If you are looking for a luxury, sports-utility vehicle, the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover provides the best of both on- and off-road driving. With high-quality, and comfortable interior, and easy-to-use electronics, it is a great choice for a powerful and great-handling SUV.
The Range Rover is available in four trims, including base High Specification Edition (HSE), HSE Lux, Autobiography, and Supercharged. Providing a smooth ride, ample power, and gentle handling on and off the road, the Range Rover does it all.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV 4WD | Base Price: $80,275.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 27.6 gallons (104 l) | MPG: 12 city / 18 hwy |
| Length: 195.7 in. (497 cm) | Wheel Base: 113.4 in. (288 cm) |
| Height: 73.9 in. (187.7 cm) | Width: 80.1 in. (203.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5697 lbs (2584 kg) | Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. (23.1 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 35.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 5.0L V8 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1 |
| Horsepower: 375 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds | Maximum Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h) |
| Option:HSE LUX | MSRP: $84,645; MPG: 12 city / 18 hwy |
| Option:Supercharged 510HP | MSRP: $95,670; MPG: 12 city / 18 hwy |
Engines
Two versions of the 5.0-liter, V8 engine are used in the Range Rover, depending on which trim is chosen. The base HSE and HSE Lux models produce 375 horsepower, while the Supercharged trim produces 510 horsepower. Both trims have excellent power, and new six-speed, ZF 6HP28 transmission, CommandShift, and Dual Independent Variable Camshaft Timing systems (DIVCT) for better response, and smooth gear transitions. MacPherson struts in the front, and rear double wishbone, air suspension is provided, as well as speed proportional, power-assisted steering (PAS).
Performance
The Range Rover’s smooth transmission with progressive throttle, can match engine power with demand, and rivals the acceleration power of rival sports cars. It has a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour, can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds in the base HSE trim, and 0-60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds with Supercharged trim.
This off-road capable SUV has good grip, good maneuverability, impressive braking performance, a quiet cabin, and provides a smooth ride with steering feedback.
The 4-wheel drive and terrain response system make off-road driving a pleasure. You can select the type of surface, whether you are going through rock-crawling, sand, mud, ruts, gravel, grass, or snow, it will adjust the powertrain accordingly. It has hill start assist, which will maintain brake pressure, preventing backward rolls, and climbing or descending is made effortlessly.
Exterior
The Range Rover has a large, three-bar grill, with black headlight surround, and xenon headlights with power wash, that exudes a sporty look. The striking diamond-mesh grill provides greater air intake, and the body-colored side vents add to its aerodynamics, and look. There is an abundance of protective glass for almost panoramic viewing, an electric sunroof, an acoustic, heated windscreen, and laminated side glass for the front row.
The mirrors on the outside are heated and are power-folding, for convenience. Available colors are white, gray, green, blue, brown, red, silver, tan, bronze, and black, with seven-spoke, 19-inch, and alloy wheels to top off the great look.
Interior
Using the highest-quality materials, and carefully crafted design, the Range Rover seats five comfortably, with front-adjustable, leather-appointed seats and dash. Accents include real wood veneers of walnut, cherry, or a choice of black lacquer. The Blenheim leather seats come in black, brown, ivory or tan, with matching carpeting.
Touch-screen navigation with media and climate interface is easy to use. There is a rear-seat entertainment system option, with an upgraded audio system and vision assist pack. It provides heated front seats, and a heated, leather steering wheel, with numerous function switches and cruise. Climate control comes with air filtration, and there are 74.1 cubic-feet of cargo space, which is ample for most needs.
Safety & Reliability
The Range Rover is equipped with large curtain side driver and passenger air bags, a driver knee bag, and front-seat pelvic and thorax bags. The 4-wheel, disc, anti-lock brake system, brake assist, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control help to make the Range Rover safe to drive.
The maximum wading depth is 27.6-inches, there is front and rear parking sensors, and a multi-function alarm system included. The warranty offered is a 4-year or 50,000 mile, with 6-year corrosion protection.
Competition
The Range Rover is a luxurious, large, high-tech SUV, which has great on and off-road performance. The base model is rather expensive, and it may be smaller than some competitors however, with less cargo space. The great power, heavy curb weight, and 4-wheel drive, unfortunately results in low fuel economy, achieving only 12 miles per gallon in the city, and 18 miles per gallon highway driving.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (MSRP $107,100; 12 city / 15 hwy) may deliver luxury, yet it costs more than the Range Rover’s base price. The BMW models are comparable, but the electronics are harder to use, and the Toyota Land Cruiser (MSRP $78,255; 13 city / 18 hwy), or Lexus LX may be an option, if using vehicle for transportation only.
The Land Rover Range Rover is for the customer who cannot live without excellent off-road capability, and interior luxury. It is a very nice-looking, comfortable, sporty, powerful SUV that is for more than driving to work. It is a vehicle for sport, and fun, as well as travel, and if you do not care about the off-road experiences, it is best that you look elsewhere. Off-road driving is Land Rover Range Rover’s expertise.
Depending on your preference, other vehicles the Range Rover can be compared to include the lower priced BMW X6 (MSRP $59,800; 16 city / 23 hwy), the Cadillac Escalade (MSRP $63,170; 14 city / 18 hwy), and the Lexus 570 (MSRP $80,930; 12 city / 17 hwy)
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“It’s not the most powerful luxury SUV on the market, but the 2012 Range Rover feels supremely in command, on the road or off the pavement.”Car Connection
“Range Rover is a mountain goat off-road, and car-like on the road. There is good grip, and the small-for-its-class turning circle is a boon for close-quarters driving. Stopping performance is impressive for a big SUV.”Consumer Guide
“The Range Rover boasts a very comfortable ride, although handling isn’t particularly agile.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“You may find the 2012 Range Rover a suitable vehicle if you fancy a full-size luxury SUV with prestige, exemplary off-road ability and an unmistakable design that is likely to turn some heads.”KBB
“Iconic British pedigree; powerful performance from Supercharged model; go-anywhere off-road capability; comfortable ride; world-class interior.”Edmunds
