Used 2012 Landrover Range Rover SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

Power is not something anyone driving the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover will complain about. A 5.0-liter V8 engine is paired up with a six-speed shiftable automatic to deliver 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. With this much power backed up with full time four-wheel drive, you would probably guess that fuel-economy would suffer, right? Well, it certainly does, returning only 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. If you have a heavy load to tow, this is your SUV, as properly equipped it can handle up to 7,716 pounds.

Off-road capabilities are ridiculous! The vehicle's Terrain Response system flawlessly optimizes the suspension and drivetrain based on selectable terrain scenarios. Auto-locking rear and center differentials add the finishing touch.

As far as the ride goes, you won't completely be unaware that potholes exist, but they won't be too bothersome either; a four-wheel independent suspension sees to that. This is a sport utility vehicle that delivers strong acceleration, fantastic towing capacity and super off-road capabilities, all while managing to handle and ride like the luxury vehicle that it is.

Technology

• Rear Seat Entertainment: Two iPads are integrated as viewing screens in the back of the front head restraints to keep rear seat passengers entertained.
• Navigation System: The 12-inch TFT touchscreen offers an immense amount of information, but it can be slow to respond sometimes.
• Audio System: The 720-watt Harmon/Kardon comes standard with 14 premium speakers, a six-disc CD changer and iPod connectivity. A 1200-watt system with 19 speakers is optional.

Other technical features include a universal remote transmitter, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, power glass sunroof, SiriusXM satellite radio, speed sensitive volume control and Bluetooth.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover through the crash testing regimen. This should be no surprise though considering agencies prefer not to crash high-dollar vehicles.

A higher driving position grants better outward visibility of the road and a few thoughtful safety features have been made standard, including:

• Blind spot mirrors
• Rearview camera
• Surround view camera
• Active head rests
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Antilock brakes
• Child seat anchors
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Post-collision system
• Traction control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Stability control
• Emergency braking assist

Appearance

The iconic design of the Range Rover demands its strong road presence. Most consumers either love or hate the boxy styling; there is rarely anyone in between. Still, despite its sharp edges, when you look closer, you appreciate side vents, juniper front grille, xenon headlamps, privacy glass and standard 19-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Comfort

Seating for five never looked and felt so good. From floor to ceiling you find real wood and metal, rich leather and low glass finishes. Heated seats can be found throughout and gauges, buttons and the virtual instrument panel are all thoughtfully sized and laid out so everything is at your fingertips without taking your eyes off the road for long periods of time.

The interior was retuned in 2010, and it is about as perfect as you will get. Not only is it as beautiful as it is comfortable, the front row side glass is laminated and there is an acoustic windscreen to keep it virtually silent.

Cargo

No one will be complaining about cargo space either. With the rear seat up, you have 35.1 cubic feet, which is more than what most need. When the seat is folded flat, you are awarded 74 cubic feet. There is even a pass through in the rear seat so two people can sit there, and you can still haul skis.