Whether you're a master of the universe or just think of yourself that way, you'll find a lot to like here.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

It’s a rare day when a new Range Rover debuts.

Of course, when I say that, I’m referring to what Land Rover snobs would probably refer to as the real Range Rover — that is, not one boasting a suffix like Sport or Evoque or Velar, but the one that can trace its lineage all the way back to the days of the Apollo missions, when it arguably pioneered the then-silly-sounding idea of a luxury sport utility vehicle. No, a new version of the “true” Range Rover has only come around five times in human history; the first debuted in 1969, the second followed a whopping 25 years later, the third arrived in 2001, the fourth in 2012.

And now we’re here a decade after that, once again faced with an all-new Land Rover Range Rover. But this Range Rover faces a very different future than any of its predecessors. The era of gasoline powertrains is coming rapidly to a close in favor of electric vehicles, so the Range Rover is finding ways to go green; the world’s wealthy are growing wealthier, so the Range Rover can push upmarket; and, perhaps most notably, the SUV has now become the de facto vehicle of choice in nations across the world, so the Range Rover now needs to offer even more all-around family-friendly capability on top of everything else it does well.

So, here in 2022, how does the vehicle once so memorably described on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia as “a transporter of gods” hold up in the face of a changing world and fresh competition? We headed to California to find out.

What makes the 2022 Range Rover special?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

It’s all-new — although it’s easier to tell that from the back than it is from the front, where the design is much more evolutionary than revolutionary. The face of the new model bears an intentional resemblance to the prior one; the rear, on the flip side, is sleeker and more streamlined, with thin vertical tail lamps that, admittedly, give it a slight resemblance to the stern of a Kia Telluride.

Beneath that evolutionary design, however, lies a new platform known as “MLA Flex” in Jaguar Land Rover parlance. Designed to be used in everything from gas-engined mild hybrids to electric vehicles, it’s being used for the first time here; it’s both stiffer and more quiet than the previous Range Rover, which wasn’t exactly a rattling cardboard box.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Under the hood lies a choice of two different gas-powered powertrains, at least to start in the United States. Base models come packing the mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-six that’s quickly become a familiar face across the Land Rover lineup, here making 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The V8 variant is something of a throwback in terms of legacy, if not technology; like the eight-pot found in the Range Rover a couple generations ago, it’s made by BMW. Unlike that V8, however, this new one is twin-turbocharged to crank out a claimed 523 horsepower and 533 lb-ft of torque…and Bimmer’s turbo motors often turn out to be underrated from the factory.

If those choices don’t float your boat, don’t sweat: there are not one but two other powertrains coming soon that make greater use of electrons. First up in the next year comes an incipient plug-in hybrid variant that combines an inline-six with a 38.2-kWh battery that gives it a claimed 62 miles of all-electric range on the admittedly liberal WLTP testing circuit; a bit further down the line comes a fully electric Range Rover EV, based on the same chassis as the gas-powered versions.

What’s the 2022 Range Rover like to drive?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Everything you’d hope for from an esteemed British carmaker. Even on those monstrous wheels, it rides smoothly and silently, sopping up potholes like warm bread grabbing olive oil. Land Rover’s test drive route included a surprising amount of twists and turns, including a good two hours of driving along curvy California Route 1 north of San Francisco; the Range Rover handled them ably, but there’s no denying it’s soft; it bobs and sways in turns, no matter how much stiffness you ask the active suspension to add in. It’s far more comfortable cruising serenely and silently through town or along the open road. Think old-school luxury sedan, just with a much better view.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

The inline-six version is more than adequate for the average commuter; it’s smooth and refined, and capable enough of getting out of its own way when you hammer the throttle, but it’s more content cruising along at a steady state, making barely any noise in the process.

Still, if you have the scratch — you’ll need to spend at least $18,300 over a base model to grab it — I highly recommend opting for the V8. The extra power turns the Range Rover into something with near-muscle car thrust; leaping through gaps in traffic goes from a cautious exercise to a delight, the nose rearing up as the gearbox drops four gears and the exhaust spits out a civilized powerboat roar. It adds an unexpected bit of fun to an otherwise spit-polished on-road experience.

Okay, then — what’s the new Range Rover like off-road?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Well, funny story. While Land Rover had prepared a comprehensive series of off-road courses to test out the new Range Rover’s capabilities, we only had the chance to do one of the activities — because it was too wet the rest of the time.

Once the steady spring rain started saturating the Napa Valley earth, the dirt paths quickly turned to slick, rusty mud slippery enough to make the steep climbs and descents of the off-road courses too slippery to manage on the thin, road-biased tires outfitted to our test vehicles.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Still, in the limited time we were able to take this new SUV off the beaten path, it demonstrates the aplomb and capability you’d expect. With the air suspension jacked up to maximum height, the ride turns a bit flinty, as it seems to be pushed to the limits of compliance; still, that’s an edge case, one only likely to occur in shorts bursts at low speeds. Otherwise, the combination of full-time four-wheel-drive and Land Rover’s suite of mechanical and electronic off-road gadgetry delivers its usual remarkable level of capability, enabling this SUV to scramble over obstacles and through terrain where most vehicles this price would fear to tread.

Important as it is for the Range Rover to maintain its reputation as a go-anywhere vehicle, those who plan on doing actual off-roading on a regular basis in this day and age are more likely to buy a Defender. The Range Rover has nothing to be ashamed of in terms of its capabilities…although anyone planning on maximizing them definitely should choose their tires wisely.

What’s the new Range Rover like inside?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

A massive improvement wouldn’t be an exaggeration. The old Range Rover was nice, sure, and Land Rover did a good job keeping it fresh over its decade-long life — but the all-new 2022 model is a whole different kettle of fish.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

As you’d expect in a new luxury car in this day and age, screens are central to the experience. The new Range Rover’s infotainment system screen extends out further than it seems, mushrooming out from the dashboard to provide a mighty tablet for you to fiddle with; it’s still a bit laggy and obtuse compared to some competitors’ systems, but at the very least Land Rover still offers physical controls for the climate, drive modes and volume. Plus, once you’re rolling, you’ll be too comfortable in the seats to care much; they’re wonderful places to spend some time watching the world go by (or at least from which to peer over the interior’s details while you’re stuck in traffic).

For maximum luxury, you’ll want the Range Rover SV

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Nice as every Rangie is inside, though, anyone seeking sybaritic excellence is best off leaping straight to the top of the lineup, where the Range Rover SV lies. Do so, and you score suche super-premium touches as independent 13.1-inch rear screens, ceramic accents on the controls, curated color theme accents like elegant accent touches on the exterior, and something called optional “marquetry veneer,” which features hundreds of pieces of laser-cut, super-detailed wood trim. I don’t understand it, but I can say it looks gorgeous.

Yes, those are airline-style seats in back

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

More specifically, though, you’ll want the version with the SV Signature Suite, which is only available with the long-wheelbase body style. That nets you a pair of reclining, 24-way seats — nay, thrones — that heat, ventilate and massage you on command, while offering enough legroom for Kareem Abdul-Jabar to relax. A table rises dramatically from the center console at the press of a button, as do cupholders. And, of course, there’s a refrigerator designed to hold a champagne bottle between the seats.

Wisely, Land Rover made sure we spent as much time in the SV Signature Suite as possible — driving to and from the airport twice with a chauffeur behind the wheel — and I can firmly state that it ranks among the most palatial backseat experiences you can find in a car that comes straight from the factory. If I can sum it up in one sentence, it’d be this. Land Rover flew us from San Francisco to Napa on a charter jet to avoid the horrendous Bay Area traffic; I’d have rather spent five times as long riding there in the back of the SV.

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Of course, those thrones come at a cost, and we’re not just talking price. (Although…more on that in a second.) The elaborate mechanisms, surrounding and accoutrements of the rear seats means the second row doesn’t fold flat, somewhat impugning your expensive sport-utility vehicle’s utility. There’s still plenty of space in back, as you can see here, but anyone who wants to carry mountain bikes or surfboards in, rather than on, their Range Rover probably will want to go with a lower trim.

There’s a seven-seat Range Rover now, too

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Of course, if you opt for the long-wheelbase Range Rover and don’t need the fanciest interior, you can also, for the first time, score a third row in the back. It can, indeed, fit a full-sized human if need be, although they’d better be prepared to become rather intimate with their kneecaps. It’s better-suited for occasional use, like a jump seat in cars of yore — something you leave stowed away and forget about most of the time, until you suddenly find yourself needing to transport more people than planned.

How much does the new Range Rover cost?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Well, the answer is a bit more complex than you might suspect. If you want to give the simplest explanation, I’d say, it starts at $95,150 with destination. (That said, that goes up about $10K for the 2023 model year; blame, y’know, the world.) But there are a stunning amount of ways to option up a Range Rover, depending on powertrain, length and trim level — SE, HSE, Autobiography, First Edition and SV for 2022.

Depending on your choices, then, that starting price can fade into the rear view real quick. Pick the range-topping SV and check all the boxes, and you’ll pass the quarter-million dollar mark on the window sticker.

What does the 2022 Range Rover compete against?

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Land Rover, no doubt, would tell you that a Range Rover has no true competitors — but while that once certainly was true, it’s far from the case here in 2022. At the lower end of its pricing spectrum, the Range Rover stacks up against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE- and GLS-Class, the Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Aviator and Navigator, the BMW X5 and X7 — although if you’re looking for something similarly priced with the same sort of off-road street cred, your best bet is the Lexus LX 600.

Push your way to the top of the pricing structure, however, and you’re cross-shopping against seriously dignified metal. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and new Bentley Bentayga EWB both offer similarly palatial second-row accommodations, while the regular wheelbase Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan offer more of a driver-centric experience. And while the likes of the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus deliver a very different sort of drive, they do both rival the top-shelf Range Rover in matters of curb appeal — which, let’s face it, is a big reason many people choose such

But impressive as they may be in so many ways, all those contenders all lack one thing this SUV has: it’s a Range Rover, and all that it implies.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

Powertrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six / 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8; eight-speed automatic; four-wheel-drive

Horsepower: 395 / 523

Torque: 406 / 533

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 / 16 mpg city, 26 / 21 mpg highway

Seats: Four to seven

The New Land Rover Defender Is Exactly the SUV It Needs to Be

the 2022 range rover is a greatly improved transporter of gods
Will Sabel Courtney

It might not be exactly what you wanted, but the new Defender is what Land Rover needs right now.

Keyword: The 2022 Range Rover Is a Greatly Improved Transporter of Gods

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Third-Generation Range Rover Sport Launched – RM1.7 million

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has officially launched the highly-anticipated third-generation Range Rover Sport for the Malaysian market, setting new standards in performance, design, and connectivity. This SUV combines on-road assertiveness with all-terrain capabilities. The Range Rover Sport features an exterior design that seamlessly incorporates the Range Rover DNA, ...

View more: Third-Generation Range Rover Sport Launched – RM1.7 million

Tough Mudder : Will Classic Land Rover Defender Owners welcome the new Ineos Grenadier?

The new Land Rover Defender is a fantastic car. And yet, while the move upmarket may make it an ideal SUV for most people, there are still a select few who just can’t get onboard. Some of those people might not want to get onboard, but others genuinely aren’t able ...

View more: Tough Mudder : Will Classic Land Rover Defender Owners welcome the new Ineos Grenadier?

Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

Best-selling cars from every brand in South Africa Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio – 2 units each Audi Q3 – 156 units BMW X3 – 222 units Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 858 units Citroen C3 – 77 units Ferrari 296 GTB – 2 units Fiat 500 – 11 units Ford ...

View more: Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

New Range Rover Velar arrives in 3 variants, from RM638,800

The new and updated 2023 L560 Range Rover Velar has just made its Malaysian debut with a few design tweaks and new features. Offered in three variants, the new Range Rover Velar comes in P250 Dynamic SE (M and H Specs) and P250 Dynamic HSE (L Specs) trims, with ...

View more: New Range Rover Velar arrives in 3 variants, from RM638,800

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Engine Specifications, Mileage, Power, Torque

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Engine Specifications, Mileage, Power, Torque This article will give you a perspective of the engine specs like, displacement, power, torque, mileage and transmission details of the Land Rover Range Rover Velar diesel and petrol engines. Considering the body style, size and price range of the ...

View more: Land Rover Range Rover Velar Engine Specifications, Mileage, Power, Torque

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Ground Clearance, Boot Space & Dimensions

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Ground Clearance, Boot Space & Dimensions This article will give you details about the dimensions, or length, width, height and wheelbase of the Land Rover Range Rover Velar. We’ll also look at the ground clearance, boot space, fuel tank capacity and tyre size of the ...

View more: Land Rover Range Rover Velar Ground Clearance, Boot Space & Dimensions

New Range Rover Velar Launched In Malaysia – From RM638k

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia unveiled the new Range Rover Velar. It impresses with its design, advanced technology, and driving experience. This SUV, a part of the L560 Range Rover Velar series, symbolises modern luxury and sophistication. The Range Rover Velar embodies a reductive design philosophy, achieving a blend of ...

View more: New Range Rover Velar Launched In Malaysia – From RM638k

Wearnes StarChase Mongolia Land Rover Defender Experience : All Roads Lead to Roam

Departing the JLR premises in Ulaanbataar Wearnes – StarChase Mongolia Land Rover Defender Experience : All Roads Lead to Roam Mongolia – The dust storm kicked up in the wake of our passing forms a large amorphous cloud that all but conquered visibility. However, this barely slowed our progress as we ...

View more: Wearnes StarChase Mongolia Land Rover Defender Experience : All Roads Lead to Roam

At $24,500, Is This 1987 Euro-Spec Range Rover A Classic Deal?

Indian actors who bought new cars in the last one month: Ranbir Kapoor's Range Rover to Rakul Preet's Maybach GLS

Most fuel-efficient SUVs in South Africa

Motor1.Com Test Car Happy Hour #55: Subaru WRX, Chevy Trax, Grand Highlander, and Range Rover Sport

My used Range Rover Sport: Ownership update including its EV-only range

Range Rover Velar will Arrive with Minor Updates

Range Rover Velar updated for South Africa – Everything new

Motor1.com Test Car Happy Hour #54: Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary, Acura Integra Type S, Range Rover Velar

It's Past Time For Range Rover To Add A More Expensive SUV To Its Lineup

2024 Range Rover Carmel: A High-Luxury New Edition Debuts

Best reveals from the world’s greatest car show – Photos

Range Rover vs Classic Range Rover : Look how much they've changed:

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel