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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
Date Published: 4/11/08
Also in the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Review:
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Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Review
The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is largely unchanged. Range Rover seats five and comes in HSE and Supercharged trims. The HSE has a 305-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the Supercharged has a supercharged 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. Maximum towing capacity is 7716 lb. A 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the lone transmission. Range Rovers have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Also standard is Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which has a console switch that enables the driver to change suspension and powertrain calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading. A locking center differential is standard, and a locking rear differential is optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Hill descent control designed to limit speed on steep descents is standard. A navigation system, rearview camera, front and rear obstacle detection, and wireless cell phone link are standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
News
Sources see no major near-term changes for Range Rover. The current design is several years old, and past Land Rover practice suggests a replacement isn't due for another couple of years.
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Entry/exit |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| HSE 4-door wagon | $77,175 | $70,229 | $775 |
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| Supercharged 4-door wagon | $92,825 | $84,471 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
HSE
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip center differential, front and rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protecting airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, hill descent control, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 12-way power driver seat, 10-way power passenger seat, center console, heated split folding rear seat w/pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, tachometer, navigation system w/voice activation, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, heated front windshield, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class III trailer-hitch receiver and wiring harness, height-adjustable and load-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 255/55R19 tires, alloy wheels.
Supercharged adds to HSE:
Powertrain
4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, locking rear differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
14-way power heated/cooled front seats, automatic day/night outside mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/50R20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Luxury Interior Pkg.
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HSE
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$4,500
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$4,095
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14-way power heated/cooled front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, unique wood interior trim, automatic day/night outside mirrors, cargo net, steering-linked adaptive headlights. Std. Supercharged.
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Powertrain |
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Locking rear differential
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HSE
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$500
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$455
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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DVD entertainment system
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HSE, Supercharged
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$2,500
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$2,275
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Unique wood interior trim
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HSE, Supercharged
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$0
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$0
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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255/50R20 all-terrain tires
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HSE
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$4,000
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$3,640
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Land Rover Range Rover 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 195.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 87.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5698 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 74.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 27.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.4 /268 | 4.2 /256 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 305 @ 5750 | 400 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 325 @ 4000 | 420 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 12/18 | 12/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Land Rover Range Rover 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Rear Seat Entertainment System (6 Disc DVD w/Dual Headrest Display and Remote Control) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 12.04 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta I wrote the CG Says, and I feel no differently after driving this 2008 Supercharged model. Except for a rear seat that's surprisingly short on leg space and extraordinarily difficult to get into and out of, this is one of the rare super-expensive vehicles in which performance, refinement, and build quality justify the price. Ed Piotrowski As premium large SUVs go, the Range Rover Supercharged is nice, but not $96,000 nice. It certainly makes a statement, but so does the Cadillac Escalade, which costs $25,000 less. This also doesn't take into account Land Rover's below-average reliability and abysmal resale value. Jack Stewart The Range Rover's biggest drawback is its price. It excels at everything a luxury SUV should do. It also does it in style more subtle than Escalade. Tom Appel I left the health club Saturday night to find the roads covered in crunchy frozen snow and a fresh glaze of ice. As I left someone yelled, "Careful, it's dangerous out there." Luckily for me, I was driving about $100,000 worth of careful. I've had the unique pleasure of taking a "Landie" off road, and was more than impressed by its prowess. But that was a controlled environment, and I was surrounded by experts who could minimize my mistakes. Driving home from the health club I was alone, yet seemingly indestructible. I switched the multi-mode AWD system to the loose gravel/fresh snow mode and let the truck do the rest. As I passed abandoned cars I realized that I was too comfortable. That this ride should be harder. But it wasn't. When called on to be what it claims to be, this huge, monstrously expensive king-of-SUVs did precisely what it needed to do, conquer the elements. Sure, a few lesser trucks could have made that trip with nearly the same level of sure-footedness, but they aren't Range Rovers, are they? The good news is this: The Land Rover Range Rover may cost way, way too much, but this rig is no poser. And as a bonus, it's really great to drive on dry pavement, too. |
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Also in the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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