Overview
The world's elite are attracted to Range Rover not so much by its legendary off-road capabilities as by its elegant styling, luxurious cabin and the A-list status it has achieved over the years. The 2023 model is the most luxurious Range Rover to date. A trio of powertrains, including a hybrid, provide ample power, and the brand's largest SUV behaves discreetly in traffic with a smooth ride and a quiet interior. Range Rover owners can venture off-road: all-wheel drive is standard, and the air suspension can be raised for extra headroom, though we know few would dare subject this work of art to such indignity. The Range Rover costs over $100,000, which means it's more expensive than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. So let it be. The Range's reputation, presence and royal approval justify its high price.
What's new for 2023?
The updated Range Rover technically debuted in the 2022 model year, but it was sold alongside the previous-generation model, and not all variants were available. For 2023, the old model is no longer available. A plug-in hybrid powertrain, the P440e, will be added to the lineup in 2023, and Land Rover claims this unit will provide up to 48 miles of range on electric power alone. It's only available on the short-wheelbase SE model.
We recommend opting for the mid-range Autobiography model, which adds a few coveted features that luxury buyers will appreciate. For example, the Autobiography comes standard with a 1600-watt Meridian stereo system with headrest-mounted speakers and Active Noise Cancellation. The Range Rover will be offered in both a short and long wheelbase version, and we recommend the latter as it allows for a third row of seats and a more spacious cargo area.
Engine, transmission and performance
The Range Rover is offered with three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged six with 48-volt P400 hybrid system that develops 395 horsepower. During our first test drive, it proved silky smooth, delivering enough power to tow a large Range Rover. The 523 hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine - Land Rover calls it the P530 - is even more spirited, boosting the Range Rover's towing capacity to 8,200 lb. On our test track, the P530 accelerated the Range Rover to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the P400 did it in 5.5 seconds. A 434 hp plug-in hybrid - the P440e - is also available, but only in short-wheelbase SE configuration. Our test car, the long-wheelbase P400, accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, while the short-wheelbase P530 took just 4.3 seconds. Range Rover's ride is quite soft, and the adjustable air suspension practically floats on the road in Comfort mode. Switch the steering wheel to Dynamic mode and things get a little stiffer, but the big Rover still aims for comfort. When we get a chance to drive the Range Rover around our test track, we'll supplement this article with test results.
Range, charging and battery life
The EPA hasn't released official range estimates for the P440e plug-in hybrid, but Land Rover claims the 31.8 kWh battery pack should provide a range of about 48 miles on electric power alone. The P440e can be charged quickly with constant current or can be charged from a home charger.
Fuel economy and real-world MPG figures
The most fuel-efficient Range Rover is likely the P440e plug-in hybrid, but the EPA has not yet evaluated the fuel economy of this model. The entry-level P360 and P400 models are rated at 18 mph in the city and 26 mph on the highway, while the V-8-powered P530 is rated at 16 mph in the city and 21 mph on the highway. On our fuel-efficient route at 75 mph on the highway, both the P400 and P530 achieved the same 23 mph. You can find out more about Range Rover fuel economy on the Environment Agency website.