Land Rover vs. Range Rover: which should you buy?
To the untrained eye, Land Rover and Range Rover may look the same, but there are more differences than you may think
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Following a recent change to Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) model structuring, it can be very confusing to anyone wishing to buy a new car from the brand – so let’s simplify that.
Jaguar Land Rover is the main company and owns both Jaguar and Land Rover, while Range Rover, Discovery and Defender now sit within Land Rover as sub-brands.
No matter which brand you go for, you’re getting a great all-round car that is great both on- and off-road.
Choosing a used Land Rover or Range Rover is a great way to get one of these flashy models at a lower price. You might also be able to find higher-spec models with extra features at a much cheaper price than brand-new ones.
Land Rover and Range Rover: What’s the difference?
You may see Land Rovers and Range Rovers as being the same thing, and that’s true to an extent, but both model ranges offer very different things.
Land Rovers are set up to be more utilitarian and better off-road, whereas Range Rovers are better suited to a more upmarket clientele thanks to their more luxurious interiors.
But this is where the grey area begins to appear, because all models are luxurious and capable off-road, though some are better than others – but there are some distinct differences.
Land Rover models
Land Rover Defender
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The most rugged Land Rover model is the Defender, which has been one of the best off-roaders since its launch, which is why it was so widely used by farmers – until they became too refined inside to be covered in hay and mud.
Today, the Defender is still a rugged 4x4 with a luxurious edge, making it a great everyday car (that you can also get with a loud V8).
Land Rover Discovery
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The Land Rover Discovery was first launched in 1989 and was the first new model series since the Range Rover in 1970.
It started life as a hard-wearing, off-roading tool to sit alongside its larger sibling but it’s now has become equally as comfortable, making it a great family SUV that can seat up to seven people.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
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If you’re wanting a smaller Land Rover experience but still want a large boot and off-road capabilities, then the Discovery Sport is a great option.
This stylish-yet-luxurious model is the ‘sporty’ version of the standard Discovery, featuring a different body shape and a smaller overall footprint.
It’s one of the more versatile models, coming as a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid.
Range Rover models
Range Rover
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The full-sized Range Rover is the crème de la crème of all SUVs. It's the most sought-after 4x4 in the world, beating its competitors such as Mercedes and Volvo.
From its beefy engine options to its supple ride quality, this is really the one you should consider if you’re a classy person who likes to travel in style.
Range Rover Evoque
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The smallest car in Range Rover’s lineup is the Evoque. It’s like a hatchback but with more space and a higher driving position.
It closely rivals the Audi Q3 and Skoda Kodiaq but beats them both in terms of interior comfort.
Range Rover Velar
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Small premium SUVs may sound a bit too niche, but the market proves otherwise. These are highly in demand, and the Velar is up there with the best.
It’s packed full of tech, from Apple CarPlay to Android Auto connectivity, plus it’s incredibly comfortable.
Range Rover Sport
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Sports SUVs sound like a confusing and contradicting concept because lots of power in something other than a sports car doesn’t quite add up, but the Range Rover Sport proves it can be done well.
With its powerful 4.4-litre V8 engine option, this heavy SUV will beat most sports cars in a straight line.
Land Rover vs. Range Rover: Reliability
Since Land Rover and Range Rover models are both made by JLR, reliability levels are roughly the same.
In the past, these cars didn’t have the best track record in terms of reliability, but nowadays they offer decent reliability thanks to tried-and-tested components and solid engines.
Also, the fact these cars are used widely to drive long distances off-road and around farms tells us they can cope with most menial everyday driving tasks.
Land Rover vs. Range Rover: Price
Price is what begins to separate these models, because Range Rovers tend to be more expensive than Land Rovers simply because of their increased luxury status.
New Land Rover prices as of August 2023:
Defender 90 – £61,790
Defender 110 – £63,585
Defender 130 – £80,585
Discovery – £60,540
Discovery Sport – £44,790
New Range Rover prices as of August 2023:
Range Rover – £115,585
Range Rover Sport – £83,620
Velar – £54,105
Evoque – £40,080
Choosing a used Range Rover or Land Rover model will mean these prices are quite a lot cheaper. You won't get to customise your car as you would if purchasing brand-new, but you can find higher-spec models at lower prices on the used market.
Should you buy a Land Rover or a Range Rover?
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Picking between a used Range Rover and a used Land Rover is a tricky choice.
There are a lot of different factors to consider including prices, features, number of seats, engine options and boot space.
You should buy a Land Rover if...
you like the idea of hardcore off-roading
you want slightly cheaper running costs
your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a Range Rover
You should buy a Range Rover if...
you have a little more to spend
you want the most luxurious car
you want to look good while off-roading