PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
While the engine works its magic, the Range Rover Supercharged's air suspension also has a multitude of tricks up its sleeve that range from basic to brilliant.
Autoblog
Whether it's taking a highway onramp or getting into a passing lane, the Range Rover blows past more pedestrian modes of transportation.
Cars.com
In addition to being able to travel the autobahn at speeds up to 140 mph, the Range Rover is quite happy chugging along off-road.
Automobile Magazine
But when pushed, the Rover leans dramatically in turns, its limits are low, it understeers early and often, and the undefeatable stability control cuts engine power abruptly and dramatically.
Car and Driver
Taken off-road, the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover is even more impressive.
Edmunds
Power is good, but not class-leading in the Range Rover: the 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 375 horsepower in naturally-aspirated models and 510 horsepower in the Supercharged version. That's enough thrust to push the big SUV to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, or a scant 5.9 seconds for the brawnier brother. Both are also capable of towing 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel efficiency isn't the best, rated at 12/18 mpg for both models. But considering the Range Rover's big power output and blocky profile, that's to be expected. We've found real-world numbers to sit closer to the low end of that range, however.
On-road, either of the two engines provide plenty of motivation for the 6,000-pound Range Rover, and handling feels solid and stable. Steering is slow, yet progressive. Large 14.2-inch brakes (or 15-inch stoppers on the Supercharged) pull it down from speed with confidence, and the Adaptive Dynamics suspension system enhances ride quality while also aiding stability in corners.
You'll have to get the Range Rover dirty to truly understand what it's capable of, however. The Terrain Response System, updated last year, offers remarkable traction in sand, snow, mud, or gravel. The suspension allows the body to be raised for greater ground clearance, and hill-descent control makes even novice off-roaders look poised. The high-tech gearboxes, computers, and differentials at work in the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover turn it into a truly capable off-roader despite its high-style clothing.
Whether crawling the hillsides or roaming the highways, the six-speed automatic transmission allows you to choose your own gears if you please--or not bother with it at all.
Conclusion
On-road and off, the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover is a capable, strong vehicle.