Range Rovers are top luxury SUVs built for on-road and off-road tours. They are built strong and ready for any kind of adventure. Basically, Range Rovers are available in 4×4 powertrain, but there are some models with 4×2.
Either way, when buying a brand new Range Rover, there are two engine options available, V6 and V8 – how do they compare? This article compares the Range Rover V6 vs V8 engines; pointing out the key differences you need to know.
However, on a quick note, Range Rover V8s are more powerful and typically longer. The V6 models are pretty decent, offering enough power for off-road tours, but they are not as powerful as the V8.
Range Rover V6 Engines
The V6 engine models in Range Rovers and Land Rovers are designed to step down the price you pay to own a “Land/Range Rover.” However, the SDV6 engine installed in most Range Rover series delivers up to 275 horsepower between 3,500rpm and 4,250rpm.
Also, the engine has a rated maximum torque of 625Nm at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. So, it’s pretty a decent engine for city driving and towing, with reasonable gas mileage. This engine – SDV6 – is good for everyday driving, and it saves you just a little gas mileage compared with the V8.
The 2016 Range Rover had a base 3.0L V6 that gives you 340 HP and 332 pound-feet of torque. There’s also an optional turbodiesel 3.0L V6 that gives out 254 HP and 443 pound-feet of torque, while the HSE has an optional powerful supercharged 3.0L that gives out 380 HP and a whopping 332 pound-feet of torque.
Range Rover V8 Engines
Range Rovers were naturally built with V8 engines before the introduction of V6 engines. The Rover V8 engines are a compact V8 originally designed by General Motors but got redesigned by “Rover” in the UK. It is used in most Range Rover models and it offers a lot of power.
In some Range Rovers, the V8 engine is paired with a supercharger, which steps up the power you get for any kind of driving – even when adventuring off-road.
The first Rover V8 engine (4.0L) produced 190 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. But the 4.0L was stopped in 2003; newer Range Rovers now come with 4.2L, 4.3L, up to 5.5L V8 engines, capable of outputting 340 bhp and 350lb-ft of torque.
Range Rover V6 vs V8 Engines: Comparison
Well, you’re not really getting serious benefits for choosing a V6 Range Rover over a V8, but of course, not everyone has that additional cost to throw on a V8 Rover.
So, here’s how the Range Rover V6 engine and V8 engine compare to each other.
1. Engine Performance and Gas Mileage
The V6 drives smooth on city roads and the gear shifting is just what to expect. Interestingly, the 2016 Range Rover introduced a supercharged V6 engine that outputs a whopping 340 HP and 332 pound-feet of torque.
Apparently, the Rover V6 engines from 2016 were fine-tuned to offer closely the same performance as the V8 models. The base V6 engine lets you do 17/23 mpg city/highway, while the turbodiesel V6 lets you do an EPA-estimated 22/29 mpg city/highway, well, that’s good for the class.
Of course, the V8s didn’t slack; the supercharged 5.0L V8 engine that comes with most higher trim Rovers produce up to 510 HP and 461 lb-ft of torque. There’s even a supercharged 5.0L in the SVAutobiography model that offers 550 HP and 502 lb-ft of torque.
While the V6 engines do a good job, driving with a V6 makes you feel the engine is strained due to the weight of Rovers. Thus, the V8 engines are the best to choose if you are willing to step up your budget.
Regardless of the engine you’ve got, you’re getting an eight-speed automatic transmission in your Rover.
2. Towing Capacity
The V6 and V8 engine options in the 2022 Range Rover have a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, which is quite acceptable for an SUV in its class. On the other hand, you may be disappointed that the 575-HP-supercharged V8 engine has a max towing capacity of 6,613 pounds.
Apparently, the redesigned supercharged V6 Rover engines do slightly better than the V8s when it comes to towing.
Related Questions
Which is Better Range Rover V6 or V8?
The base Rover V6 engines are no match to the V8 models, but the supercharged and turbodiesel V6 engines are closer in performance compared to the V8. You should choose a supercharged V6 engine if you’re not willing to spend so high for a V8 engine.
Are V8 Range Rovers Reliable?
Generally, Range Rovers have poor reliability; they are rated very low on review websites and by owners. However, Range Rovers with a V8 engine is predicted to last up to 200,000 miles before requiring major repairs.
Does Range Rover Have a V8 Engine?
Range Rovers were naturally built with V8 engines before the introduction of V6 engine models. Yes, Range Rovers have V8 engine options; however, it seems a lot of people prefer the supercharged V6 engines.
Summary
This Range Rover V6 vs V8 comparison focuses on the major differences in how Rover engines perform. You’re not getting substantial fuel efficiency gain by choosing a V6 engine for your Range Rover.
Also, on different fora, Range Rover owners complain that the V6 delivers poorer performance, and they’d rather stick with a V8 anytime. The choice between a V6 engine and a V8 for your Range Rover points down to your personal driving style/habit and budget.
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