2025 Land Rover Range Rover P615 SV

How does the Range Rover drive? We tested the Range Rover SE with the long wheelbase and third-row seating and P400 engine. It's a big SUV, weighing in at nearly 6,000 pounds. In our testing, the SUV reached 60 mph in a remarkable 6.1 seconds. Still, it prefers to be driven leisurely and delivers a comfortable and refined ride. The smooth gear shifts are especially notable.

Should you attempt to take your Range Rover off-road, there are a number of capable tools at your disposal, from two locking differentials to a standout maximum ground clearance of over 11 inches, plus five terrain driving modes including Wade for traversing rivers. Feasibility for aggressive off-roading is debatable given its delicate bodywork, but it's still hard to beat this SUV's capabilities at any price.

Steering and handling are another issue. The Range Rover is tuned for comfort, which in this case means somewhat loose steering and a suspension that allows noticeable body lean during cornering. The brakes are strong, but some three-row luxury SUVs can stop from 60 mph in a shorter distance. On the plus side, all-wheel steering is standard, meaning the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels to aid your turning capability at low speeds. It's helpful especially when parking.

How comfortable is the Range Rover? The Range Rover's standard air suspension is the star of the show. Its ability to provide a luxurious ride over all road surfaces is a delight. Our test vehicle rode on 23-inch wheels, usually a detriment to ride quality and comfort due to the necessary low-profile tires. But the suspension smoothed out nearly all road imperfections.

Also impressive are the optional 24-way power-adjustable front seats, and all three rows enjoy supple cushioning and a supportive structure to keep passengers happy. The Range Rover's comfort is betrayed, however, by its underpowered climate control. And while an airtight cabin eliminated outside noise, we noticed creaks and rattles you don't experience with other luxury marques.

How’s the interior? The interior of the Range Rover SE is a joy. It's easy to climb in and out of thanks to massive door openings and helpful steps, not to mention an automatically lowering suspension. Neat stuff. Inside it's spacious in the first two rows, but adults will find the third row cramped. The Range Rover also has enormous windows to aid visibility and reduce blind spots. We found it had an excellent driving position that is easily adjustable.

As for drawbacks, it's the same old story for Range Rover veterans. Buttons and controls, as well as commands within the touchscreen, are difficult to find and operate. Sometimes their function is unclear; other times they're buried in numerous menus; and still other times they take two or three tries to work. A familiar issue that deflates our otherwise verdant enthusiasm.

How’s the storage? In a three-row Range Rover like our test vehicle, cargo space is a bit disappointing. It has only 8.7 cubic feet behind the third row, or roughly half the space of a Mercedes-Benz GLS and far less than a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, which have extended-wheelbase versions that dwarf the Range Rover. Fold the third row down and it actually offers more space than the GLS, though, so we give it some leeway.

Towing is a strength, at 7,715 pounds of maximum capacity, which is plenty for most trailers and boats. (The V8-powered Range Rover has a higher max capacity, at 8,200 pounds.) There is enough space throughout the interior for personal belongings but only just — nothing goes above and beyond what you might find elsewhere. For those with small children, installing car seats is easy because the anchors are easy to find and use.

Is the Range Rover a good value? The Range Rover features eye-popping, bombastic features — including a marvelous air suspension and loads of off-road equipment — and is priced accordingly. While that may seem a fair trade for well-heeled buyers, the cost could easily turn more discerning customers away. The sense of luxury, style and exclusivity is there, but questionable interior plastics and consistent on-road creaking lessened our enthusiasm. Land Rover offers coverage of four years/50,000 miles for both the basic warranty as well as drivetrain protection, which is average for the class. That said, this is the industry standard for large luxury SUVs.

The Range Rover isn't exactly fun to drive, but boy oh boy, does it ever have presence. The elegant exterior styling appears to have been carved by a glacier, and its standard air suspension dramatically lowers the vehicle upon your approach. Few vehicles can command attention and admiration on sight like this one. Take our advice and experience it at night when the glowing ambient lights amplify an already palatial experience.