The Bottom Line: The Range Rover is so much more capable than just about any other SUV on the market. It holds hills like a mountain goat, climbs them even better, and has the power and comfort to make highway driving comfortable as well.
The interesting thing about Range Rovers is that they are so much more than what most of the people who buy them are aware of. Range Rovers are often bought by people who have a lot of discretionary income and like the image of being seen in a Range Rover. Probably less than one percent are aware of what the Range Rover can do off road, or even take them off road.
They should spend some time at Range Rover’s headquarters, or even try the small obstacle course offered at most dealerships. Then they would see and feel what the mid-size SUV can do and appreciate it more.
There must be some reason it’s priced at more than $70,000.
Let me give you an example. I had a chance to take a ride with an instructor at the Range Rover headquarters in Lanham, MD. I rode shotgun. First we forded a small stream that was deep enough to go over the wheel hubs. Then we hit a hill. First we climbed what seemed like a 45 percent grade. At the top we saw nothing but sky. Heading down, the driver put it in low-low and took his foot off the gas pedal and let the car carry us down.
Then we hit this same hill from the side. Unfortunately, I was on the side near the bottom as we drove across the hill. The Range Rover was completely stable. I’m not so sure my stomach was.
The Range Rover Sport has permanent 4-wheel drive, with four-wheel electronic traction control and a four-corner electronic air suspension.
That’s the good, Range Rover stuff. Much of the rest is relatively normal, or luxury stuff, like the puddle lights, 480-watt sound system, keyless entry with pushbutton start/stop and a dual glove box.
For example, under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8 delivering a healthy 375 horsepower. The engine delivers very good power and response, despite the weight of the vehicle. Power gets to the wheels (all of them) through a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. This ain’t necessary for normal driving folks (and is of questionable necessity even in off-road conditions) because you don’t drive a vehicle like this hard enough to need a manual.
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