2022 Land Rover Range Rover Review

An all-new version of the Range Rover is a novelty. This is only the fifth generation of Land Rover's flagship SUV since 1970, but it's arguably the most significant. For decades, the Range Rover was the definitive luxury SUV, the default choice for both celebrities and wealthy landowners. But today's market is much more competitive with every luxury brand offering a twist on Land Rover's original recipe. To succeed, this new model must do battle with a flotilla of alternatives, from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer to the Bentley Bentayga.

This redesigned 2022 Range Rover model — note that Land Rover is also selling the old-gen Range Rover for 2022, which we explain more about below — must also bridge the gap between internal combustion and electrification. The gas engines offered at launch will be joined by a plug-in hybrid for the 2023 model year and a fully electric Range Rover for 2024.

In recognition of the needs of American customers, it will also be offered with seven seats for the first time if you opt for the long-wheelbase version. In other words, there will be no shortage of choice in a lineup that will start at a little over $100,000 and ultimately stretch well beyond $200,000.

In recent generations, the Range Rover has morphed from a luxury off-roader into a luxury SUV, an important distinction. The combination of permanent all-wheel drive, air suspension to raise the ground clearance, and a broad range of electronic aids still delivers impressive all-terrain capability, but it's no longer a primary focus. For the Range Rover to succeed, it must match the on-road comfort of a Mercedes, BMW or Bentley.

And it does. Earlier generations of the Range Rover used to rock and roll like a 3 a.m. drunk, but this latest version is impressively controlled. It never quite completely disguises its bulk, but it now offers a level of composure to match upmarket versions of the Mercedes GLS, BMW X7 and even the Bentley Bentayga. The steering is lightweight but precise, and the big SUV changes direction with aplomb.

It's helped in this regard by the standard four-wheel steering — at low speeds the rear wheels move in the opposite direction to the front to reduce the turning circle, then at higher speeds they move in the same direction to improve stability. It's not new technology but it's new to the Range Rover and certainly helps to promote a feeling of agility at all speeds.

We tested both the 3.0-liter six cylinder and the 4.4-liter V8 engine options. Both are turbocharged and offer 395 and 523 horsepower, respectively. The V8 provides significantly quicker acceleration — a claimed 0-60 mph sprint of 4.4 seconds is in sports car territory — but the six-cylinder car is hardly slow (5.8 seconds). For most Range Rover owners, we suspect the 3.0-liter will be more than sufficient and enhances its appeal with impressive refinement.

Comfort is the Range Rover's raison d'etre. This is the vehicle to whisk you to a ski lodge in consummate luxury, arriving in time for cocktails whatever the weather. It seeks to achieve this through a mix of hardware and electronic trickery. The air suspension, for example, does a fine job of soaking up surface imperfections at both high and low speeds. We drove both standard- and long-wheelbase versions, and it was the latter that impressed most. It felt better balanced; the longer wheelbase eliminating the floating sensation occasionally felt in the five-seater.

Wind and road noise is also well suppressed. In the Autobiography and above trim levels, the refinement is enhanced by a noise-canceling system. Each of the 35 speakers emits a frequency to cancel out unwanted noise in a similar manner to the headphones you might use on an airplane. It's hard to define their overall impact, as we've only driven cars with this system fitted. But there's no question that the Range Rover enjoys the hushed aura of genuine luxury.

As you might expect, the Range Rover's front seats are commodious and offer plenty of adjustment, while the high-set seating position provides a commanding view of the road ahead — a Range Rover trademark. Heating, ventilation and a range of massage functions can also help to soothe one's derriere on long journeys.

The experience for those in the rear is somewhat defined by the choice of wheelbase. Range Rover claims the rear legroom is improved relative to the old model for the standard-wheelbase model, but it's still surprisingly tight. Six-footers can sit in tandem and those in the rear can slide their feet under the seat in front, but it's no more than adequate. The issue is especially acute if you choose the executive seat option that introduces more opulent rear chairs with additional recline functionality. The latter also steals trunk space.

The extra interior space from the long-wheelbase version is more fitting for a big luxury SUV. It also introduces the option of seven seats for the first time on a Range Rover. The third-row seats are roomy enough to accommodate adults on the provision that second-row passengers are willing to sacrifice some legroom by sliding the rear bench forward. Given that the long-wheelbase model with seven seats is just $6,000 more than the standard five-seater, it's a highly desirable proposition on the assumption that your garage can house a vehicle measuring 207 inches in length versus 199 inches for the standard Range Rover.

The rest of the interior really echoes the design of the exterior. In a world where some manufacturers are seemingly intent on increasingly complex and outlandish design — stand up, BMW — the Range Rover is pleasingly reductionist. It goes its own way with elegant surfacing and clever choice of materials. You can still have dead cow everywhere should you wish but Land Rover has also introduced some new, more animal-friendly material choices. To our eyes, the overall effect is hugely appealing and should age well. It works well too, with a good driving position and sensibly sighted controls. Most importantly, it feels a cut above a Mercedes or BMW in both design and quality.

At a Land Rover sponsored event, we also drove and rode in the SV version, which will be available for the 2023 model year and features two aircraft-style rear chairs, a fold-out table and fridge. It's for those who prefer to be driven and is certainly opulent, as it should be with a price tag north of $200,000.

Land Rover has not always had the best reputation for technology with sometimes clunky and unreliable infotainment systems. The latest touchscreen system in the Range Rover (and other models) is a significant improvement, however. The graphics are charming and distinctive, and Land Rover has sensibly blended its proprietary technology with the best that Silicon Valley has to offer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration are standard, alongside Amazon Alexa for voice control of the key functions.

As you'd expect from such a luxurious vehicle, you can have all manner of gadgets such as a fridge, heated and massaging seats and even a heated armrest. The top trim Meridian Signature sound system has 1,600 watts of power and no fewer than 35 speakers. Rubbish it is not.

As noted above, Land Rover is producing both a brand-new Range Rover and the outgoing model for the 2022 model year. We will cover the new Range Rover's trim levels and features first, followed by the older model.

The new 2022 Land Rover Range Rover (fifth generation) is available in two body style configurations: short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB). Both have seating for five as standard, but you can also get the LWB with a third-row seat to boost maximum capacity to seven passengers.

Three trim levels are available: SE, Autobiography and First Edition. The SE is not available in the LWB five-seat configuration. Otherwise, all trims are available in all body styles.

Two powertrains are available:

• P400: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (395 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque)
• P530: turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lb-ft)

Both come paired to eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain can only be ordered on the SE. The P530 engine is optional for the SE and standard on the Autobiography and First Edition.

SE
The entry-level SE model includes:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Terrain Response 2 (Range Rover's advanced off-road driver assist system)
• Four-wheel steering (enhances nimbleness and agility when turning)
• Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free tailgate
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front and rear seats
• Meridian audio system
• 13.1-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• Wireless charging pad
• Configurable ambient lighting

Every model in the redesigned Range Rover lineup also has these advanced safety features:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Range Rover and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Autobiography
Stepping up to the luxe Autobiography adds:

• 22-inch wheels
• Sound-reducing front and side window glass
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Air purification system
• Four-zone climate control
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats with massage
• Ventilated rear seats
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Power rear sunshades
• 35-speaker Meridian premium audio system
• Rear-seat entertainment system
• Front console refrigerator
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

First Edition
Presumably for this year only, the 2022 Range Rover is available in the First Edition trim level. Upgrades over the Autobiography include:

• 23-inch wheels
• Unique exterior badging and interior trim details
• Power-adjustable outboard rear seats with ventilation and massage
• Premium leather upholstery
• Leather seat cushions for sitting on the tailgate

Many of the features on upper trim levels can be added to lower models. Other items include:

• Imitation suede/premium cloth combination upholstery
• Shadow Exterior Pack with black-painted exterior trim elements
• Black-painted roof
• Automated reverse steering while towing a trailer
• Tow hitch receiver
• Heated windshield

PREVIOUS (FOURTH-GENERATION) RANGE ROVER
The outgoing Range Rover was available in a head-spinning number of configurations. The six main trim levels are Base, Westminster, Autobiography, SVAutobiography Dynamic, SVAutobiography Dynamic Black Edition and SVAutobiography. The Base and SVAutobiography Dynamic and SV Autobiography Dynamic Black Edition trims come with the standard wheelbase, but the Westminster and Autobiography are also available in a long-wheelbase configuration. The SVAutobiography comes only in a long wheelbase. Every Range Rover comes equipped with all-wheel drive.

Four powertrains are available, all of them mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission:

• P360: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (355 horsepower, 365 lb-ft)
• P400: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (395 hp, 406 lb-ft)
• P525: supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (518 hp, 461 lb-ft)
• SVO: supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (557 hp, 516 lb-ft)

All Range Rovers come extremely well equipped and offer a near endless array of customization options. Note that the ongoing microchip shortage caused Land Rover to discontinue certain features for the outgoing Range Rover, depending on when the vehicle was built. Specifically, the head-up display and adaptive cruise control were no longer available for ordering on vehicles built halfway through the 2021 calendar year.

Base
Starts off with:

• P360 six-cylinder engine
• 19-inch wheels
• Adaptive air suspension
• Two-speed transfer case (low-range gearing for enhanced off-road capability)
• All-terrain driving modes
• LED exterior lighting
• Leather upholstery
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wood interior trim
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• 13-speaker audio system
• Three-zone climate control
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Westminster
Adds more engine options and extra luxury with::

• Choice of the P400 or P525 engine
• 21-inch wheels
• Foglights
• Special exterior trim
• Upgraded front seats with heating and ventilation
• Four-zone climate control
• Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
• Adjustable ambient lighting
• Refrigerated front console
• 19-speaker audio system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Range Rover and the car in front)

Autobiography
Adds more capability and luxury with:

• P525 engine
• Tow hitch
• Terrain Response 2 (Range Rover's more advanced off-road driver assist)
• Locking rear differential (used in off-road situations to increase traction)
• 21-inch wheels
• Upgraded leather seating surfaces
• 24-way power-adjustable, massaging front seats
• Captain's chairs (replace rear seat bench)
• Wood and leather steering wheel
• 29-speaker audio system
• Parking assist (automates some of the parking duties in parallel and perpendicular parking situations)

SVAutobiography Dynamic
Cranks up performance with:

• SVO engine (575 hp, 516 lb-ft)
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Performance air intake
• Black-painted roof
• Unique exterior trim
• Rear seats with more adjustability
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Aluminum and carbon-fiber interior trim

SVAutobiography Dynamic Black Edition
Adds blacked-out styling elements for a sinister look, with:

• Black exterior paint
• 22-inch gloss black wheels
• Black-painted brake calipers
• Black leather with red stitching
• Gloss black interior trim
• Unique interior badging

SVAutobiography
Maxes out luxury with:

• SVO engine (575 hp, 516 lb-ft)
• Long wheelbase
• Unique suspension calibration
• Special 21-inch wheels
• Quilted-leather seats
• Unique interior wood trim
• Rear-seat entertainment system with 10-inch screens
• Power-closing rear doors
• Leather-covered tray tables
• Power sunshades for rear passenger windows

A new Range Rover is a once in a decade occurrence and this new model is a thoroughly sensible and appealing update on familiar themes. The introduction of a seven-seater version adds welcome breadth to the range and we look forward to driving the plug-in and EV models in the future. For now, though, a long-wheelbase version the 3.0-liter engine feels like the sweet spot of the range.

Competition in the luxury SUV sector has expanded exponentially in recent times, but the 2022 Range Rover looks set to reclaim its seat at the head of the table.