If you’ve been shopping for off-road-ready luxury SUVs, chances are you’ve come across Land Rover models and Range Rover models.
Land Rover has dominated the luxury SUV market for years, producing excellent automobile models with exceptional durability and performance characteristics. Range Rover, on the other hand, shares this trait.
What is the difference between Land Rover and Range Rover? Are Land Rovers and Range Rovers the same thing, are both terms interchangeable?
Let’s find out.
What’s the difference between a land rover and a range rover?
Many people question what the actual difference is between the two. They certainly resemble one another, have similar names, require a generous payment, and are both manufactured in Britain.
So, why does Range Rover say Land Rover, how are they different?
Ultimately, they are not separate companies, but the same company manufacturing different models. Land Rover is a brand, while Range Rover is a model created by Land Rover.
At its core, the difference between Land Rover and Range Rover is quite simple; Range Rover is a sub-brand or subdivision of Land Rover – every Range Rover belongs to the Land Rover brand, but not every Land Rover is a Range Rover. Range Rover models are designed to be more luxurious while the Land Rover lineup is aimed at being more adventurous.
How did the distinction between Land Rover and Range Rover start?
Land Rover wasn’t always the name of the brand, and the first Range Rover does not appear until more than 20 years after the name Land Rover is introduced!
Land Rovers were first designed for agricultural, rough use and meant to withstand practically anything. However, since that target market was rather small, Land Rover worked to create a more city-friendly SUV, hence, the Range Rover.
With the Range Rover, Land Rover combined luxurious features with the durability and off-roading capabilities of the other Land Rover models.
When the first Range Rover was released in 1970, it was an instant favorite, which is why Land Rover shifted its focus to luxury SUVs. With this new model came a new trend as well: the trend of leisure SUVs, rather than SUVs only for off-roading.
So, why are Range Rovers the most luxurious choice? Well, it’s best to answer this with a little history of the Land Rover brand.
Land Rover
As one of the most iconic British car manufacturers in history, Land Rover is known worldwide for its incredible four-wheel-drive vehicles. The British brand was created in 1948 by the Rover Company for predominantly four-wheel drive, off-road capable vehicles.
After being acquired in 2008 by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), a multinational car manufacturer of the parent Indian company, Tata Motors, today land Rover’s lineup comprises solely upmarket and luxury sport utility cars.
Range Rover
If you’re wondering who makes range rovers – the answer is Land Rover. Just like the full name of the Mustang is the Ford Mustang, a Range Rover is a specific Land Rover model, so its full name is the Land Rover Range Rover.
Simply known as Range Rover, the Land Rover Range Rover is a 4×4 motor car produced by Land Rover, a marque and sub-brand of Jaguar Land Rover. The Range Rover line was launched in 1970 by British Leyland and is now in its fourth generation.
This new model combined luxury and off-road capability like never before, and it quickly caught on with buyers. Although successful abroad, it wasn’t until 1987 that the Range Rover was officially sold in America, a model which is now one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market.
Even though Land Rover Limited ownership has changed a few times since then, the Range Rover continues to be the flagship model of the company. The name carries through 4 unique models.
Range Rover Models
The Range Rover line has gained an excellent reputation among drivers who value exceptional capability and luxury in equal proportion, and shoppers can select from 4 distinct Range Rover SUVs:
Range Rover
The original Range Rover model remains the brand’s flagship SUV – ultimate in luxury and off-road capability.
It has nearly unequaled off-road capabilities, and it comes standard with four-wheel drive and seating for five people. Despite having the highest starting price, it comes with more luxury amenities than any other Land Rover or Range Rover SUV. It’s even available with an extended wheelbase option!
Range Rover Sport
The Sport variant differs from the classic Range Rover in that it is more adaptable and built for superior on-road performance. Four-wheel drive is standard on this model, and third-row seating is available as an option.
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is the most compact member of the Range Rover family. This model offers a luxurious design, innovative features, and off-road capabilities at a more affordable price, whether you choose the crossover or unusual convertible configuration. All-wheel drive is included as standard.
Range Rover Velar
The Velar is a smaller, more modern, and elegant version of the Range Rover. This model comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive and all of the Land Rover’s technological capabilities. The Velar’s award-winning design has earned it the title of Land Rover’s most avant-garde model, with a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
Since the Range Rover’s inception, the brand has continued to produce Land Rover vehicles along with it, offering buyers more alternatives than ever before.
Land Rover Models
Despite the fact that the Range Rover moniker is affixed to four of the seven models in Land Rover’s lineup, there are three vehicles that are not part of the Range Rover family, and each of them has something unique to offer.
Land Rover Discovery
Whether on the roadway or off, the Discovery is built for strength and superior safety. This full-size SUV even has space for third row of passengers.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport offers a lot of the same features as the original model, but it’s a little smaller and more compact. This makes it an excellent entry-level luxury SUV, particularly for people who wish to go off-road.
Land Rover Defender
For the 2020 model year, the famous Defender has been reborn, with a new design that makes it the toughest Land Rover yet. The Defender is a formidable opponent. It builds on the original Defender’s history by providing some of the best off-road capabilities available in any Land Rover or Range Rover SUV.
Are land rovers reliable?
If you look at the Top 30 Most Reliable Car Brands, you’ll understand why Land Rovers aren’t very popular. Another reason is that it’s a luxury car brand for which people pay a lot of money. Although not all Land Rover vehicles are unreliable, many of them are, according to their owners.
Land Rover isn’t known for its dependability, but the Range Rover Sport is showing otherwise.
Range Rover vs Land Rover: Wrapping things up
Land Rover’s flagship model is the Range Rover. The Range Rover, like all Land Rover vehicles, places considerable emphasis on versatility and usefulness. They’re all excellent alternatives that are well worth the money, with exceptional off-roading capability and ravishing interiors.
Why is the Range Rover so expensive? Well, Land Rovers are more practical (but still good) cars with better off-roading capabilities. The Range Rover places a greater emphasis on luxury and elegance and is not meant to be seen off-road.
Now that the air has been cleared on this topic, you know what the difference between Land Rover and Range Rover is. See what death experts say about getting looked in your car trunk – Can You Breathe In A Car Trunk?
