2010 Land Rover Range Rover: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover gets freshened styling and new engines. Land Rover's flagship SUV seats five and comes in HSE and Supercharged trims. The HSE has a new 375-hp 5.0-liter V8, which replaces a 305-hp 4.4-liter V8. The top-line Supercharged has a supercharged 510-hp 5.0-liter V8, which replaces a 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. 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. Hill descent control is standard. An electronic adaptive suspension is standard on the Supercharged and optional on the HSE. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and wireless cell-phone link are standard. Blind-spot alert is available, as is a "Surround-Camera" system that shows the driver nearly the entire circumference of the exterior on the navigation screen. An optional Luxury Interior Package for HSE models includes 14-way heated and cooled front seats, upgraded leather and wood interior trim, an adaptive front-lighting system, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and 20-inch wheels and tires. Supercharged models can be equipped with the Autobiography Package that includes upgraded leather and wood interior trim, rear-seat entertainment, 4-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, HD radio, and specific wheels and badging. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

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 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Cadillac Escalade.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Land Rover Range Rover, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.