Founded in 1948, the Rover Company released the Land Rover Series off-road vehicles. British Leyland, BMW, and Ford previously owned the brand, with Tata Motors being the current owner, which merged it with Jaguar. Americans will likely recognize a similarity between the Jeep brand and these vehicle lines, as both emphasize off-road capabilities. However, the key difference in philosophy is that Land Rover focuses on luxury, whereas the other brand only focuses on ruggedness.
Range Rover is a full-size luxury SUV, currently in its fifth generation, and is Land Rover’s flagship vehicle. It is available in two-row and three-row configurations and embodies the highest expectations in luxury features and performance. It’s available with three engine options that produce between 395 and 606 horsepower, with the middle option being a 542-horsepower hybrid. This model features four-wheel steering, among many other cool tricks.
The Sport variation is a smaller, though by no means small, mid-size luxury SUV version of the Range Rover. Drivers can opt for a model that emphasizes sporty features over luxury features, though it still sets a high bar for luxury. It’s available with the most powerful engine in the Land Rover lineup, with a 626-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8.
The Discovery is Land Rover’s family-oriented take on the luxury mid-size SUV, offering impressive off-road capabilities. It’s in the same vehicle size class as the Land Rover Sport and offers seating for either two or three rows. It provides a remarkable towing capability of up to 7,716 lbs. and features a generously versatile, spacious seating and cargo area.
The Discovery Sport variation is a smaller version, occupying the compact SUV class. It is considered Land Rover’s entry-level vehicle. Interestingly, it is available in both two-row and three-row seating configurations.
The Defender is a four-wheel-drive, off-road luxury mid-size SUV with a greater emphasis on luxury features, and it’s available with three-row seating.
The Range Rover Velar, while carrying the Range Rover name, is a compact luxury crossover SUV, making it quite different from its flagship brethren. It is a premium vehicle with a design that emphasizes road and style over off-road capabilities. It seats up to five and offers engines with up to 395 horsepower.
The Range Rover Evoque is a sportier version of the Velar. Unlike the Land Rover and Discovery, this variation is the same size as the main model. It features a 246-horsepower engine and is the least expensive vehicle in the lineup to carry the Range Rover name.
So, if you’re looking to hit the trail or cruise the open road in a Range Rover, Discovery, or Defender, you owe it to yourself to experience these magnificent crossovers and SUVs for yourself. Stop by Land Rover Van Nuys and test drive one today.
