2022 Land Rover Range Rover Reviews, Pricing & Specs

In many ways, the redesign of the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is more of an evolution on an existing theme, rather than a fundamental restyling. From the front and sides, the new Range Rover looks very similar to the last generation with its broad rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. One of the few ways to identify the new model is a vertical accent strip under the mirrors, where the old model's trim was L-shaped. It's important to note that 2022 is a transition model year, which means the previous generation along the lines of what you’d find on the pre-owned market is sold alongside the new Range Rover, which this review covers.

The rear view of the new Range Rover is the most significant change for 2022. It loses the old square taillights and goes with thin LED strips that are integrated into a darker trim element. Like its predecessor, the 2022 Range Rover doesn't attempt to mask its size with sharp creases and styling flourishes. Instead, it emphasizes its mass, accentuating this big SUV's presence. Opting for the long-wheelbase (LWB) version further drives the point home as it adds 20 centimetres in overall length.

On the inside, the new Range Rover has been simplified with fewer buttons and knobs but remains familiar in its basic design. A larger tablet-like touchscreen replaces last year's display that was integrated into the dashboard, giving the cabin a more modern look. Air vents are also less prominent, blending into the trim supporting the dash topper.

Materials quality is excellent throughout the interior, with premium leather seats (as well as a good majority of surfaces), accentuated by a choice of rich wood trim elements. Even the smell is worth noting as it reminds us of a very pricey handbag or new pair of dress shoes. We're also impressed by the Range Rover's solid feel. Everything has a satisfying heft to it and there are no creaks detectable—even when you're driving on rough roads.

The 2022 Range Rover is a wonderful example of premium luxury, delivering a more refined interior than what you'd get from a Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Cadillac Escalade. In order to match or surpass the Range Rover's quality, you'd have to step up to the more expensive Maybach or Bentley alternatives.

The 2022 Range Rover is available with the choice of two powertrains. The base P400 in our test vehicle has a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) component that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers can upgrade to the P530 which is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that increases output to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard highly capable four-wheel drive (4WD), as opposed to the all-wheel drive (AWD) systems found even in some high-end competition.

Acceleration with the P400 powertrain is effortless and Land Rover estimates zero to 100 kilometres per hour in roughly 5.8 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV weighing almost 2,500 kilograms (5,500 pounds). Gear shifts are quick and smooth enough to deliver a seemingly uninterrupted flow of power in most conditions, making it easy to mistake the six-cylinder for the twin-turbo V8. With more aggressive acceleration, you'll hear the hum of the six cylinders instead of a V8 growl and feel the gear shifts as well. The V6's acceleration is more than adequate for most drivers, but passing slower traffic on the highway requires a deliberate stomp of the pedal to overtake.

Handling expectations for such a large luxury SUV are understandably low, but the Range Rover is surprisingly agile. When cornering, body roll is well-managed, enhancing confidence on a winding mountain pass. It's not sporty, however, and does not encourage spirited driving. Instead, the Range Rover delivers a very calm and composed experience that is admirable in its own right. If you’re seeking sharper handling, we’d suggest checking out the smaller Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

Despite its large footprint, the Range Rover is easy to maneuver thanks to standard rear-wheel-steering. This allows for much sharper turns, whether you're squeezing into a parking spot or navigating narrow wilderness trails. And yes, as luxurious as the Range Rover is, it is still a very capable off-road vehicle. In all likelihood, owners will rarely if ever need this kind of all-terrain capability. In the event that they do, Land Rover's Terrain Response system automatically adjusts the suspension and drivetrain to optimize traction, leaving the driver to concentrate on steering.

The Range Rover also achieves this level of off-road capability without many of the drawbacks of truck-based rivals. The ride quality is extraordinarily smooth yet not so soft as to feel floaty. Wind and road noise are pleasantly silenced, leaving the cabin as quiet as a crypt. It's easily one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs at any price.

There's no shortage of space in the first two rows of the new Range Rover and that sense of spaciousness is enhanced by the large windows and panoramic sunroof. Outward visibility is excellent, which is particularly helpful whether you're exploring the wilderness or taming the urban jungle. On sunny days, the front passengers benefit from dual sun visors that effectively block glare while second-row occupants get equally useful power sunshades.

Front seats are generously cushioned for long-distance comfort and the available massage functions further enhance the pampering cabin. You have several seatback massage options and we were impressed by how strong you can set them to. The highest setting feels like a fairly intense shiatsu treatment, kneading the knots in your back into submission.

Up front, you also have plenty of space to store your personal items. There are two glove boxes, a rubberized phone tray with a wireless charging pad, well-sized cupholders with a hidden compartment underneath, and a large centre console bin and door pockets.

In the second row, there's more than enough space for taller six-foot-plus passengers and the seats have power recline and sliding adjustments. In addition to the typical rear climate controls, outboard occupants can also operate the sunshades and lighting on either side. They also benefit from two USB-C charge ports and a household power outlet. A rear-seat entertainment system is also available as an option.

The optional third row can be accessed with a touch of a button, though it takes a while for the middle row to slide out of the way. Headroom in the rearmost seats is limiting for adults, but smaller passengers will enjoy an adequate amount of legroom and footroom. There are also two USB-C charge ports to keep their devices topped off.

Behind the third row, the cargo space can accommodate only 484 litres, which is not a lot of space for seven people. The third row folds flat into the cargo floor with the touch of a button and expands capacity to 1,153 litres. At its maximum, you can haul as much as 2,365 litres of cargo behind the front seats.

Loading cargo is helped by the split tailgate that features a smaller bottom section that keeps items from rolling out if you're parked on an incline. When lowered, it serves as a great place to sit while you're tailgating as well as a convenient shelf to help you load larger and heavier objects. There are also buttons to lower the air suspension's height which is especially helpful for shorter folk.

Not only does the new Range Rover benefit from a larger 13-inch touchscreen, but it also receives a new infotainment system. The new Pivi Pro system features sharper graphics, quicker responses, and an on-screen aesthetic that is more appropriate for a premium luxury SUV. Satellite radio is included, and for Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and they're a great pairing with the wireless charging pad.

We would prefer if the screen was mounted higher in the driver's sight line to reduce distraction, though. With many physical knobs and buttons eliminated, you're forced to use the touchscreen more, but thankfully some basic climate controls are smartly designed to keep your eyes on the road. For example, pressing the temperature dial repurposes the dial to control seat heating or ventilation.

Even in its base form, the Meridian audio system delivers the kind of power and clarity you'd expect from a pricey optional upgrade in other luxury SUVs. Audiophiles will likely gravitate towards the immersive 35-speaker Meridian sound system upgrade that is helped by the inherent silence of the cabin. Other available tech features include Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control and monitoring via a smartphone app.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have published crash test result for the Land Rover Range Rover, which isn't unusual for a premium luxury SUV. In the event results are available, we'll add them here, but we don't expect them anytime soon.

All new 2022 Range Rovers come standard with driver assist and safety features that include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear park assist, LED headlights, and a surround-view camera system. In our time with the Range Rover, all of these features performed as intended with no false alarms. The surround-view cameras are especially helpful when off-roading as they give an accurate image of what's directly in front of the tires.

Compared to other new luxury SUVs, the Range Rover is adequately covered with the features listed above, but some rivals offer additional items such as advanced high beams that prevent blinding oncoming traffic, safe exit warnings, and emergency stop functions that sense if a driver is incapacitated, stopping the car and summoning help. It's possible these might be added in future models, though.

When most shoppers hear a car described as premium luxury, it conjures images of a relatively unattainable price. And yes, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover certainly falls into that category. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at around $125,000 for a short-wheelbase (SWB) SE model and climb steadily to more than $240,000 for the top-of-the-line long-wheelbase Range Rover SV model. A First Edition exclusive to the 2022 model year starts at $182,000.

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $110,000 but it doesn't have the kind of off-road versatility of the Range Rover. To get there, you'd have to step up to the $175,000 G-Class, but the Range Rover still has that beat in terms of luxury and refinement. To compete in that realm, expect to pay well over $200,000 for a Bentley Bentayga or Maybach GLS.

None of these large luxury SUVs are particularly fuel efficient, as one would expect. Our six-cylinder Range Rover is estimated to burn 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined city and highway driving. After seeing the gas gauge plummet on our drives, we think even that rather poor estimate is optimistic. Help is on the way, though. For 2023, the lineup gains a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with some degree of electric range, and it seems likely that a fully electric model will debut in 2024. If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you (and it should be), we suggest holding out for one of these electrified alternatives.

Otherwise, the 2022 Range Rover justifies its price with its impressive levels of comfort and refinement. Combined with its unusual off-road abilities and undeniable on-road presence, there are few vehicles that can compete against it.

Note: Images show a US model.