Used 2014 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2014 Range Rover represents the pinnacle of Land Rover’s lineup, and offers among the best combination of off-road ability and on-road comfort of any vehicle. While that former trait comes as no surprise given Land Rover’s heritage of trekking to the ends of the Earth, it’s that latter characteristic that is such a welcome surprise in a stout SUV. Thanks to the massive reduction in weight and even more advanced terrain response system that came with last year’s revamp, the Range Rover is as comfortable hurtling over highways as it is crawling up cliffs. At $80,000-plus, the Range Rover is not an inexpensive proposition, and its history of subpar resale value doesn’t help matters when compared to rivals such as the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

On-road or off, the 2014 Range Rover is a no-compromises machine. With advanced software to back up hard-core hardware, the Range Rover can be optimized to conquer various terrains like mud, snow and rocks with the literal touch of a button. Though the majority of drivers probably won’t use the Range Rover’s low-range gearing to claw up mountains or take advantage of its adjustable ground clearance to wade nearly three feet of water, this SUV has the capability to push far beyond civilization. Thankfully, the 2014 Range Rover also excels in the urban jungle. Its ride is so refined that you’ll think you’re in a luxury sedan. The supercharged V8 model we tested had excellent acceleration, with the ability to leap to 60 mph in a sports-car-like 5.1 seconds. Even V6 models are no slouches, with the oomph to hit that mark in 7.1 seconds. Despite its tall profile, the Range Rover feels composed in corners.

Though tough on the outside, the 2014 Range Rover’s interior is soft and luxurious. Two rows of seats hold five passengers, with plenty of cargo room in back. Rear legroom is much better than past models, and the front seats offer a commanding view. Leather seating is standard, with plusher Oxford leather available. Even the cloud-like headrests will make you feel like royalty. Range Rover Autobiography editions take lux to the extreme with semi-aniline leather and an available Executive Class Seating which replaces the 3-passenger bench with a pair of deeply sculpted seats that both recline and massage.

Totally revamped the prior year for its 4th-generation debut, the 2014 Range Rover is slightly bigger than its predecessors but a whole lot lighter. At 196.8 inches in length – shorter than a full-size sedan – it is still relatively easy to maneuver. Though sleeker and with contemporary flair seen in places like its headlight and taillight housings, the Range Rover retains the boxy design that has been inherent to its rugged looks since 1970. Those blocky aesthetics also translate to good cargo space and excellent visibility from within. Below the paint is a unibody structure made of aluminum that has helped shed up to 700 pounds versus the previous generation.

SUPER ABILITIES
It may not leap tall buildings, but the 2014 Range Rover can sure scale other objects. When elevated nearly a foot via air suspension, this SUV can clamber over obstacles or wade through creeks. Low-range gearing and Terrain Response, meanwhile, can make off-road amateurs look like pros.

ON-ROAD COMFORT
There’s an old yarn about how a Land Rover is most often the first vehicle seen by remote populations because it’s the only one that can reach them. But the 2014 Range Rover’s quiet, supple highway ride is equally stellar.

The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover comes in four trims: Range Rover, HSE, Supercharged, and Autobiography. The $83,000-plus "Range Rover" trim is considered the base version, but you won’t exactly feel like a pauper in it. All models are extremely well-equipped. That bottom trim, for example, includes leather, a power tailgate, 19-inch wheels, a power-adjustable steering column, navigation, and a 380-watt Meridian premium audio system with 8-inch touchscreen. Higher models replace the supercharged V6 engine with a supercharged V8 and ladle on extras like 20- or 21-inch wheels, a more advanced Terrain Response system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones.

Options for the 2014 Range Rover vary with trim level and are abundant. The Vision Assist package includes a surround camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and the Terrain Response 2 system. Yet-louder and more primo Meridian sound systems are available, including one that will please the most discerning audiophile with 1,700-watts of bliss pumping from 29 speakers. Other extras of note include executive 4-passenger seating in Autobiography models, 4-zone climate control, and heated/ventilated front and rear seats with a massage feature. Driving aids include adaptive cruise control, parallel-park assist, and an active rear locking differential.

Options for the 2014 Range Rover vary with trim level and are abundant. The Vision Assist package includes a surround camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and the Terrain Response 2 system. Yet-louder and more primo Meridian sound systems are available, including one that will please the most discerning audiophile with 1,700-watts of bliss pumping from 29 speakers. Other extras of note include executive 4-passenger seating in Autobiography models, 4-zone climate control, and heated/ventilated front and rear seats with a massage feature. Driving aids include adaptive cruise control, parallel-park assist, and an active rear locking differential.

Under the Hood (50-125 words + hp/mileage modules)
A new engine powers base Range Rover and HSE models for 2014: a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that replaces the previous naturally aspirated V8. The new, smaller engine has 35 less horsepower than the outgoing V8, but better fuel economy. Still, at an estimated 18 mpg combined, the V6-powered Range Rover isn’t exactly a fuel miser. The Supercharged and Autobiography trims retain a very powerful – and thirsty – supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine. All 2014 Range Rover models use an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and have a defeatable engine start/stop function to eke out better fuel economy. The tow rating for all models is a commendable, if random-sounding, 7,716 pounds.

3.0-liter supercharged V6
340 horsepower @ 6,500
332 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 16/22

5.0-liter supercharged V8
510 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
2013 EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg
(2014 model’s EPA rating is still to be announced)