2018 Land Rover Range Rover Pros vs Cons

If you are in the market for a ruggedly athletic SUV, look no further than the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover. The Range Rover has, for years, been hailed for its near-perfect balance of luxury and off-roading. Not only is it a thrilling vehicle to drive, but it is also loaded with tech features, some of which are new to this mid-cycle revamp model. While most drivers will likely want to upgrade from the standard engine to the more powerful diesel engine, there are a lot of ways to customize this SUV.

What's New for 2018?

Changes are minimal since the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover marks the middle of its generation. Most of the changes you will find are the technological features. On the outside, the Range Rover was given a new grille and rear bumper. On the interior, the seats have been widened, the window glass was thickened by 20 percent so as to reduce noise intrusion, and there is a chic new 12-inch touchscreen display available.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover – The Pros

1. Its Luxurious Appeal

There is no getting around the fact that the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover has a sophisticated, upscale vibe to it. The interior is impeccably crafted with top-of-the-line materials and flawless stitching. The paneling looks perfect with no noticeable gaps. The exterior has a rugged SUV feel but looks extremely contemporary and expensive.

2. Excellent At Off-Roading

As per usual, the Range Rover is a highly-capable off-roader. The SUV gets plenty of ground clearance and has a suspension that is perfectly tuned for getting over rough road surfaces. Also, the various terrain maps and low-range gearing help to make the Range Rover an ideal off-roader.

3. Highly Customizable

If your driving needs are a bit diverse, don't worry! The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover is highly customizable. There are six different trim levels to choose from, and there are multiple engine options. The base trim comes with either a supercharged V6 or turbocharged diesel V6. Additionally, there is a seemingly endless choice of color schemes.

4. The Long Wheelbase Models

One of the options you can get is the long wheelbase. If you want some extra legroom for your passengers, this is a must-have, as it extends rear seat legroom by a generous 7.3 inches.

5. A Diesel Engine Option

The diesel engine option is absolutely the way to go if you crave power yet also want something that won't gobble up fuel. The turbocharged 3.0-L V6 diesel engine gets 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which is pretty good for a vehicle in this class.

6. Swift Acceleration

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover is able to quickly get up to speed on any engine. If you opt for the turbo diesel, its 443 lb-ft of torque is more than sufficient to get the vehicle going. The Range Rover has been clocked going from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, which is a stellar time for its class.

7. Reliable Brakes

The brakes on the Range Rover feel reliable and strong despite the nosedive the vehicle takes during a panic stop. However, the vehicle can come to a stop from 60 mph in 117 feet, which is excellent for its class.

8. A Quiet Interior

With the newly-strengthened glass windows, the Range Rover's interior is exceedingly hushed. There is barely any wind or road noise to be heard, and even the diesel engine emits little more than a hum while placed under pressure. The faster you go, the less you'll notice the diesel's noise.

9. Spaciousness

Even on the shorter wheelbase models, the Range Rover feels pretty spacious. When you add the extra 7.3 inches of rear legroom into the mix on the long wheelbase models, you get one all-around spacious cabin. The widening of the vehicle also gives passengers a little bit of extra hip room.

10. Excellent Visibility

Visibility on the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover is superb from the front, side, and rear. The elevated seating, low beltline, and wide amounts of glass make for one impressive all-around view. The parking sensors and the optional multicamera system makes it even easier to see what is in your blind spot and to back into a tight parking spot.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover – The Cons

1. Standard Engine Lacks Power

Unfortunately, the biggest drawback to driving the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover is the fact that the standard engine (a supercharged V6) isn't very powerful. It only generates 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is best to spend a little extra and get the diesel option or just move up to a higher trim level with a more powerful engine.

2. Vibrations From the Larger Wheels

The larger the wheels, the more vibrations you'll feel. Otherwise, the vehicle is virtually bump-free. It is better to stick with the 20-inch wheels and steer clear of the 21-inch wheels.

3. Bulky Steering

Steering can feel a bit heavy on the Range Rover. While this isn't uncommon on SUVs, it will take some getting used to for those who are used to driving sedans or coupes.

4. Subpar Handling

The real gripe here is the subpar handling. The Range Rover doesn't like to respond to commands and gives too much body roll while going around turns. You'll want to take it slow and steady in this SUV when making tight turns.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Land Rover Range Rover vs. 2018 BMW X5

The 2018 BMW X5 is a stiff competitor for the model year. Each model has a strong powertrain and looks extremely luxurious. On the downside, the X5 doesn't have the generous legroom you can get on the Range Rover.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover vs. 2018 Porsche Cayenne

Another top competitor is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne. Its handling and steering are absolutely outstanding and put the Range Rover's capabilities to shame. However, the Cayenne lacks cargo space and features you'd expect to find on a vehicle in this class.

Conclusion

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover is a tough competitor for this model year. It offers stellar off-roading capabilities and is one of the most customizable vehicles in its class. While it isn't the best at handling on regular roadways, it has no problem getting up to speed and staying silent in the cabin.