Are Range Rovers Safe

Range Rovers are generally safe vehicles, earning strong crash test ratings and offering advanced safety technology across most models. However, their high repair costs and lower reliability scores can impact long-term ownership safety and affordability.

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Are Range Rovers Safe? A Complete Safety Breakdown

When it comes to luxury SUVs, few names carry as much prestige as Range Rover. Known for their bold design, off-road capability, and plush interiors, these vehicles have long been a favorite among executives, celebrities, and families who want both style and substance. But beneath the polished exterior and leather-trimmed cabin lies a critical question: Are Range Rovers safe?

Safety isn’t just about airbags and seatbelts—it’s about how a vehicle performs in real-world crashes, how well its technology prevents accidents, and how reliable it remains over time. While Range Rovers offer impressive safety features and strong structural integrity, they also come with some caveats that every buyer should consider. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the safety profile of Range Rovers, from crash test results to advanced driver aids, and help you decide if this luxury SUV is the right choice for your family and lifestyle.

Crash Test Ratings and Structural Safety

Are Range Rovers Safe

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One of the first things people look at when evaluating a vehicle’s safety is its crash test performance. Range Rovers have generally performed well in independent testing by organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Euro NCAP.

The 2023 Range Rover, for example, earned a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS—the highest honor the institute gives. It received “Good” ratings (the best possible) in all six crashworthiness tests, including driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. These results show that the vehicle’s body structure does an excellent job of protecting occupants during impacts.

Euro NCAP also awarded the latest Range Rover a five-star overall safety rating, praising its adult occupant protection (93%) and child occupant protection (85%). The vehicle’s rigid aluminum body structure, combined with strategically placed crumple zones, helps absorb and redirect crash energy away from the passenger cabin.

Real-World Crash Performance

While lab tests are important, real-world data gives us a fuller picture. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Range Rovers have a lower-than-average fatality rate in single-vehicle crashes compared to other luxury SUVs. Their high driving position and large footprint give them an advantage in visibility and collision dynamics.

That said, their size can be a double-edged sword. In multi-vehicle collisions, especially with smaller cars, the Range Rover’s weight and height can lead to more severe outcomes for the other vehicle. This doesn’t make the Range Rover unsafe for its occupants, but it’s a factor to consider in terms of overall road safety.

Advanced Safety Technology and Driver Assistance

Modern Range Rovers come packed with advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents before they happen. These systems use cameras, radar, and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in real time.

Standard on most 2022 and newer models is the Land Rover Driver Assistance Suite, which includes:

– Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
– Lane Keep Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift.
– Blind Spot Assist: Alerts the driver when a vehicle is in the blind spot and can apply gentle braking to prevent a lane-change collision.
– Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, applying the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
– 360-Degree Camera System: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and low-speed maneuvers safer.

These features are especially helpful in urban environments and on highways, where distractions and sudden stops are common. For families, the inclusion of rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors adds an extra layer of protection when backing out of driveways or parking spots.

Off-Road Safety Features

Range Rovers are built for more than just city streets. Their off-road capability is legendary, and safety plays a big role in that. The Terrain Response 2 system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings—like throttle response, traction control, and suspension—based on the driving surface, whether it’s mud, sand, snow, or rocks.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is another standout feature. It allows the driver to maintain a steady, safe speed when going downhill without needing to constantly brake. This reduces the risk of skidding or losing control on steep, uneven terrain.

Additionally, the Wade Sensing system monitors water depth when driving through flooded areas, helping prevent engine damage and loss of control. These features make Range Rovers not just capable off-road, but safer in challenging conditions where other SUVs might struggle.

Reliability and Long-Term Safety Concerns

Here’s where things get a bit more complicated. While Range Rovers score high on crash safety and technology, their long-term reliability has been a point of concern for many owners and industry experts.

According to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, some Range Rover models—particularly older ones—have below-average reliability ratings. Common issues include electrical problems, air suspension failures, and infotainment system glitches. While these may not directly cause accidents, they can disable critical safety systems like lane-keeping assist or blind-spot monitoring if they fail unexpectedly.

For example, a malfunctioning camera or sensor could prevent the emergency braking system from working when needed. That’s why regular maintenance is crucial. Owners should follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and address warning lights promptly.

High Repair Costs After Accidents

Even minor collisions can lead to expensive repairs in a Range Rover. The use of aluminum body panels, advanced sensors, and integrated safety systems means that even a small fender bender might require specialized tools and certified technicians to fix properly.

Insurance companies often classify Range Rovers as high-risk vehicles due to their repair costs, which can lead to higher premiums. This doesn’t make the car unsafe, but it does affect the overall cost of ownership and the practicality of driving one daily.

A 2022 study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that Range Rovers had higher claim frequencies for property damage and collision coverage compared to similar luxury SUVs. This suggests that while the vehicle protects occupants well, it may be more vulnerable to damage—and costly repairs—in everyday driving scenarios.

Size, Visibility, and Driving Dynamics

One of the inherent advantages of driving a large SUV like the Range Rover is the sense of security that comes with size. The elevated seating position gives drivers better visibility over traffic, making it easier to spot hazards early. The wide stance and long wheelbase also contribute to stable handling, especially at highway speeds.

However, that size can be a drawback in tight city streets or crowded parking lots. The vehicle’s length and width make it harder to maneuver in confined spaces, increasing the risk of low-speed scrapes or collisions. That’s where the 360-degree camera and parking sensors become invaluable.

Weight and Rollover Risk

Range Rovers are heavy vehicles, often weighing over 5,000 pounds. While this mass helps in crash protection, it also increases momentum, meaning longer stopping distances and greater force in a collision.

The risk of rollover is another consideration. Although modern Range Rovers have a low center of gravity thanks to their suspension design and electronic stability control (ESC), their height still makes them more susceptible to tipping in extreme maneuvers—like sharp turns at high speed or avoiding sudden obstacles.

That said, ESC is standard on all models and has been shown to significantly reduce rollover risk. When the system detects loss of traction or skidding, it automatically applies brakes to individual wheels and reduces engine power to help the driver regain control.

Owner Feedback and Real-World Experiences

To get a fuller picture of Range Rover safety, it’s helpful to look at what actual owners are saying. Online forums, review sites, and social media groups offer a wealth of firsthand experiences.

Many owners praise the vehicle’s confidence-inspiring ride and the peace of mind that comes with advanced safety tech. Parents often mention feeling safer driving their kids in a Range Rover compared to smaller vehicles, especially on long road trips or in bad weather.

However, some owners report frustration with unexpected warning lights, sensor malfunctions, or costly repairs after minor incidents. One common complaint is that the vehicle’s complexity can make troubleshooting difficult, and not all mechanics are equipped to handle Land Rover systems.

Despite these issues, the overall sentiment leans positive when it comes to safety. Most owners feel protected behind the wheel, especially in serious crashes.

Conclusion: Are Range Rovers Safe?

So, are Range Rovers safe? The short answer is yes—especially when it comes to crash protection and accident prevention technology. They earn top marks from safety organizations, come loaded with advanced driver aids, and perform well in both urban and off-road environments.

However, safety isn’t just about what happens in a crash. It’s also about reliability, maintenance, and long-term ownership. Range Rovers can be expensive to repair, and their complexity may lead to unexpected issues that affect safety systems over time.

If you’re considering a Range Rover, make sure you’re prepared for the higher cost of ownership. Stick to regular maintenance, use certified repair shops, and consider an extended warranty to cover potential repairs. When well-maintained, a Range Rover can be a safe, luxurious, and capable SUV for years to come.

Ultimately, the safety of any vehicle depends not just on its design, but on how it’s driven and cared for. With the right mindset and maintenance, a Range Rover can be a secure choice for drivers who value both performance and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Range Rovers have good crash test ratings?

Yes, most modern Range Rovers earn top scores from the IIHS and Euro NCAP, including “Top Safety Pick+” and five-star ratings for crashworthiness and occupant protection.

What safety features come standard on a Range Rover?

Newer models include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system as standard or available options.

Are Range Rovers expensive to insure?

Yes, due to high repair costs and parts, insurance premiums for Range Rovers are typically higher than average, especially for comprehensive and collision coverage.

Can a Range Rover handle off-road safely?

Absolutely. Features like Terrain Response, Hill Descent Control, and Wade Sensing help maintain control and safety in challenging off-road conditions.

Do Range Rovers have reliability issues that affect safety?

Some models have had reliability problems, particularly with electronics and suspension, which could impact safety systems if not properly maintained.

Is it safe to drive a Range Rover in the city?

Yes, but their large size can make tight maneuvers difficult. The 360-degree camera and parking sensors help reduce the risk of low-speed collisions in urban areas.