Are Range Rovers Reliable?

Range Rover is a relatively new brand that produced its first model in 1970. Luxury was ingrained in the brand’s identity from the get-go. The Velar was the first prototype, and the brand introduced its first hybrid in 2013. However, the Range Rover brand hasn’t always been synonymous with reliability. 

If you’re curious about the Range Rover driving experience, FINN car subscriptions are your ticket to getting behind the wheel. FINN offers flexible terms to fit your lifestyle, with subscription lengths from six months to two years. Your monthly subscription fee also includes insurance, depreciation, maintenance, and registration. 

Are Range Rover SUVs reliable?

Range Rover SUVs struggle with their reputation for reliability. Most complaints that reduce the brand’s reliability stem from issues plaguing most luxury brands. However, Range Rovers also suffer from electrical issues, premature failure of advanced suspension components, and a tendency to spend more time in the shop than other indulgent vehicles. 

If you’re confused about the Land Rover and Range Rover association, consider this. Land Rover is the automotive manufacturer’s name, just like Ford or Honda. Range Rover is a subcategory of cars under the Land Rover nameplate. The four current Range Rover models include the Land Rover Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover Velar, and the Range Rover Evoque. 

Alternatively, Land Rover models include the Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. These all-wheel-drive models focus more on capability than their luxury SUV counterparts. However, most Land Rover and Range Rover models share similar components.

Are used Range Rover SUVs good cars?

Used Range Rover SUVs can be good, reliable cars, but it definitely pays to research the vehicle you’re looking at and ensure the service records are up to date. Range Rovers, like any car, can last a long time if they’re well taken care of. However, as a luxury brand, Range Rovers do require more maintenance than your average Toyota, Kia, or Hyundai. 

How car reliability is measured

Besides understanding how to calculate car loan interest rates, you should know how car reliability is often measured. The following sources provide valuable information you can use to determine the reliability rating of a Range Rover: 

• J.D. Power dependability rewards
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own 
• Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Average repair costs per RepairPal

You can also use this list to determine how reliable any car is, including the best cars for tall people or those for short people. You can also figure out the reliability score for new and used cars, whether you’re comparing plug-in hybrids, large SUVs, turbo cars, or even Audis.

5 factors contributing to Range Rover’s reliability 

How reliable are Range Rovers? Read on to see how the brand scores in dependability, fuel efficiency, average repair costs, safety features and ratings, and cost of ownership. 

1. Safety features and ratings

The NHTSA and IIHS have yet to rate any Land Rover Range Rover model. However, standard safety features include the following:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Back-up Camera
• Automatic LED headlights and high beams
• Lane-Keep Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Autobiography and SV trims also have a color heads-up display (HUD) and an automated parking system. 

2. Average repair costs

RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost budget for Land Rover Range Rovers to be $1,258. Unfortunately, RepairPal also awarded the brand two out of five stars for reliability. The Range Rover ranks 15th out of 19 luxury full-size SUVs. With 0.6 average visits to the shop yearly, a Range Rover has a 19% chance of a severe repair. 

3. Cost of ownership 

KBB estimates the five-year cost of ownership for the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover to be $141,174. Compare the cost of a new Range Rover to the 2024 Lexus LX, which costs $108,120 and has a five-year ownership cost of $124,734. The 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer costs $128,491 for five years of ownership, while the 2024 Dodge Durango costs $135,765. 

4. Fuel efficiency 

Range Rovers aren’t necessarily known for being the most fuel-efficient vehicles. The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover and Land Rover Range Rover Sport are the two least fuel-efficient models, with 16 city and 23 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG), for 19 combined MPG. The Range Rover Evoque achieves 20 city and 27 highway MPG for 22 combined MPG. The Velar has the highest fuel-efficiency ratings at 22 city and 26 highway MPG for 23 combined MPG. 

5. Dependability 

J.D. Power named the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover the best performance large premium SUV. The 2022 model also received an overall score of 76 out of 100. Individual scores include 80 (out of 100) for Quality & Reliability, 72 for Driving Experience, 73 for resale, and 73 for Dealership Experience. The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover also ranked third for the best large premium SUV behind the Cadillac Escalade and BMW X7. 

What are common Range Rover problems?

Range Rovers experience a few common problems, from oil leaks and glitchy infotainment centers to air suspension failures and electrical issues. Check out the list of common Range Rover problems below to learn more. 

1. Oil leaks

For one reason or another, many Range Rovers have trouble carrying their liquids without spilling, and oil is no exception. Oil leaks can stem from practically any part of the powertrain and thus can be challenging to diagnose. The crankshaft seal can sometimes be the culprit, but that’s not always true. 

2. Infotainment system glitches

The infotainment system in a Range Rover acts as the hub for everything from climate control to audio controls and more. However, several owners have reported issues with glitchy infotainment touchscreens that freeze or fail to work correctly. In most cases, a complete system shutdown is required to fix the infotainment system glitches. 

3. Air suspension 

Luxury vehicles like Range Rover are known for a soft ride, but when the air suspension goes out, it can take a lot out of your wallet. The latest generation Range Rovers continue to contend with these issues. In fact, many owners replace the broken air suspension components with traditional coilovers to fix the concern. 

4. Electrical issues 

Jaguar Land Rover North America recently recalled several 2022 to 2023 Land Rover Range Rover models due to a rear taillight that could malfunction and cause a crash if other drivers could not see the vehicle. Other various electrical issues plague several Range Rover model years. However, many of the concerns are isolated to the second generation of Range Rovers, produced from 1994 to 2001. 

Which are the most reliable Range Rover cars?

The Range Rover stable consists of only four models: the Land Rover Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover Velar, and the Range Rover Evoque. Of the four, the Velar and Sport are typically the most reliable. 

Range Rover Velar

The Range Rover Velar is a relatively new model that only came out within the last few years. The 2020 models are the most reliable. While newer models benefit from the updated infotainment system, the addition is a double-edged sword. With unproven technology comes a host of kinks that must be worked out. 

Range Rover Sport 

Many potential buyers opt for the Range Rover Sport because it offers drivers a sense of off-road capability that’s in stark contrast to the stately opulence of the Land Rover Range Rover. Models from 2021 to 2023 rank high in reliability, along with the 2014 model. Used Range Rover Sports are more common than Land Rover Range Rovers. 

So, are Range Rovers reliable? 

Range Rovers are about as reliable as the next luxury car, especially those costing six figures. With only four players in various segments, Range Rover does compete with many well-established luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. However, many buyers return for a newer model based on the creature comforts and advanced features Range Rovers are known for.