2021 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid Review
- Excellent balance of off-road ability and luxury
- Wealth of interior and exterior options for customizing
- Long-wheelbase variant provides added rear legroom
- Available with a diesel engine
- Uncomfortable ride
- Ponderous handling and steering
- Infotainment system is frustratingly glitchy and slow
- Pricey for an SUV with so many drawbacks
- New luxurious Fifty and Westminster Editions debut
- SVAutobiography trim level gains a sinister Dynamic Black Edition
- Part of the fourth Range Rover generation introduced for 2013
The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is especially true of the icon of British luxury and capability, the Range Rover. Now in its 50th year, the Range Rover continues to offer deeply impressive all-terrain capability while maintaining a firm grip on the luxury that its clientele have come to expect. With six available powertrains — ranging from a turbodiesel to a supercharged V8, with a plug-in hybrid somewhere in between — the Range Rover can be outfitted to serve a slew of duties.
But other manufacturers have been creeping in on the Range Rover's luxury turf. The Mercedes-Benz GLS sets a new standard for comfort, tech and drivability, and the bold BMW X7 isn't far behind. Even the redesigned Cadillac Escalade is the wheelhouse of the Range Rover. The British firm has imbued its flagship with ever-improving new technology to keep up, but is it enough to keep the Range Rover out in front at the valet stand? Read our Expert Rating to find out.
Our verdict | |
Big luxury SUVs and fuel efficiency typically don't go hand in hand, and this plug-in hybrid Rover Range Rover confirms that. It returns strong performance results and fuel economy estimates, but those don't equal strong scores in real-world evaluations. Odd driving dynamics, a frustrating infotainment system and some comfort issues are its greatest liabilities. | |
How does the Range Rover drive? | |
This plug-in hybrid model turns in strong acceleration times at the test track, but in the real world, it's rather disappointing. There are occasional and upsetting pauses before power delivery, and once underway, acceleration is lukewarm and downshifts from the transmission can be harsh. When braking, noticeable lurches occur during the handoff from the hybrid's regenerative braking to the regular friction brakes. The Range Rover hybrid stumbles in other performance categories as well. The steering response is slow and vague, with no real feedback. A large turning radius makes maneuvering in tight spots challenging. The overly soft suspension leads to considerable body roll on tight mountain roads. | |
How comfortable is the Range Rover? | |
Premium luxury vehicles come with high expectations for overall comfort, and this hybrid Range Rover definitely misses the mark. Problems start with the seats, which are flat, unsupportive and overly firm. The softly tuned suspension helps absorb a lot of road imperfections, but it also makes the body feel floaty. Outside noise is reasonably quelled, though the hybrid powertrain frequently emits unrefined noises, accompanied by odd vibrations throughout the cabin. The climate system fares better, with good vent coverage to distribute air throughout the cabin. However, the new touchscreen climate interface overcomplicates some actions, adding unnecessary steps. | |
How’s the interior? | |
On appearances alone, the Range Rover's cabin gets high marks for its blend of classic luxury and modern technology. It also earns praise for its roominess — there's abundant space for all passengers. The tall, upright windows and low sills make for excellent outward visibility. But the Rover falters in some key areas. The primary controls are well-placed and easy to use, but some secondary controls are awkward in their operation. The round multifunction steering wheel buttons are a cool touch, but you have to be precise when pushing them. An excessively upright driving position demands compromise. The thick doors hamper entry and exit in tight parking spots. | |
How’s the tech? | |
We expect more from a luxury vehicle, and so should everyone else. The Range Rover might have the features you're looking for, but they don't function anywhere close to the standard set by competitors. This will likely be a deal-breaker for many shoppers. More specifically, the infotainment system exhibits unforgivably slow reactions to user inputs and is prone to glitches and crashes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can often make up for user interface problems, but they too had a tendency to stop working in our tester. When it comes to driving aids, adaptive cruise is slow to react to changing traffic conditions, which causes alarm for the driver and can be hazardous to other vehicles. | |
How’s the storage? | |
This PHEV variant makes almost no sacrifices in cargo space. There's plenty of room in the back for bulky items, but the rigid cargo cover is a pain to use. Also, the split tailgate design is useful for keeping small or loose items confined to the cargo area, but it requires you to push bulkier items over sticky carpet to get them situated, which is not ideal for loading big, heavy objects. Interior storage is decent, with deep bins for front and rear passengers and a dual-level glovebox. But there aren't many cupholders. In towing capabilities, the hybrid is about middle of the road for midsize plug-in SUVs, but it pales in comparison to the Range Rover's non-hybrid siblings. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
EPA estimates the PHEV returns a disappointing 19 mpg combined once the battery runs out, which is lower than the mild hybrid six-cylinder Range Rover at 21 mpg. Land Rover cites 19 miles of EV range up to 85 mph, but we noticed occasional gas engine activation. The four-cylinder may be a bit quicker, but this seems at odds with the usual efficiencies that a plug-in hybrid is supposed to provide. | |
Is the Range Rover a good value? | |
The PHEV price costs about $5,000 more than a base V6 Range Rover. If your commute is short and you have regular charger access, this hybrid model may make a case for itself. You get a good amount of standard capability, and the cabin materials and construction are top-notch even by demanding luxury standards. But at this highly competitive price point, the Range Rover just doesn't seem quite worth the money. Other than the off-road features, there's little else in the Range Rover that stands out. | |
Wildcard | |
The Range Rover PHEV turns in competitive performance numbers, but the benefits largely stop there. Unless you have a short commute and charge frequently, the standard inline-six might save you more fuel in the long run. The hybrid's powertrain inconsistencies and wonky brake pedal further make the case for choosing any other variant. Its floaty suspension and top-heavy feel sap any fun you might have behind the wheel. A more conventional powertrain would smooth out some of this Range Rover's unique drawbacks but can't overcome other negatives, such as the maddening infotainment interface and uncomfortable seats. | |
Which Range Rover does Edmunds recommend?
Land Rover Range Rover models
The Land Rover Range Rover is available in a head-spinning number of configurations but comes in seven main trim levels: Base, HSE, HSE Westminster, Autobiography, Autobiography Fifty Edition, SVAutobiography Dynamic and SVAutobiography. The Base and HSE trims come with the standard wheelbase, but the HSE Westminster, Autobiography and Autobiography Fifty Edition are also available in a long-wheelbase configuration. (The SVAutobiography is long wheelbase only). Every Range Rover comes equipped with all-wheel drive.
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $92,000
- MPG & Fuel
- 18 City / 23 Hwy / 20 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 27.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: four wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 196.9 in. / Height: 73.6 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 87.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 78.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 4974 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 31.8 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Range Rover safety features:
- Terrain Response 2
- Monitors the vehicle's traction and adapts to maintain control on different surfaces and road conditions.
- Rear Traffic Monitor
- Alerts the driver when backing up that a car or pedestrian is approaching the rear of the vehicle.
- Driver Condition Monitor
- Detects signs of drowsy driving and lets you know you should probably pull over for a break.
Land Rover Range Rover vs. the competition
2021 Land Rover Range Rover
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Land Rover Range Rover vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The GLS is our top-ranked full-size luxury SUV for a multitude of reasons. Its spacious interior is both luxurious and tech-forward, and the driving experience is second to none. The Range Rover's stately appearance and legendary off-road capability do carry some weight, but the Rover's ponderous handling, unreliable infotainment and higher price make it tough to recommend.
Land Rover Range Rover vs. BMW X7
BMW's X7 might be new to the luxury SUV game, but it hit the ground running. Packed with technology and propelled by powerful engines, the X7 also offers an impeccably well-built interior. All of that technology isn't the easiest to use, but we prefer it to the Range Rover's tech. While the Range Rover might offer more options for customization, it doesn't drive nearly as well as the BMW.
Land Rover Range Rover vs. Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade, fresh off its comprehensive redesign, offers new levels of comfort, technology and sophistication. In fact, it's one of our top picks in the full-size luxury SUV segment. The Escalade lacks the off-road prowess of the Range Rover, but it does offer an extended-wheelbase option like the Rover and is generally better to drive than the big Brit.
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FAQ
Is the Land Rover Range Rover a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover:
- New luxurious Fifty and Westminster Editions debut
- SVAutobiography trim level gains a sinister Dynamic Black Edition
- Part of the fourth Range Rover generation introduced for 2013
Is the Land Rover Range Rover reliable?
Is the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover?
The least-expensive 2021 Land Rover Range Rover is the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover P360 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $92,000.
Other versions include:
- P400 HSE Westminster 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $103,500
- P400e HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $97,000
- P400e Autobiography 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $131,000
- P360 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $92,000