Want to be considered one of the cool people in Los Angeles? Then drive a Range Rover, a luxury SUV that has become a symbol of excessive self-indulgence.
We would be the first to admit, a week driving around in the 2025 Range Rover didn’t suck! We quickly understood what’s the attraction. Assuming one ignores the standard starting price (roughly $108,000), what’s not to love about getting behind the wheel of a highly sophisticated SUV that handles ridiculously smooth for a vehicle that weighs close to 6,000 pounds?
Many folks may not know, but the first-generation of Range Rovers didn’t start out as luxury models. It was known as a four-wheel drive vehicle that was rugged enough to use for challenging off-road adventures that focused on experiencing some dynamic fun.
In the 1980s, the Range Rover began to change. It became luxurious, the price increased dramatically, and its image grew in stature. In Hollywood, image is quite important, which is why people like Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Jennifer Anniston, Daniel Craig and JZ own or have once owned a Range Rover.
What hasn’t changed over the years is the SUV still retains its off-road chops. Every variant of the Range Rover comes equipped with two-speed transfer case, air suspension, all-terrain progress control, terrain response, and 11.7 inches of ground clearance.
The Range Rover possesses a handsome exterior presence, featuring smooth flowing lines and subtle creases that one can barely detect. The exterior panels seem like they blend as one, the door handles unlock and extend a welcoming handle, and the liftgate comes up and down in relative silence.
And the attractive Range Rover interior offers extreme comfort, lots of technology, and there’s an optional third row that accommodates seven passengers. There’s also an available plug-in hybrid Range Rover if occasionally going electric is a desire.
The standard Range Rover engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover is aided by a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine for improved performance. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, impressive for an SUV that weighs approximately 7,715 pounds. It gets 19-24 mpg.
Optional Range Rover versions include a 3.0-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter, V8 that generates 606 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
The SUV provides a refined and comfortable ride, thanks in part to its 21-inch wheels that help provide a solid grip on challenging roads and cruising along effortlessly in freeway situations.
Standard driver safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, 3D surround camera system, emergency braking, driver condition monitor, and front and rear parking aid.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 RANGE ROVER
- Performance: turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, 395 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 19-24 mpg
- Price estimate: $107,900 to $153,100
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 4 years/50,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/50,000; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited
There’s plenty to admire regarding the Range Rover interior. Standard features include panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, power-adjustable, heated steering wheel, outstanding audio system, heated front and rear seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging pad, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity.
What we weren’t so enamored with was the 13.1-inch touchscreen. While it looks great and has impressive graphics, it’s also confounding. Something that should be simple like climate control is confusing and requires using multiple levels of the touchscreen, a distraction for any driver.
Seating is spacious even for taller folks in the SUV’s first two rows. But like many third rows, the optional one in the Range Rover is far more suited for kids. In the two-row version, cargo space is 40.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats that expands to 83.5 cubes with the seats folded to the floor.
The luxurious 2025 Range Rover delivers a refined ride, great performance, and is stylish inside and out. If the high sticker price isn’t an issue, it’s worth a look.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on BlueSky @jeffweidel.bsky.social
