Strengths

Off-road ability; acceleration (SC); Terrain Response system; versatile ride; interior comfort.

 

Changes

For 2009, Land Rover's Range Rover receives new leather dashboard trim. The entry-level HSE model now rides on revised 7-spoke alloy wheels.

Also for 2008, the Range Rover Autobiography debuts, wood interior trim, rear-seat entertainment system, 4-zone climate control and 20" 10-spoke wheels are included.

 

Value

The 2009 Land Rover's flagship Range Rover has few peers and stands as one of the most luxurious and off-road-capable sport utility vehicles at any price. A proven platform, powerful engine choices, and well-equipped interior combine to form one of the most attractive true trail warriors available.

 

Overview

The 2009 Range Rover comes in two luxurious variants, the V8-powered HSE, with a 305-horsepower 4.4L engine, and the SC model, with its 400-horsepower 4.2L supercharged V8. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport and CommandShift modes.

One of the Range Rover's primary strengths is its smart and sophisticated suspension design, which allows a smooth, quiet highway ride yet is rugged enough for some of the toughest off-roading situations.

The Range Rover comes equipped with standard full-time 4-wheel drive. Skid plates are included underneath, and both engines have special protective measures against dust and water contamination, rock damage, and driving at steep angles. Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which enables a wide range of vehicle components to change depending on terrain, is also standard on the Range Rover. Terrain Response has five modes: general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl-each with specialized responses for the throttle, transmission, differential, brakes, and suspension. An electronically controlled variable-locking center differential, for increased traction in specific situations, is standard on both models, and a rear-axle differential is standard on the SC and optional on the HSE.

The interior includes a handsome gauge cluster, plenty of storage bins, and a new 3-zone climate control system. Heated seats are standard, with cooled and ventilated seats (backrests included) available on the HSE and standard on the SC. Real wood trim is used throughout, and the interior includes triple-layer lamination for the windshield to help reduce noise.

The high-performance SC model adds larger 20-inch wheels, along with stronger stopping power from larger Brembo brakes, plus chrome exhaust tips and an adaptive front lighting system that helps illuminate into corners on dark roads.

Options include a rear-seat entertainment package on both models, and a Luxury package on the HSE, with the heated and cooled seats, upgraded leather surfaces and adaptive front lighting.

The Autobiography Package can be added to supercharged models. This package, includes upgraded leather seats, 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, 14-piece interior wood treatments, 4-zone climate control, and a rear entertainment system. This premium option group adds $10,000 to the SC's base price.