2021 Land Rover Range Rover Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Originally conceived as a tool for getting work done around the farm, the Range Rover has had quite the glow-up since its introduction in 1970, and it's now viewed as a luxury-lined limo for the stylish elite. As such, its accommodations have gone from spartan to opulent, and the 2021 model is the most luxurious Range Rover yet. Fine leather, real wood trim, plush carpets, and a host of convenient features deck out every one of the Range Rover's many trims. Lower-end models offer quiet comfort while the high-end SV Autobiography models are a performance pageant headlined by a burbling 557-hp supercharged V-8 engine. What's the price for all this sumptuousness? Well, the Range Rover lineup starts just under the six-figure mark, and that's before you get into the plethora of optional features and customization choices.

What's New for 2021?

Land Rover is launching three special editions of the Range Rover this year, the first being the Fifty Edition that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the flagship SUV. Only 1970 (naturally) examples will be produced, all based on the luxurious Autobiography trim level but featuring unique exterior design features and 50^thAnniversary badging. The Westminster Edition is based on the HSE trim level and won't be as limited in number. Buyers of this midrange model will have their choice between the Range Rover's standard inline-six or the more powerful supercharged V-8 engine. The Westminster also receives unique wheels and a fancier exterior trim treatment; inside, occupants are treated to walnut wood finishes, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation, a refrigerated compartment between the front seats, soft-close doors, and a 19-speaker Meridian stereo system. The high-performance SV Autobiography model also receives its own special edition for 2021 called the Dynamic Black Edition. This package darkens the exterior and interior trim, adds gloss-black-painted 22-inch wheels, and is available only in Santorini Black Metallic paint.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The new Westminster Edition model seems to represent a good value even though it starts with a six-figure price. We'd also suggest upgrading to the long-wheelbase model for an additional $14,000 because it not only offers extra rear-seat legroom, but its proportions are slightly more elegant. It also happens to live in the middle range between the lower-end base model and the ridiculously pricey SV Autobiography. Land Rover only fits a V-8 engine to the longer models, but that's the engine we'd prefer anyway. In addition to the Westminster's features listed above, buyers can expect three-zone automatic climate control, a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and Windsor leather seat upholstery.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Range Rover has four basic powertrain lineups, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses: Entry-level models are powered by a turbocharged inline-six that is assisted by a small electric motor for a mild-hybrid setup, while top-of-the-line models feature a raucous supercharged V-8. A diesel V-6 is also available as is a plug-in hybrid. Every Range Rover comes standard with a selectable all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. We don't have recent test numbers for a Range Rover with the standard inline-six; the diesel Range Rover we tested in 2016 delivered acceptable but relaxed acceleration times. The V-8, on the other hand, delivers shockingly quick acceleration, and even the most committed environmentalists will have to admit it sounds glorious. Sporty SV Autobiography models do a surprisingly good job of controlling body roll, but fore-aft pitch is a problem across the lineup. It drives well enough if not pressed, but compared for over-the-road agility against high-performance SUVs such as the BMW X5 M and the Mercedes-AMG GLS63, the Land Rover is downright sloppy. We're willing to forgive some of these handling deficiencies when we consider the Range Rover's off-road abilities, which remain stellar.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The P400e plug-in hybrid powertrain is powered by a 13.1-kWh battery pack located under the rear cargo floor. It can charge on a 120-volt outlet but doing so takes up to 14 hours for a full charge; a 240-volt outlet or trips to a public charging station are recommended. The EPA says the Range Rover P400e should deliver up to 19 miles of electric driving range per charge.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Of the Range Rover's three gasoline powertrains, only one approaches genuine efficiency, and that's the diesel which is rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. We've tested three Range Rovers on our 200-mile real-world highway fuel-economy route. A 2016 diesel model returned a respectable 27 mpg but still fell 1 mpg short of its EPA rating, while a pair of 2017s with the supercharged V-8 engine returned 19 mpg (long wheelbase) and 20 mpg (regular wheelbase). We haven't tested the new plug-in hybrid or base inline-six hybrid engines on our fuel-economy route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Every Range Rover comes standard with leather seats, a heated leather steering wheel, and wood-veneer trim. When you move up into the more expensive versions, that leather is extended to the headliner, the seats add a massaging function, and the carpet that lines the cargo compartment can be swapped for handsomely finished wood. That's to say nothing of the metal armrest-adjustment knobs, satin-brushed metal cupholders, and bottle cooler that come in top-of-the-line SV Autobiography models. The Range's 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row may seem impressive, but it's surprisingly near the bottom of its segment. Still, it can accommodate 13 carry-on cases when the back seats are in use, which is more than enough for most four- or five-person families.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Dubbed InControl Touch Pro Duo, the Range Rover's infotainment system debuted on the smaller Range Rover Velar crossover and has quickly spread throughout the rest of the lineup. Its glossy main screen tilts out from the dashboard when the Range Rover is started up and looks great, but we've noticed a few hiccups and buggy behavior in our long-term Velar test vehicle. The secondary screen, mounted lower on the dashboard, provides access to vehicle settings, climate controls, and driving modes. Some of our editors have complained that it overcomplicates these features and the small buttons are difficult to use when driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are both standard across the lineup.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Range Rover has never been tested by either of the U.S. crash-test agencies, so we don't have data on how it might perform in a crash. Land Rover offers much of today's most sought after driver-assistance technology but advanced features such as adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist are still optional—surprising given the Range Rover's price. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Range Rover's warranty coverage mostly matches up with the offerings of its luxury competitors, but it doesn't include complimentary scheduled maintenance; competitors such as the X5 M and the Volvo XC90 both include three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance in the purchase price.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs