Overview
Although it has blue-collar roots dating back more than a half-century the 2022 Range Rover's high-end interior and first-class curb appeal are designed to attract wealthy, white-collar buyers. While its transformation has been decades in the making, this leather-lined limo has reached a point where it's nearly six-figure starting price seems an appropriate ask. The cabin features upscale finishes such as leather, wood, and thickly-piled carpeting. And there’s plenty of tech too. Buyers can choose either a turbocharged inline-six or a thundering 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine, but all models come standard with off-road-capable features, such as an all-wheel-drive system, a rear-wheel steering system, and an air suspension that can be raised for extra ground clearance. Few Range Rover owners would dare to venture too far from paved roads, but knowing you could if you wanted to is, in fact, a luxury. In an odd twist, this new generation of Range Rover, launched for the 2022 model year will sell alongside a 2022 model of the previous generation until inventory runs out.
What's New for 2022?
The all-new 2022 Range Rover—not to be confused with the outgoing model, which is also a 2022—is redesigned from the ground up with updated styling, new tech features, and luxury touches. The outgoing-generation Range Rover, which is also a 2022 model and on sale for the time being, receives few changes for 2022. The diesel V-6 and plug-in-hybrid P400e models have been discontinued from the new Range Rover lineup, leaving the turbocharged inline-six and the supercharged V-8 as the only powertrain options. Buyers can now also add a more robust cabin air-ionization system as well.
Land Rover hasn't yet released a detailed list of the new Range Rover's standard and optional features, but we'd recommend opting for the mid-range Autobiography model, which will undoubtedly add several sought-after items that luxury buyers will appreciate. For example, the Autobiography comes standard with a 1600-watt Meridian stereo system featuring headrest-mounted speakers and active noise cancellation. The Range Rover will be offered in both a short- and long-wheelbase body style, and we suggest going for the latter since it creates room for a third row of seats and a more generous cargo area. When we find out more about how each of the Range Rover's trim levels will be equipped, we'll update this story with more details.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
At launch, the new Range Rover will be available with either a 395-hp turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system or a new 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. The entry-level hybrid powertrain is available only on the base SE trim, but the V-8 is optional on the SE and standard on the Autobiography and First Edition models. Land Rover says a 434-hp plug-in hybrid option will join the lineup for 2023 and will offer up to 62 miles of electric-only driving; an all-electric model will be available starting in 2024 and a high-performance SV model is said to be in the cards, possibly with a more powerful version of the twin-turbo V-8. When we have a chance to test drive the new Range Rover, we'll update this story with driving impressions. Meanwhile, the outgoing Range Rover, which buyers may still find lurking on a few dealers’ lots, might be a relative bargain.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While EPA estimates have not yet been announced for the new Range Rover, we expect the new model will adhere closely to the outgoing model's fuel-economy numbers. The base hybrid powertrain should deliver around 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway while the V-8 model will come in slightly lower in both categories. When we find out more about the Range Rover's fuel economy we'll update this story with details. For more information about the Range Rover's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the outgoing generation Range Rover, the new model offers a plush interior decked out with rich leathers and woods, but buyers who want a more sustainable cabin can opt for a new leather-free option, which subs-in wool or other textiles. The interior can be arranged to seat four, five, or seven depending on configuration and wheelbase. An optional motorized divider for the cargo area helps keep things from moving around too much during travel, and the Range Rover's split rear liftgate can be used as convenient and comfortable seating for outdoor events.
