The Range Rover has long been regarded as the top Land Rover SUV to get, whether you opt for the “Classic” model of the 70s or the more luxurious modern iterations of today.
However, before you go ahead and purchase one, it would really be a good idea to first know which Range Rover model years are actually the best and worst to buy.
Thankfully, we did our homework on the Range Rover’s best and worst years so that you can get the best value for your money when owning this popular British SUV.
What are the best years for the Range Rover?
The best model years of the Range Rover are from 2019 to the current year (2023).
Other notable years of the Range Rover are also from 2015 to 2018, 2001, 2009, 2012, and 2013.
As you can see, there are many different model years of the Range Rover that are all worth considering. However, your best bet would be any model from 2019 onwards.
As for why these model years are considered the best, we’ll be discussing the reasons one by one below.
Why are the 2019 to 2023 Range Rover model years the best?
The 2019 to 2023 Range Rover model years are regarded as the best years to get due to having the least reported problems so far, powerful performance, innovative interior tech, modern safety features, and great ride quality.
It’s unsurprising that the newest Range Rover model years in the lineup would be filled to the brim with high-tech gizmos and gadgets, especially if you were to go for the 2023 model.
While it’s still too early to see that many consumer ratings for the 2023 Range Rover, Car and Driver’s 9/10 review for it suggests that it’s a very promising model year for the Range Rover that you should look out for.
Also, both the 2022 and 2023 models earned an 8.1/10 rating from Edmunds, which is the highest rating out of any Range Rover model year so far.
These newer model years are part of the 5th-generation Range Rover L460 (2022 to present), and they have been praised for having a more refined driving experience compared to previous model years.
There are tons of customizable options to be had for the 5th generation’s interior and exterior, and it’s also the smoothest riding Range Rover generation.
While the 5th-generation Range Rover has been free of formal complaints at the time of this writing, only time can tell if it will remain that way for as long as possible.
However, if you don’t mind owning a secondhand model that’s still modern, then the 2019 Range Rover will definitely be the easiest on your wallet while still having a decent amount of features.
This model year is one of the last few years of the 4th-generation Range Rover L405 (2012 to 2021), and it’s able to strike a balance between having a considerable amount of features and having decent consumer ratings than the rest of the years.
Though keep in mind that such consumer ratings for the 2019 model year may vary depending on the exact model and trim that you get.
Otherwise, it’s still a respectable model year for the Range Rover without having to pay for a premium price tag like that of the 2023 model.
Common problems that you should look out for this particular model year include electronics issues, starting problems, and possible faulty crankshaft pulley retaining bolts.
2015 to 2018 Range Rover
Range Rover models from 2015 to 2018 may not be the most updated of the lot, but they are still able to provide decent comfort and performance amidst its competitors in the used SUV market.
Expert and consumer ratings for these model years vary depending on where you look, but from what we can see, both the 2015 and 2016 model years have at least a 3.2/5 rating or higher from Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
These Range Rover model years are known for their balance of performance both on asphalt and on dirt, so they definitely display a good amount of versatility.
2012 to 2013 Range Rover
The 2012 and 2013 Range Rover models are two of the earliest years of the 4th-generation Range Rover, and they are more geared towards people that crave all-around performance rather than the latest automotive tech.
The 2013 model, in particular, received a very high average consumer rating of 4.7/5 from Edmunds, which is very impressive for something that’s already 10 years old.
While these model years are definitely cheaper, they will obviously have more miles on them. This means that you should still be aware of hidden issues that they may have.
2009 Range Rover
2009 was the last model year of the 3rd-generation Range Rover, and while it’s already a 14-year-old SUV, it still has a lot to give in both the performance and aesthetics departments.
The 2009 Range Rover has a boxier yet elegant appearance, which may turn off some people from ever taking it offroad.
However, don’t let its luxurious exterior distract you from the fact that you can get it with a supercharged V8 engine under the hood. Needless to say, you have more than enough power to handle rougher terrain.
Also, the 2009 Range Rover currently has one of the highest consumer ratings of any Range Rover model year in Edmunds at 4.1 out of 5, making it a worthy candidate for one of the best years of the Range Rover.
2001 Range Rover
If you’re ever going to buy an old Range Rover from the early 2000s, you should specifically go for a 2001 model.
The 2001 Range Rover may look more like a time capsule than any other Range Rover we’ve discussed so far, but it’s regarded as one of the most reliable model years of the popular SUV ever.
This model year is part of the 2nd-generation Range Rover (1994 to 2001), and it’s been highly regarded by owners for being very durable and capable despite its age.
However, you should exercise more care in looking for a model from this time period, as older used cars can equate to more miles and even more hidden expenses later on. Thus, make sure you have a good eye for a well-maintained unit.
Consumer Ratings for Best Range Rover Years
| Range Rover Model Year | Kelley Blue Book Rating | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Car and Driver Rating | JD Power’s Consumer Rating |
| 2023 | N/A | 8.1/10 (Expert rating only) | 9/10 | 75/100 |
| 2022 | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 | 9/10 | 75/100 |
| 2021 | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 | 8/10 | 77/100 |
| 2020 | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 | 8.5/10 | 73/100 |
| 2019 | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 | 9/10 | 76/100 |
| 2018 | 3.8/5 | 3/5 | 10/10 | N/A |
| 2017 | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 | 10/10 | N/A |
| 2016 | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2015 | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2013 | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 | N/A | 79/100 |
| 2012 | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 | N/A | 73/100 |
| 2009 | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 | N/A | N/A |
| 2001 | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 | N/A | N/A |
What are the worst years for the Range Rover?
The worse years for the Range Rover include 2014, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 due to having the most reported problems.
To give you a better idea of why these Range Rover model years are considered the worst, we’ll be discussing each model year’s problems in more detail below.
2014 Range Rover
The 2014 Range Rover has received a significant amount of complaints due to reliability issues, and while it may be part of the same generation as the other “best years”, this did not save it from making it to this “worst years” list.
According to CarProblemZoo.com, there are a total of 49 reported problems of the 2014 model, most of which are related to the top 5 categories below:
- Electrical System – 10 Problems
- Engine and Engine Cooling – 7 Problems
- Structure – 7 Problems
- Equipment – 6 Problems
- Air Bag – 4 Problems
As you can see, the majority of the problems of the 2014 Range Rover have something to do with the electrical system.
This can mean anything from the numerous interior accessories malfunctioning, random warning lights being turned on, and other electronic features becoming faulty.
Some other common problems are related to both the engine and the engine cooling system, which is yet another category of problems that are quite expensive to repair.
Such engine problems can be in the form of engine warning lights turning on, jerky driving at slow speeds, and sudden accelerations.
2006 to 2008 Range Rover
Moving on to models that are several years older, the 2006 to 2008 Range Rover models also had their own fair share of reliability issues that were enough to consider them some of the worst years of the SUV.
While the top problems are different for each of these three model years, the 2006 model specifically had the most problems with its electrical system.
In the same vein, both the 2007 and 2008 model years had the most problems concerning their airbags.
| Top 5 Problems (2006 Range Rover) | Top 5 Problems (2007 Range Rover) | Top 5 Problems (2008 Range Rover) |
| Electrical System (13) Powertrain (8) Air Bag (7) Suspension (7) Service Brakes (7) | Air Bag (10) Engine and Engine Cooling (3) Suspension (2) Equipment (2) Electrical System (2) | Air Bag (12) Service Brakes (5) Powertrain (4) Structure (2) Suspension (2) |
All three of these model years combined have a total of 128 problems when taking their top 5 problem categories above as well as other unlisted categories into consideration.
2003 to 2004 Range Rover
The 2003 and 2004 model years of the Range Rover are also up there with the worst years, as both of them actually have a large number of reported problems in one category alone.
According to CarProblemZoo.com’s list, the 2003 Range Rover has a total of 168 reported problems, and a whopping 126 of those concern the powertrain alone.
The drivetrain of the 2003 model is known to have all sorts of problems with the differential, driveshaft, driveline, and other related components.
The 2004 Range Rover has a total of 115 reported problems, and 62 of those problems are also related to the powertrain.
| Top 5 Problems (2003 Range Rover) | Top 5 Problems (2004 Range Rover) |
| Powertrain (126) Suspension (8) Steering (8) Service Brakes (6) Engine and Engine Cooling (5) | Powertrain (62) Engine and Engine Cooling (11) Steering (11) Suspension (8) Service Brakes (4) |
Needless to say, the worrying number of reported drivetrain-related problems alone should be enough of a reason to avoid the 2003 and 2004 Range Rover models.
What are the common problems that Range Rovers have?
Some common problems of the Range Rover include various engine problems, electrical issues, brake issues, suspension issues, and different fluid leaks.
Engine Problems
Multiple model years of the Range Rover tend to have issues with the engine, such as engine overheating in earlier models, faulty crankshaft pulleys with the 2019 model, and timing chain failures in some gasoline-powered variants.
Also, in regards to the entire powertrain itself (engine, transmission, driveshaft, etc.), you should definitely stay away from the 2003 and 2004 models, as they’ve received over 150 reported problems regarding their powertrain.
Electrical Issues
The Range Rover, as a whole, isn’t really known for having the best set of electronics from the beginning, as owners of different model years have had their own fair share of malfunctioning electronics.
However, one model year that really takes the cake is the 2006 Range Rover with 13 different reports of an electrical system-related issue.
Such electrical issues can include all sorts of warning indicators and codes going off, problems with the steering column mobilization, and the suspension system acting up on its own.
Brake Issues
The Range Rover can also run into all sorts of brake-related issues. This includes both the main brakes and the parking brake.
Some owners experience their parking brakes suddenly locking up, while others also report that the ABS (Antilock Braking System) and the Traction Control features suddenly stop working properly.
Suspension Issues
Suspension-related issues have been reported for the Range Rover several times, and one of the most common signs of this is that the suspension light gets illuminated on the dashboard.
Even more modern Range Rovers equipped with air suspension can also experience their own set of unique issues.
Specific components such as compressor pumps, control units, and suspension bushings are known to fail on the Range Rover’s suspension system.
Fluid Leaks
The Range Rover is known to have some struggles keeping all sorts of liquids both in and out of it, especially when it comes to oil, water, and coolant.
Oil leaks on the Range Rover can commonly start anywhere within the engine and transmission components, while coolant leaks stem from broken hoses or a broken radiator.
Water, on the other hand, can start from outside the vehicle while it’s raining. It’s been known to leak in from the window seals, sunroof seals, and even the trunk seals.
What are the best alternatives to the Land Rover Range Rover?
The best alternatives to the Range Rover include the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, Infiniti QX80, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator.
The Land Rover Range Rover has a lot of competitors in the luxury SUV segment, and being able to compare them directly with each other is the best way to know what your other potential options can be.
To compare these alternatives to the Range Rover more properly, we’ve listed several of their basic specifications, prices, and ratings below.
| Vehicle Model | Engine Options | Power | Transmission | Fuel Economy | Edmunds Expert Rating | MSRP |
| Land Rover Range Rover (2023) | 3.0 L I6 (P400) 3.0 L I6 PHEV (P440e) 4.4 L V8 (P530) | 395 hp (P400) 434 hp (P440e) 523 hp (P530) | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 18 mpg (City) / 26 mpg (Highway) | 8.1/10 | $102,475 to $212,675 |
| BMW X7 (2022) | 3.0 L I6 Turbo (xDrive40i) 4.4L V8 Turbo (M50i) | 335 hp (xDrive40i) 523 hp (M50i) | 8-Speed Automatic (A/T) | 15 to 19 mpg (City) / 21 to 24 mpg (Highway) | 7.9/10 | $75,895 to $100,795 |
| Cadillac Escalade (2023) | 6.2 L V8 (Standard) 6.2 L Supercharged V8 (Escalade V) 3.0 L I6 Turbo Diesel | 420 hp (6.2L) 682 hp (Escalade V) 277 hp (3.0L) | 10-Speed Automatic (A/T) | 14 mpg (City) / 19 mpg (Highway) | 8.0/10 | $81,190 to $151,090 |
| Mercedes Benz GLS Class (2022) | 3.0 L I6 Turbo (GLS 450) 4.0 L V8 Turbo (GLS 580) 4.0 L V8 Twin Turbo (AMG GLS 63) | 362 hp (GLS 450) 483 hp (GLS 580) 603 hp (AMG GLS 63) | 9-Speed Automatic (with Paddle Shifters) | 18 mpg (City) / 24 mpg (Highway) | 8.6/10 | $78,900 to $136,450 |
| Infiniti QX80 (2023) | 5.6 L V8 (All Trims) | 400 hp | 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 14 mpg (City) / 20 mpg (Highway) | 7.1/10 | $74,395 to $86,045 |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer (2023) | 6.4 L V8 (Series I/Obsidian Trims) 3.0 L I6 Twin Turbo (Series II/Series III) | 471 hp (6.4 L V8) 510 hp (3.0 L I6) | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 13 mpg (City) / 18 mpg (Highway) | 7.7/10 | $89,995 to $110,990 |
| Lexus LX 600 (2022) | 3.4 L V6 Turbo (All Trims) | 409 hp | 10-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 17 mpg (City) / 22 mpg (Highway) | 7.0/10 | $88,245 to $127,345 |
| Lincoln Navigator (2023) | 3.5 L V6 Turbo (All Trims) | 440 hp | 10-Speed Shiftable Automatic | 17 mpg (City) / 23 mpg (Highway) | 8.4/10 | $79,330 to $110,815 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Range Rovers reliable?
Range Rovers aren’t really known for their reliability, and this is evident by them having the lowest overall reliability score and the highest repair costs compared to 9 other similar vehicles, according to Warrantywise.
Warrantywise’s Top Ten Least Reliable Vehicle Models (2022)
| Vehicle Make and Model | Repair Cost | Overall Reliability Score |
| Land Rover Range Rover | £23,890 ($29,622) | 20.2/100 |
| BMW M3 | £12,115 ($15,022) | 21.4/100 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | £22,358 ($27,723) | 23.1/100 |
| Porsche Panamera | £10,785 ($13,373) | 23.4/100 |
| BMW X6 | £9,613 ($11,920) | 23.6/100 |
| Porsche Cayenne | £6,360 ($7,886) | 24.9/100 |
| Audi Q7 | £8,719 ($10,811) | 25.7/100 |
| Bentley Continental GT | £6,227 ($7,721) | 29.1/100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | £5,777 ($7,163) | 29.6/100 |
| BMW M5 | £10,129 ($12,559) | 30.8/100 |
Are Range Rovers expensive to maintain?
Range Rovers are one of the most expensive luxury SUVs to maintain with an average annual maintenance cost of $1,258, which is $131 more expensive than the average of $1,127 for vehicles in the same category.
How long can a Range Rover last?
A Range Rover can last an average of 150,000 to 200,000 miles (241,000 to 322,000 km) with regular maintenance and good driving habits, which is around 10 to 13 years of use before it’s expected to break down or undergo major repairs.
