4
0
Premium large SUV; Built in England
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $53,000 – $103,000*


2010 Land Rover Range Rover front


2010 Land Rover Range Rover rear


2010 Land Rover Range Rover interior


2010 Land Rover Range Rover

Pros:
  • Interior materials and comfort
  • Refinement
  • Ride comfort
  • Wind/road noise
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Price

Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The Supercharged model brings even more power to the table, but at a hefty price premium–new or used. Less-expensive alternatives offer similar performance and better fuel economy, but for Range Rover’s well-heeled shoppers, little else will do.

Overview

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover got freshened styling and new engines. Seating five, Land Rover’s flagship SUV came in HSE and Supercharged trim levels. The HSE held a new 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, which replaced a 305-horsepower 4.4-liter V8. The top-line Supercharged model had a supercharged 510-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, which replaced a 400-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. A six-speed automatic with manual shift gate was the lone transmission. Every Range Rover had all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Also standard was 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. Hill descent control also was standard. An electronic adaptive suspension was standard on the Supercharged model and optional on the HSE.

Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system with rollover sensing, front-side airbags, curtain-side airbags, and front knee airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and wireless cell-phone link were standard. Blind-spot alert was available, as was a “Surround-Camera” system that could show the driver nearly the entire circumference of the exterior on the navigation screen. An optional Luxury Interior Package for HSE models included 14-way heated and cooled front seats, upgraded leather and wood interior trim, an adaptive front-lighting system, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and 20-inch wheels and tires. Supercharged models could be equipped with an Autobiography Package that included upgraded leather and wood interior trim, rear-seat entertainment, four-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, HD radio, and specific wheels and badging. Large premium SUV competitors included the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, and Infiniti QX56.

Yearly Updates

2011 Range Rover
The 2011 Range Rover saw few changes.
2012 Range Rover
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

Both Range Rovers use a 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. In the HSE model, the V8 produces 375 horsepower. The V8 in the Supercharged version generates 510 horsepower. All Range Rovers have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 375
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 375
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 12/18
Supercharged dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 510
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 461
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 12/18

Road Test

Though heavyweights, HSE versions have ample power for daily driving. Land Rover quoted a 7.2-seconds time for 0-60 mph acceleration in an HSE. Supercharged models are impressively stronger, and Land Rover’s claim of 5.9 seconds for 0-60 mph feels right. The transmission is smooth, and the progressive throttle makes it easy to match power delivery to demand.

Judging by the EPA estimate of 12-mpg city and 18-mpg highway, fuel economy is horrid, but Consumer Guide testers have not yet had an opportunity to measure gas mileage. Both engines require premium-grade gasoline.

Ride quality is appealing. Range Rovers are nearly luxury-sedan composed on most surfaces, and most bumps are quelled with little drama. The HSE’s Luxury Interior Package adds 20-inch wheels; models so equipped have felt little different than the Supercharged version.

Steering/handling is clearly a strong point. Range Rover is a veritable mountain goat off-road and car-like on the road. Expect 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.

The HSE’s engine makes a refined snarl during acceleration but is nearly silent otherwise. Same goes for the Supercharged, but some blower whine makes its way into the cabin during brisk acceleration. On all models, there’s little wind or road noise–impressive for a tall SUV.

Range Rover’s main gauges are “virtual” displays on a 12-inch-wide screen in front of the driver. In practice, these are as easy to read as conventional dials; but on occasion, the movement of the needles is a bit jerky. Most major controls use well-identified buttons and knobs that are easy to locate and use. Some secondary controls are accessed through the navigation system’s touchscreen. Setting Terrain Response, hill descent control, and other off-road gear can puzzle the uninitiated. Interior materials are of high quality, and assembly looks first-rate. The tasteful and understated cabin may look a bit more upscale outdoorsy than uptown opulent, but nothing disappoints and the wood trim adds warmth. The Autobiography Package that’s been available for the Supercharged edition enhances the interior’s classy vibe, but at a stiff price–though it probably wouldn’t add so much to a used model.

Front-seat occupants can expect generous headroom and legroom along with a commanding seating position. Seats are comfortable and supportive.

Adult-size headroom and legroom also is the rule in the rear. Some riders may find that narrow thresholds and the tall ride height combine for awkward entry and exit.

Cargo room is ample for most needs behind the rear seat, but overall space isn’t exceptional for the class. Interior small-item storage is good, including dual gloveboxes and door pockets. Thirsty riders may wish the door pockets offered additional drink holders.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Range Rover HSE w/Luxury Interior

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 - 1
10%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 8
80%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 9
90%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 64

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.3 195.8 87.2 73.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
74.2 27.6 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.3 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

Water pump
Description: Water pump may leak due to seal failure. (2010-11)
Windows
Description: The rear door window(s) may malfunction by going back down after closing, requiring the window modules to be reinitialized. (2010-11)
Check-engine light
Description: Engine performance problems and a check engine light may develop due to restrictions in variable valve timing solenoids on the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine. (2010-11)
Interior trim
Description: Headliner may sag requiring it to be glued back in place. (2010-11)

Recall History

2010 Range Rover
Description: Airbag warning lamp may illuminate, causing passenger airbag to be disabled. Deployment of that airbag may not be achieved in a crash.
2012 Range Rover
Description: Incorrectly installed windshield may come loose from the vehicle in the event of a crash.

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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