Around the time of WWII, the Jeep was one of the most common vehicles in just about every army's arsenal. That's, arsenal of road vehicles, of course. Over in the UK, the Jeep was the original drawing, and Land Rover created their own take on the military/farming equipment off-roader with some tracing paper, resulting in the original series Land Rover models. Their success was major, so Land Rover decided to expand the operation.
In 1970, they launched one of the most important vehicles in history: the original Range Rover. While people love to argue whether or not the original classic really is the first luxury SUV, it definitely is the first one that launched the segment into stardom. A new Range Rover comes around every once in a while, and the latest, fifth generation is looking better than ever as a 2022 SUV.
2022 Land Rover Range Rover
- All-new platform
- Available seven seats
- Electrifcation
- Make: Array
- Model: Range Rover
- Segment: Array
- Engine/Motor: 3.0-liter I6 / 3.0-liter PHEV I6 / 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
- Horsepower: 395-523 hp
- Torque: 406-553 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, 4WD
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Understated good looks
- New, more efficient powertrains
- Three-row seating for the first time
- More luxurious than ever
- PHEV only available on the base model
- Fuel economy on the other models
- Awkward-looking infotainment screen
Overview Of The 2022 Range Rover
The 2022 Range Rover is the all-new fifth generation of one of the most popular luxury SUVs in history. Land Rover introduced the previous generation for the 2012 model year, and it carried on right up until 2021. Debuting for the 2022 model year, the new Range Rover brings along some major changes and wraps them all up in a subtly refreshed (in a good way) package.
The exterior is not very different compared to the previous generations, but you will be able to spot the new Range Rover in a crowd. Specifically, by virtue of its slimmer headlights, new grille, redesigned signature side strakes, (finally) flush-fitted door handles, and the completely redesigned, controversial rear end. One major point of interest about the new Range Rover is that it's now finally available with seven seats, putting it even closer to its main competitors, the Mercedes GLS, the Lexus LX600, the Cadillac Escalade and the BMW X7.
2022 Range Rover Powertrains And Drivetrains
Land Rover has massively overhauled the Range Rover's engine lineup, and there's plenty to get excited about. One potentially sad piece of news is that the ever-so-characterful supercharged "AJ" V8 engine is gone, and in its place comes a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from BMW (P530). Like in BMW's "50i" branded cars, it develops the exact same power in the Range Rover as well, 523 hp. The base model (P400) features a 3.0-liter turbo I6 with 395 hp, which Land Rover uses on a lot of their other models as well.
Finally, there's the plug-in hybrid version. The previous Range Rover mated the electric component to a four-cylinder engine, but the new one replaces it with an I6. The total system output is 436 hp, which is an excellent figure. Unfortunately, this powertrain combination is only available on the base model. The rest of the lineup gets the regular I6, which still has mild hybrid tech, or the V8, with some of them offering the V8 exclusively. This doesn't do the new Range Rover any favors, as having the PHEV available on every model would increase its appeal and fuel economy.
All the engines deliver power to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, and of course, Land Rover's excellent Terrain Response system is very much here.
2022 Range Rover Comfort And Quality
Although the exterior may be a bit hard to distinguish from the previous generation Range Rover, the interior brings along some welcome changes. While Land Rover kept the design familiar, there are some noticeable differences. The new, two-spoke steering wheel definitely has an air of luxury about it, and there's a new digital instrument cluster as well as a new infotainment display, running JLR's latest Pivi Pro software.
Unfortunately, the integration of the screen into the dashboard isn't the best in the business. Still, it has all the things you would expect, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also spec the interior with sustainable, vegan upholstery for the first time.
Other options include the ClearSight rear-view mirror camera, the opulent Tailagate Suite, Park Assist, the Hot Climate Pack which includes things like four-zone climate control, and the Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack which includes an electronic active differential with torque vectoring.
The most interesting option you might want to consider, however, is third-row seating. For an extra $6,000 over the base model, you can spec your Range Rover with seven seats. It's good on Land Rover for finally adding this option, but how or whether they're useful or not, we will hopefully find out soon. The Long Wheelbase version, which is some $50,000 more than the base model, only has seating for four, with two captain's chairs in the third row.
The cargo area boasts 34.5 cubic feet of space with the third row folded, and 71 with the second row folded. The long wheelbase model has a maximum capacity of 77 cubic feet, which is excellent.
2022 Range Rover Pricing And Launch
The 2022 Range Rover is available to order as of February 2022. The base model with the Standard Wheelbase starts at $101,000. Adding third-row seating (which automatically means long wheelbase as well) drives that up to $107,000. Finally, the luxurious Long Wheelbase version carries a considerable premium at $156,450.
The new Range Rover doesn't come cheap, then. That's expected, as it's worth the price of admission for what is widely considered to be the best SUV in its class. Even more luxurious than ever, a bigger focus on electrification and sustainability, and gorgeous styling make the Range Rover one of the biggest potential hits of 2022.