2009 Land Rover Range Rover: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover is largely unchanged. Land Rover's flagship SUV 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. A 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the lone transmission. Range Rovers have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Maximum towing capacity is 7716 lb. 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 is standard, as are a navigation system, rearview camera, front and rear obstacle detection, and wireless cell phone link. Heated and cooled front seats are standard on the Supercharged and optional on the HSE. A new Autobiography Package for the Supercharged includes upgraded leather upholstery, rear dual-zone automatic climate control, DVD entertainment, and unique wheels.

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 Buys are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.

The Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class both add diesel engines for 2009, while the Cadillac Escalade adds a gas/electric hybrid model.