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Premium large SUV; Built in England
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $11,500 – $48,500*


2005 Land Rover Range Rover


2005 Land Rover Range Rover


2005 Land Rover Range Rover


2005 Land Rover Range Rover

Pros:
  • Build quality
  • Interior materials
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Fuel economy

The new-generation Range Rover is no less adept off-road than the old one, but pulls ahead for on-road competence and refinement. In fact, it stands out among luxury SUVs for the balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. There’s still nothing else like it–which is mostly what you pay for, new or used. For Range Rover’s well-heeled buyers, little else will do, and updates polished its upper-crest credentials. Few rivals are as high-tech as this Range Rover, but many offer most of its features and capabilities for much less money. The Supercharged model adds real muscle–for a lot of additional dollars.

Overview

Land Rover replaced its aging luxury flagship sport-utility vehicle for 2003 with a redesigned Range Rover that was larger, more powerful, and more technically sophisticated.

Offered in a single HSE model, it marked only the third redesign in Range Rover’s 31-year history. Furthermore, this was the first with unibody construction and all-independent suspension.

Wheelbase grew by 5.3 inches, and overall length by 9.2 inches. Curb weight rose 400 pounds. Intended to compete with both luxury sedans and high-end SUVs, the newly styled five-passenger Range Rover was developed largely under BMW, which sold Land Rover to Ford in 2000. Several features mimicked those of BMW’s own X5 4.4i. Chief among them were a modified version of BMW’s V8 engine, with 68 horsepower more than the previous Land Rover 4.6 V8.

A five-speed automatic transmission with a separate gate for manual shifting replaced the four-speed unit. An traction/antiskid control was standard, as was Land Rover’s hill descent control that limited speeds going downhill, but now in reverse as well as forward. Every Range Rover had all-wheel drive with low-range gearing that could be accessed “on the fly” at low speeds. Standard antilock four-wheel disc brakes featured full-power emergency assist. The standard height-adjusting air-spring suspension adjusted from low entry/exit to high off-road modes.

Front torso side airbags were included, along with BMW’s front/rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso airbags were unavailable. Retained was a two-piece clamshell tailgate, but standard 19-inch alloy wheels replaced 18s. Additional standard equipment included a front/rear-obstacle warning, navigation system, and a 60/40 split rear bench seat. Headlights, the windshield, and wiper/washers were electrically heated. Heated front/rear seats and steering wheel were optional.

Added in mid-September 2002 to the standard xenon low-beam headlights were xenon high beams. Rivals included the Lexus LX 470, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX56.

Yearly Updates

2004 Range Rover
A new top-of-the-line Westminster LE model joined the carryover HSE. Limited to 300 units, the Westminstar had exclusive pearlescent black paint and ebony wood interior trim. Heated front/rear seats, a heated steering wheel, black leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear cargo net were installed in Westminsters. A new HSE Luxury Interior Package had 14-way power seats and additional leather trim, plus heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
2005 Range Rover
As Land Rover launched a new midsize LR3 sport-utility, the big Range Rover essentially stood pat. A new voice-activated navigation system was installed, and an available sound system included wireless cell-phone-link capability.
2006 Range Rover
Two new engines debuted for 2006, as Range Rovers received detail styling modifications. In addition to the HSE, the lineup included a new Supercharged model. Both used a Jaguar-originated V8. In the HSE, a 305-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 replaced the BMW-sourced 282-hp 4.4-liter. The Supercharged model got a 4.2-liter V8 that produced 400 horsepower, along with 20-inch wheels and Brembo-brand front brakes. The six-speed automatic transmission now included a manual shift gate. Satellite radio and DVD entertainment were newly available. A newly standard rearview camera used the dashboard screen to show what was behind, when the transmission was in Reverse. Land Rover launched a new, smaller Range Rover Sport model this year.
2007 Range Rover
A revised interior and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system were the 2007 changes for Land Rover’s flagship SUV. For ’07, it added Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which had a console switch that enabled the driver to change suspension and powertrain calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading. A locking center differential is standard, and a locking rear differential became available for ’07. Also standard were front side airbags, front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags, and, for ’07, a driver knee airbag. All Range Rover interiors were revised for ’07 with new seats, dashboard, gauges, controls, and storage bins.
2008 Range Rover
The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover was largely unchanged.
2009 Range Rover
A new Autobiography Package for the Supercharged included upgraded leather upholstery, rear dual-zone automatic climate control, DVD entertainment, and unique wheels.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

Only one powertrain was available in 2003-05 Range Rovers: a 282-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A Supercharged model joined for 2006, with a 400-horsepower V8. At the same time, a Jaguar-derived 4.4-liter V8 rated at 305 hp replaced the original BMW-sourced 282-hp 4.4-liter. A six-speed automatic transmission replaced the five-speed for 2006.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.4/268
Engine HP 282
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 325
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 12/17

 12.8
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.4/268
Engine HP 305
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 325
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 14/18
Supercharged dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.2/256
Engine HP 400
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 420
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 13/18

Road Test

Land Rover claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 9.0 seconds, which seems close to accurate, though midrange pickup can feel a bit labored in this heavyweight, despite its smooth, responsive, quick-acting transmission. Clearly, the current model is sprightlier than the previous Range Rover, and high-speed highway cruising is no sweat.

While EPA estimated highway economy rose by 2 mpg, an unchanged city rating implies dismal real-world averages. In fact, a test model averaged 12.0 to 13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Premium fuel (91-octane or higher) is required.

Ride quality is taut but almost luxury-sedan composed on smooth surfaces, with little tire thump on expansion joints. Even so, the air suspension cannot quite keep up with some pavement undulations, which can induce minor but annoying side-to-side rocking and vertical jitters.

Still a veritable mountain goat off-road, able to handle demanding tasks, the Range Rover is quite carlike on-road. Impressive grip is evident, but the tallish build overwhelms the suspension to allow fairly marked cornering lean and limit twisty-road agility. Steering is light but slow at low speeds, with numb on-center feel at high speeds. A relatively compact turning circle adds to parking-lot convenience. Automated settings take the guesswork out of off-road driving. Routine brake performance is quite good for a big SUV, though some testers called pedal feel touchy.

Quietness is an asset. Mechanically, the current model is far more refined than previous Range Rovers–rivaled on that score only by the Lexus LX 470. The early V8 is as smooth and hushed as in its BMW applications. Tire noise also is generally low, but noticeable wind rush sets in from as little as 60 mph–another penalty of the tall, blocky build.

Range Rovers offer plenty of driver and comfort functions, so switches are numerous. Not all are handy and clearly marked, and most take time to learn. So does the navigation system, the cassette tape deck lives inconveniently behind its power-out screen, while the CD changer is ensconced deep within the glovebox. Navigation adds to the frustration by requiring multiple inputs for simple operations. The instrument panel features graphic display of front wheel angle–a handy feature when off-road. Silken switchgear movement, top-grade leather, tasteful wood, and padded surfaces reflect BMW’s high-end design influence. Some new test examples suffered minor interior rattles and buzzes.

Head and leg room are generous up front. Step-in is a little steep for shorter people, even with the suspension in its lowest “Access” position. Seats are comfortably supportive, but allow occupants to slide around in fast cornering or at steep off-road angles. Range Rover’s traditional tall “command” driving stance yields clear sight lines to all corners, but a narrow rear window complicates close-quarters reversing even with standard obstacle detection.

“Theater” seating mounts the rear bench higher than front buckets. So, six-footer head room is only adequate. Leg space is ample with a similarly tall occupant ahead, but cushions are a bit short for best leg support. Narrow thresholds combine with tall ride height for awkward rear entry/exit.

Maximum cargo volume is among the lowest in the luxury full-size SUV class, but there’s ample room for most needs behind the rear seat, even with the accordion-fold hard cargo cover clipped in. But that cover is awkward to remove or install, and the load deck is relatively high, so watch your back with heavy cargo. A small dashboard glovebox isn’t too helpful, but expect adequate small-items storage elsewhere. Fold-out front cupholders–one in the dashboard, one in the console–appear to be afterthoughts with limited utility.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Land Rover Range Rover HSE

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.4 195. 75.3 73.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
62.0 26.4 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 38.3 38.9 35.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Dashboard lights
Description: A check coolant level warning light may come on if the antifreeze/water mixture is not a 50/50 ratio. Also, if the blue antifreeze is mixed with orange antifreeze, cylinder heads and cooling system components can be damaged. (2003-06)
Engine fan
Description: Screeching noise from under hood comes from defected cooling fan on engine control module. (2007)
Engine noise
Description: The plastic idler pulley for the serpentine accessory drive belt may make a chirping noise and an improved pulley is available to replace it. (2003-05)
Engine noise
Description: A noise (clunk) when the throttle is released and applied, that sounds like driveshaft play, is actually in the 4.4L engine powertrain control module program which must be flashed. (2006-07)
Fuel gauge
Description: The fuel gauge may not read full after a fill-up, requiring reprogramming the instrument panel; may show full although the tank is empty due to a faulty fuel sending unit in the tank. (2003)
Fuel gauge
Description: Intermittent fuel gauge due to faulty fuel level sender in tank. (2005)
Suspension problems
Description: The air suspension may not maintain the proper height when cold if the battery voltage drops below 11 volts, or the pressure relief valve is frozen open, requiring replacement of the rear springs. The pressure switch may stick intermittently, and the pressure sensor may be faulty causing the warning lamp to glow. Less likely is a faulty electronic control unit. (2003-05)
Water leak
Description: The navigation system may quit, possibly along with the radio and Blue Tooth, due to water entering the nav unit. (2005-07)
Transmission problems
Description: Transmission may exhibit a harsh downshift from second to first gear if the throttle is depressed at the time and the fix is reprogramming the transmission control module. (2005-07)
Accessory belt
Description: Chirping under the hood is caused by a bad accessory drive belt idler pulley. (2005-07)

Recall History

2004 Range Rover w/dynamic stability control
Description: Yaw rate sensor could be internally delaminated, which could actuate system incorrectly, resulting in uneven or unexpected application of brakes.
2006 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
Description: Incorrectly-manufactured automatic-transmission parking pawl guide plate could prevent engaging of “park” position.
2006 Range Rover Sport
Description: Due to incorrectly built seat belt buckle mountings, rear left hand seat belt may not buckle, rendering the belt worthless in a crash. Dealer will inspect and replace buckle.
2006 Range Rover Sport with 9J-19″ diameter wheels
Description: The left front brake hose, and/or the ABS wheel speed sensor lead, and/or the brake pad wear warning sensor lead can catch on the wheel balance weight as the wheel rotates. This may lead to warnings of premature brake pad wear, warnings of ABS failure, or extended brake pedal travel and loss of one of the hydraulic service braking system circuits, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the left front brake flexi-pipe assembly and replace it if it exhibits signs of chafing, and also to replace the left front ‘clip-on’ wheel balance weights with ‘stick-on’ wheel balance weights.
2009 Range Rover
Description: The front differential coupling sleeve and the propeller shaft may be misaligned, resulting in spline wear over a period of time; look for noise and vibration. Dealers will install a revised design of the propeller shaft, the flange kit and heat shield kit.
2009 Range Rover
Description: During the installation process it was identified that primer, applied by a robot, wasn’t being dispensed onto the glass. Where the windshield is not chemically bonded, water could enter the vehicle and/or there may be increased wind noise. Dealers will inspect the rear tailgate glass for the presence of primer and will prime the windshield glass as needed and free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 20, 2014.
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