steep step-in height hurts entry and exit for all but the very tall.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	6	7.1

There is adult-size headroom and legroom. The bottom cushion is a bit short for best leg support. Narrow thresholds combine with the tall ride height for awkward entry and exit.

Cargo Room

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
9	9	8.5

There is ample room for most needs behind rear seat, but overall cargo volume is tight for the class. Range Rover's liftgate has opening glass and a clamshell design that creates a drop-down tailgate section. This design is less useful than a power one-piece tailgate, which is standard equipment on most of Range Rover's rivals. The high load floor complicates the loading of large items. Dual gloveboxes and large door pockets make for good interior storage.

Value within Class

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
4	3	5.4

Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. 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

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
66	66	68.6

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		55
Average Score		68
High Score		80