Range Rover SVR (1st Gen 2015-2021) Purchasing Guide

The SVR Carbon Edition showcased extensive carbon fiber details, adding a spirited and elegant aspect to the interior. There was also the option of configurable ambient lighting with a selection of 10 colors, creating a personalized and serene atmosphere inside the car.

The entry price for the 2021 Range Rover SVR stood around $116,000, while the SVR Carbon Edition was priced at $131,000.

Range Rover SVR Common Challenges

Range Rovers are often notorious for encountering a variety of challenges during their lifetime. These can include electrical malfunctions, suspension issues, and other mechanical setbacks, leading to frequent repairs and increased maintenance expenses over time.

Yet, it is crucial to bear in mind that all vehicles, including high-performance cars, may face issues, underscoring the importance of conducting a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) through an authorized dealer or a seasoned independent mechanic to uncover potential concerns.

Electrical Dilemmas: Regarding the Range Rover SVR, electrical glitches are quite common, ranging from minor hitches like malfunctioning controls or lights to more critical concerns such as complete electrical breakdowns. Several owners have cited issues with the infotainment system, including freezing or erratic restarts, along with malfunctions in vehicle sensors and adaptive cruise control.

Suspension Snags: The suspension setup, aimed at providing a smooth ride, may develop problems like squeaks or clunks, uneven tire wear, and a bumpy or harsh driving experience. These issues often stem from worn-out suspension parts or a defective air suspension system.

Transmission Troubles: Transmission issues rank among the usual suspects, encompassing rough gear shifts, delayed engagement, or complete transmission failure. Certain owners have also observed instances where the vehicle remains stuck in a gear or unexpectedly slips out.

Fuel System Challenges: Complications with the fuel system might include leaks, fuel pump malfunctions, or flawed fuel filters. These issues can lead to stalling or starting difficulties for the vehicle.

Cooling System Glitches: Cooling system malfunctions, such as coolant leaks, overheating, or faulty radiators, have been documented. If not promptly addressed, these issues may result in engine damage and substantial repair costs.

Recalls

(Any recalls concerning Range Rover Sport models will encompass SVR models as well)

2018-2022 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (Recall no. 24V023000)

Water intrusion into the rearview camera can cause its image to disappear or become distorted on the display. This non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility,” decreases driver visibility, elevating the risk of accidents.

2019-2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles

Engine and engine cooling: Cooling system (Recall no. 23V221000)

Damage or detachment of the water pump pulley drive belt can lead to engine overheating, potentially causing engine coolant leaks onto the turbocharger heat shield. If coolant leaks onto the turbocharger heat shield in the engine compartment, it can escalate the risk of fire.

2019-2023 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Oil/lubrication (Recall no. 23V044000)

Blockage in the engine cam carrier oil channel can result in oil leakage, raising the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.

2016-2017 Range Rover vehicles

Seat belts: Front: Retractor (Recall no. 22V219000)

The driver’s seat belt emergency locking retractor may fail to lock as intended, breaching Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 209 and 208 relating to seat belt assemblies and occupant crash protection.

2015-2016 2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Latches/locks/linkages: Doors: Latch (Recall no. 19V392000)

Issues with the Keyless Vehicle Latching System (KV Latch) might cause doors to appear closed but unlatched, potentially leading to accidental door opening while the vehicle is in motion, heightening the risk of collisions.

2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Latches/locks/linkages: Doors: Latch (Recall no. 19V390000)

A stuck spring in the Keyless Vehicle Latching System (KV Latch) can cause the left-hand door to remain unlatched upon closure. An unlatched door might open during vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or accidents.

2016-2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Engine (Recall no. 19V040000)

Vehicles equipped with V6 or V8 engines may encounter crankshaft pulley retaining bolt fractures, potentially leading to engine failure and an elevated crash risk.

2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Air bags: Frontal: Passenger side: Inflator module (Recall no. 17V154000)

Failure of the passenger frontal airbag inflator initiator to ignite during a crash can pose safety risks. If the airbag does not deploy as intended, it may fail to provide adequate protection in an accident.

fails to spark, the passenger frontal air bag will fail to deploy, heightening the risk of harm in case of a collision.

2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Air bags: Frontal: Passenger side: Inflator module (Recall no. 16V941000)

The impacted vehicles feature a front passenger air bag inflator initiator that may not ignite during a collision, leading to the air bag not deploying. If a collision occurs with sufficient force, the front passenger air bag might not deploy as intended, raising the risk of harm.

2016-2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Seat belts: Pretensioner (Recall no. 16V942000)

The impacted vehicles have seatbelt pretensioners that may not operate correctly during a collision. If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners fail to work properly, the occupants may not be adequately restrained in case of a collision, increasing the risk of harm.

2015 Range Rover Sport vehicles 

Seats: Mid/rear assembly (Recall no. 15V600000)

Within the affected vehicles, the second-row seat back may not securely latch, particularly in the middle section. In a collision, if the seat back is not securely latched, the seat belt may not effectively restrain the occupant, elevating their risk of harm.

2015-2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Latches/locks/linkages: Doors: Latch (Recall no. 15V385000)

In the affected vehicles, the doors may unexpectedly unlatch upon closure. If a vehicle door unlatches, the distraction could heighten the risk of a collision, and a vehicle occupant might be ejected if not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their risk of harm.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover vehicles

Wheels: Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (Recall no. 15V092000)

The impacted vehicles have wheel lug nuts that could fracture and detach from the wheel hub stud. If one or more of the wheel lug nuts crack or detach from the wheel hub, the remaining lug nuts may be insufficient to keep the wheel secured to the vehicle. If the wheel detaches, it would result in loss of vehicle control, heightening the risk of a collision.

2015 Range Rover Sport vehicles

Engine and engine cooling: Engine (Recall no. 15V069000)

Within the impacted vehicles, the 3.0L V6 supercharged engines may have incorrectly torqued connecting rod bolts. Consequently, the connecting rod could detach from the crankshaft, leading to engine seizure. Should the engine seize, the risk of a collision increases.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Compared to other high-performance SUVs in its category, the Range Rover SVR provides a moderately balanced ownership experience. However, it’s crucial to note that owning a vehicle like the SVR entails higher maintenance expenses and the potential for more significant issues than standard commuter vehicles.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to acknowledge that routine maintenance and repairs will still be essential, and the costs may vary based on whether you choose a dealership or an independent mechanic.

Here’s the recommended service schedule and intervals per Range Rover:

5,000-MILE SERVICE

Every 5,000 miles, or approximately every six months, inspect or replace the following:

• Engine oil and air filter
• Tire pressure, tread, and wear and tear
• Chassis lubrication
• Car battery and cables

10,000-MILE SERVICE

These maintenance checks should occur every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first:

• Coolant levels
• Transmission fluid levels
• Steering and suspension

15,000-MILE SERVICE

The standard maintenance recommendation at 15,000 miles includes replacements of the crankcase oil filter and cabin air filter, along with checking the following:

• Hood latch assembly and door checks
• Parking brake and brake system
• Power steering system fluid levels
• Cooling system fluid levels
• On-board diagnostic system
• Underbody
• Windshield wiper blades, windshield washer fluid levels
• Wheels and tires
• Drive belts
• Exterior lighting
• Exhaust system

20,000-MILE SERVICE FOR RANGE ROVER

Range Rover maintenance at 20,000 miles includes:

• Replace air filter
• Clean the battery
• Perform anti-corrosion
• Inspect windshield wiper and washer systems
• Inspect lighting system
• Inspect exhaust
• Inspect coolant
• Inspect fuel system

30,000-MILE SERVICE FOR RANGE ROVER

By the time you reach 30,000 miles, complete all the 15,000-mile maintenance tasks, 10,000-mile maintenance, and 5,000-mile maintenance, and additionally include the following:

• Brake line and hose inspection and brake system fluid change
• Driveshaft inspection
• Fuel line inspection
• Seat belt restraint system inspection
• Steering system and power steering hose inspection
• Suspension inspection
• Wiring harness inspection

40,000-MILE SERVICE FOR RANGE ROVER

The Range Rover service schedule at 40,000 miles includes:

• Replace the transfer gearbox oil
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect the brake system including brake calipers, drum, and pads
• Replace differential fluid
• Inspect horn operation

Here’s an approximate estimate of typical service costs associated with the Range Rover:

Oil Change – Starting from $225 at independent mechanics and $300 at dealerships.

Minor Service – Typically covering oil change, cabin filters, and engine filters. Expect around $1,500 from a dealership.

Major Service – Generally encompassing the above plus spark plugs, brake flush, and trans flush, anticipate about $2,500 from a dealership.

Tires – A set of high-performance tires like Continental CrossContact LX Sport will be about $2,000.

Brakes – Aftermarket brake pads equivalent to OEM may run around $800 for a full set. If the vehicle has steel brakes and a full system replacement is required, the cost may be approximately $6,000.

Options List

When contemplating the acquisition of a first-generation Range Rover SVR, various critical considerations and options should be taken into account. 

Consider vital performance choices like Dynamic Response, enhancing handling by minimizing body roll in corners, and Adaptive Dynamics, overseeing vehicle movements up to 500 times per second to provide the best suspension settings. Advanced braking systems, including optional carbon ceramic brakes, offer excellent stopping capability.

Features such as the SVR Carbon Fiber Package, incorporating carbon fiber details on the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors, can elevate the vehicle’s worth. Moreover, 22-inch alloy wheels available in various finishes deliver both visual appeal and performance advantages, while LED headlights with signature DRL ensure improved visibility and a contemporary appearance.

Some available choices included Windsor leather upholstery in various color combinations for a personalized feel, heated and ventilated seats for comfort in all climates, and the Meridian Signature Sound System, delivering outstanding audio quality with up to 1700 watts and 23 speakers.

Regarding connectivity selections, a few options improved convenience and entertainment, such as InControl Touch Pro Duo featuring dual 10-inch touchscreens enabling seamless control of multiple functions.

A head-up display projects essential information onto the windshield, aiding drivers in focusing on the road, while driver assistance functions like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree parking aid contribute to the overall driving experience.

Notable Choices

• SVR Carbon Fiber Package
• Windsor Leather Upholstery
• InControl Touch Pro Duo
• Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
• Adaptive Dynamics

Optimal Selection for Range Rover SVR Purchase

For potential buyers evaluating the first-gen Range Rover SVR (2015-2021), various crucial aspects can impact the vehicle’s long-term value. It is categorized into several key sections.

For those desiring a first-gen Range Rover SVR that provides the most value, the 2018 model year stands out. It incorporates performance enhancements, refreshed design, and technology that differentiate it from other years.

The 2018 variant underwent a significant mid-cycle update, boosting engine output to 575 hp, revising front and rear styling, and introducing the dual-screen Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.

The 2018 SVR also offers various customization possibilities, allowing for personalized enhancements that boost the vehicle’s attractiveness and exclusivity. These alternatives encompass multiple exterior colors, interior materials,and advanced wheel constructions.

Nonetheless, all initial generation Range Rover SVR (from 2015 to 2021) editions continue to be robust investments. The SVR’s amalgamation of a potent supercharged V8 motor, premium interior elements, and state-of-the-art technology positions it as an excellent option for any upscale SUV shopper.

Aside from the model choice, the state and mileage of the automobile play vital roles in the decision-making process when procuring a Range Rover SVR. Autos that have been well-preserved and have limited mileage are more inclined to uphold their value across time.

Conducting thorough investigations, comparing costs, and seeking out properly upheld vehicles is imperative if you are contemplating investing in a Range Rover SVR with the aim of preserving its worth.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, priced starting at roughly $50,000 to $75,000+, the Range Rover SVR, with its authoritative performance and lavish characteristics, emerges as a thrilling pick for those on the lookout for a top-notch SUV.

While options like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S are available, the Range Rover SVR distinguishes itself with its styling and off-road capabilities.