I have picked some shocking names and not the ones that you think, want to know why?
Reliability and Range Rover are two opposite things, such bad is the reputation of the Range Rover in terms of dependability. Anyhow, I have churned out the 3 most reliable Range Rover models that you can consider right now.
Land Rover, the parent company of the Range Rover, had the reputation of rugged muscle in the 1960s and 70s and was considered a juggernaut. Until they decided to step into the luxury vehicle segment and launched the very popular Range Rover brand. Although the initial models were sturdy enough, as time passed, the level of luxury went up, and conversely, the reliability went down. The situation got so worse that the Range Rover became a symbol of unreliability and nicknamed a white elephant.
Nonetheless, there are still a few Range Rovers that you can trust, and I have shortlisted the top 3 most reliable Range Rovers that you can buy right now.
Also read: 3 Reasons Why Range Rovers are so Expensive
1. 2014 Range Rover Evoque
It is the least costly to purchase and maintain ($15,000 and $1,100/year respectively). Breaks down less often as compared to other Range Rovers.
The baby Range Rover was launched back in 2012 when the brand realized the uprising of sub-compact SUVs in the market. Evoque is the smallest Range Rover available with a 2.0 L engine mated to a nine-speed transmission and available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive options.
It gained instant popularity because of its styling, comparatively economical price, and drive quality that it offers. Although it’s a Range Rover and has its fair share of reliability issues like all other models, it is comparatively a very sensible choice to make overall.
Price: $15,000-$16,500
Best Engines: Offered with a 2.0 L Engine and it is fairly dependable.
Reliability (Fairly Reliable)
2014 Range Rover Evoque is a fairly reliable compact SUV, based on consumer reviews and reports by auto magazines and journalists. A car’s reliability is defined by how often it breaks down and how frequently it visits the workshops for diagnosis and repairs.
Based on various reports and consumer surveys, the Evoque breaks down an average of 1.33 times per year as compared to 1 time (other vehicles on average). In terms of requiring major repairs (need to visit a workshop), the Evoque needs major repairs 1.73 times a year as compared to 1.3 times of other vehicles on average. Although not ideal, this is still an acceptable reliability score keeping in mind the poor reliability reputation of the parent company.
Auto-express Reliability: 3.8/5 Star
Edmund’s Reliability: 3.6/5 Star
Known Faults and Repair Costs ($3,000-4,500)
Every vehicle has some known manufacturing faults, and Evoque is no exception. Being a Range Rover, the parts are expensive and it is costly to repair as compared to the average vehicle repair costs, but still less than flagship and bespoke Range Rover models.
| Fault | Cost | |
| 1 | Electrical problems (Gauge cluster and TPMS) | $300-500 |
| 2 | Defective engine harness and fuel leakage | $700-1,000 |
| 3 | Air suspension problems | $800 |
| 4 | The suspension (faulty control arm) | $500 |
| 5 | Faulty transmission | $600-800 |
| Total | ~ $3,300 |
Also read: Are British Cars Reliable? For Sure not all of Them…
2. 2014 Range Rover Sport
It is a recent year model, so less prone to major problems. But not cheap to purchase or maintain with an average price of $35,000 and yearly maintenance $1,800.
Range Rover launched the Range Rover Sport back in 2005 as a mid-size luxury SUV and, in no time, cemented its name as a benchmark in luxury. Although it was pricier and gulped the gas like anything, the comfort, luxury, and convenience have always remained unmatched in its class.
In 2014, the Sport got a major upgrade and was totally revamped with newer features and was refreshed, inside out. There are two engine options to choose from, a 3.0 L V6 and a massive 5.0 L V8, available in both diesel and gasoline. In comparison to other Range Rover vehicles, the 2014 RR Sport is quite reliable, and the ownership is less of a hassle.
Price: $33,000-38,000
Most Reliable Engine: 3.0 L V6 gasoline engine is the least troublesome
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Reliability (Satisfactory)
Irrespective of the definitions and views, a car can only be deemed reliable if it breaks down very less often and requires fewer visits to workshops. Despite being from a notorious family, the 2014 Range Rover Sport is not so bad in terms of reliability and if it has to be rated, it would be “satisfactory” in regard to dependability.
According to consumer reports and surveys, a 2014 Range Rover Sport breaks down an average of 1.37 times a year as compared to 1 time (average other vehicles). The rate of the requirement of major repairs in comparison to the average vehicle is 1.8-1.3. It slightly loses out to its younger sibling Evoque in terms of overall reliability.
Whatcar Reliability: 3.8/5 Star
Edmund’s Reliability: 4/5 Star
(the numbers differ from Evoque due to the volume of the units sold)
Known Faults and Repair Costs ($4000-5000)
There is a list of manufacturing faults and other electro-mechanical problems that have been reported in regard to the 2014 Range Rover Sport. Being a vehicle from a luxury car marquee, the cost of spares and critical components can be very high. Here is a breakdown of the faults you must be aware of;
| Fault | Cost | |
| 1 | Faulty and jerky transmission | $800 |
| 2 | Faulty parking brake | $300 |
| 3 | Leakage from sunroof | ~ $700 |
| 4 | Front arm suspension defects | $900 |
| 5 | Air suspension defects | $1,200 |
| 6 | Defective differential | $600-800 |
| Total | $4,600 |
*In some cases, you might need to replace the whole engine and some linked components. In that case, be prepared to write a Cheque up to $10,000.
Also read: 10 Cars Under $20K that Look Like They’re for $50K+
3. 2005 Range Rover Sport
With a menial price tag of around $5,000 and yearly maintenance expenses under $1,000, the 2005 Range Rover Sport is the most sensible choice for a used Range Rover.
This was the first generation of Range Rover Sport and a real attempt by the brand at the modern luxury SUV genre. Back in the day, it was quite sturdy and solid in build quality, and very few reports of breakdown or frequent repairs over the years.
Available in 3 engine options, a 3.0 L diesel, a 3.6 L diesel, and a 5.0 L gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and optional 4-wheel drive system. The 2005 Range Rover Sport offers all the amenities of a luxury car, with a pleasurable driving experience and next-level comfort.
Of all the Range Rovers available right now, this one is a perfect choice and in case the experience turns sour, you can easily offload it with minimal monetary loss.
Price: $4,500-$5,500
Most Reliable Engine: The 3.0 L diesel engine is the most reliable one.
Reliability
The 2005 Range Rover Sport is one member of a notorious family that does not break down that often or has to be rushed to a workshop to resuscitate back to life. It is a solid and tough vehicle that offers reliability at par with the other automakers and is luxurious and comfortable at the same time.
According to the majority of the owners’ and expert reviews, a 2005 Range Rover Sport breaks down at an average 3-4 times before hitting the 100,00-mile mark and doesn’t require too many repairs, apart from the routine maintenance and replacement of parts. It can be regarded as a “very good” vehicle in terms of dependability.
Autocar Reliability: 4/5 Star
Edmund’s Reliability: 4.2/5 Star
Known Faults and Repair Costs ($2,000-$3,000)
Despite all the praise and good reviews, it is still s Range Rover and there are still a few issues and common faults you must be aware of before considering one.
| Fault | Cost | |
| 1 | Faulty Brake system | $400 |
| 2 | Fuel pump failure | $600 |
| 3 | Faulty crank piston components | $500 |
| 4 | Turbocharger malfunction | $800 |
| 5 | Faulty suspension | $600 |
| Total | $2,900 |
Also read: Are Porsches Reliable? Things They Don’t Tell You…
Some Interesting Alternatives
A wise man once said, “the most reliable Range Rover you can get is a Land Cruiser”. The Land Rover Range Rover is quite notorious for being unreliable and there are just too many negative owners’ reviews and a long list of complaints.
Although we still love the 2005 Range Rover Sport, if you are not a diehard fan, consider these great luxury SUVs that would be worth your investment and as luxurious as an RR;
- Lexus LS 570
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS
- BMW X5
- Audi Q7
- Porsche Macan
