In this job, there are vehicles I come across occasionally in which I have to struggle to fine at least something negative to say just to balance out the tone. I never want to seem like I’m selling out objectivity for an automaker because these are independent reviews here, and neither this fine publication or I receive any sort of wet beak from any car company. I’m not a shill.
Then, along comes Land Rover/Range Rover with their continual onslaught of the best consumer SUVs on the road. I keep driving new ones. I keep coming away with positive impressions. I keep writing glowing reviews. My journalistic integrity tells me I need to break that pattern, but I won’t be able to do it with the 2016 Range Rover Sport Td6.
Also: 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR: Vehicle Fit for a (sort of) Queen
During a drive around and through the prime desert roads and wild trails of Sedona, Arizona, the new Td6 proved itself to be forever smooth, comfortable and stable on the roads and highways. But, that’s to be expected.
However, during an extended off-road test across the same paths Sedona tourists use to get a rough riding desert experience, the 2016 Range Rover Sport Td6 distinguished itself as an entirely capable machine over dirt, rock, water, mud and anything else nature could throw at it. And, it manages all of that with a new diesel engine.
That 3.0 liter Td6 turbocharged V6 diesel power plants delivers 254 horsepower and a low-end torque output of 440 lb-ft. It’s that low-end power that off-road driving demands, but the torque also offers a 0-60 acceleration time just north of 7 seconds.
The effectiveness of the diesel engine is yet another reason why American drivers need to get used to that “D Word” and start buying diesel vehicles — whether they’re high end like this Range Rover or more affordable cars.
Diesel engines of ages past were noisy and difficult to start in cold weather. But, rotary phones used to take too long to dial, and folks used to gather around their radios for entertainment every night. It’s the 21st century, and diesels excel throughout Europe, the Far East and Canada – while the U.S. lags behind that curve.
The advantages of diesel engines are numerous. Such power plants are more efficient than gas engines, improving mileage and overall energy output. They’re more reliable because they don’t need a high powered electrical ignition system. They run cooler, cleaner and longer — all while being easier to supercharge.
As for the Td6’s power train, it reportedly provides mpg numbers of 22 city, 28 highway and 25 combined.
I can’t rave with enough passion to describe the quality of this big beauty’s off-road performance. With four wheel drive, independent suspension and a full suite of electronic driver’s aides, the new Range Rovers can carry sensitive behinds over every rock and stream in climate controlled comfort.
The price tag for all of this luxury and toughness is not insane, starting at $67,450. I know you might look at that statement and scoff. I also know it’s not as if you’ll dig into your pocket change and buy two Td6s. However, for a vehicle of this build quality, of this capability and with this setup of equipment, it’s not excessive. In short, you’re not paying extra just for the Range Rover badging.
