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L405 which year is the best build

41K views 36 replies 23 participants last post by  shaundh  
#1 ·
Hello Everyone,

I live in the United States and am a current 2008 full size Range Rover owner and am looking to upgrade to a newer model—full size Range Rover L405 (2013-2021). Which year is the best year? Which year is the most reliable? What years should I avoid completely. Any engines I should insist upon or any engines I should avoid? Or should I completely avoid the L405 all together. Curious to year your thoughts.
 
#2 ·
I’d say 2019 because it was right before the COVID shut downs and chip shortages. I have every option from autonomous driving to upgrades sound system, etc. which 2020 and 2021 did not get. As for reliability, no clue.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Not necessarily. I have a late 2021 Westminster build and mine has all the features – autonomous driving; heads up display; Meridian Surround system; heated / cooled seats; center console fridge; locking rear diff; etc.
 
#4 ·
Best bang for ths buck IMHO is a 2021 3.0 Westie. Sweet motor with none of the 5.0 nightmares AFAIK. 23 MPG IN A 5000 LB TANK AT 75+ is Impressive IMHO. It is turbine smooth and ~300lbs lighter so it handles a bit better, a feature routinely overlooked by V8 junkies
 
#6 ·
I'm going 2017...
Updated nav without dual screen, much more reliable electrics wise..plus updated timing chain guides/tensioners.

I don't know about you all but I hate my RRS' dual nav, but I do love the updated exterior.
 
#27 ·
This is MY EXACT experience, I just gave in my 2018 Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic and picked up a 2017 FFRR Supercharged, the quick access to the AC is a must for me.

It was driving me nuts messing with the bottom touchscreen on the 2018 while driving and having to tap it a couple of times to get to where I needed; be it the drive modes, seat heater/cooling and the front AND rear AC controls (separate screens). The 2017 is simple on the AC/modes, has auto temp and I get/retain the digital top for the radio/nav and the speedo screen.
 
#7 ·
Atlanta, GA here...
In the research I did, I found a couple of sources that said the 2016 had slightly higher reliability marks than other L405's. Of course they said, any RR with a warranty is better... The articles were written in 2019 - so it was not referencing 2020+. Obviously this is pre-facelift, but I don't care for the climate screen. I'm a knob/button guy.
I have the TD6 - first diesel ever and I LOVE it. Cruise down the highway at 75MPH and get 30+MPG. Tach ticks over at about 1800 RPM. Redlines at 4500. Just topped off 1/2 tank after true mixed use driving around Atlanta traffic. 27.35MPG! When full, the range on the dash reports something like 775 miles... My 2006 L322 with the 4.4 NA Jag averages 16ish in mixed driving and can almost touch 20 on the highway if I stay away from the skinny pedal.
The L405 was a one owner (Donna) serviced mostly at JLR dealers in Atlanta, Asheville and Hilton Head - my truck has lived a better life than I! 97K miles Heads-up Display, Tow hitch, and Heated/cooled seats - $29,998. ABSOLUTELY Love it.

I know I have a Timing Belt service coming up in the next year or so... but already planning for that.

If only I could figure out how to get the Merryway 'upgraded' head unit (Android Auto)to work with my phone...
 
#22 ·
Donna?...
 
#11 ·
Which one do you like best?
 
#9 ·
I have a 2017. It’s kind of a in betweener. Got the face lifted infotainment ( with only now defunct 3g connectivity ) but more or less not much loss as it does Apple and android car play without a hitch. But it retains physical buttons for HVAC and volume and steering wheel controls. I prefer having the buttons and dials AND the larger main screen with the newer system. But it’s out of warranty at this point. The depreciation as a result is significant for a very luxurious vehicle, with mega 4x4 capability.

If you can find a good used one from a dealer spend whatever they want on the most comprehensive warranty you can get. CPO plus extended out with a third party.
 
#12 ·
I have a 2017. It’s kind of a in betweener. Got the face lifted infotainment ( with only now defunct 3g connectivity ) but more or less not much loss as it does Apple and android car play without a hitch. But it retains physical buttons for HVAC and volume and steering wheel controls. I prefer having the buttons and dials AND the larger main screen with the newer system. But it’s out of warranty at this point. The depreciation as a result is significant for a very luxurious vehicle, with mega 4x4 capability.

If you can find a good used one from a dealer spend whatever they want on the most comprehensive warranty you can get. CPO plus extended out with a third party.
What is the face lift entertainment? I have seen in head rest and out of head rest rear seat entertainment on 2016-2018. I am leaning to the 2017, since it still has some physical knobs for audio and hvac.
 
#14 ·
@totya So you think that 2017 is solid, is that right?

Do you happen to know why there are MY2017 with rear seat screen in front head rest AND MY2017 with the monitor mounted to the back of the front seat?

I have seen both on Autobiography trim level.

It looks like 2018 has some knobs removed, but still has some At least HVAC is still knobs, but looks like some off road settings moved to the screen and some others as well. Seems like MY17 prices are relatively reasonable for low mile cars.
 
#15 ·
I think '17 was a good model year yes.
the rear seat entertainment came in 2 formats: smaller screens for less, larger screens for more $$. I think they just built that capability and the two coexisted for a short while. They phased out the headrest screens I think soon after.
You have the complete terrain response and all done via proper buttons up until the end of the L405 life cycle, you don't need to worry about it. I think the only important buttons moved to the screen was the auto stop-start button.
 
#33 ·
My 2017 HSE V6SE has the auto stop start button on the center console. The only thing mine is missing is the heads up display. All the controls are still on the center console. It has the hi-lo range.
 
#16 ·
keep in mind that the vehicle's SIM was only 3G capable in that model year - remote start or any other remote feature probably won't work. Don't know if you care but if you might, then it's worth better understanding it.
 
#17 ·
Thank you.

Will discuss with the Mrs as, technically this will be hers. We have never needed remote start or car connectivity, but the again, I've never been 60 years old until now either.;)
 
#18 ·
@totya

So MY 2017 good. Looking at those, but also 2018. Almost ruled out 2016.

You say 2018 (new infotainment) 2017 tweener. Tough for me to gauge the difference until I get in one.

Sounds like your 2018 may have had a bad belt. Perhaps?

Let me know what your thoughts are, I am about ready to travel to an area that has a bunch of 2016-2018 so I can spend a day test driving another day PPI and then own one.

Knock on wood.
 
#19 ·
You choose either and you'll be a hero, anyway.
Yes re bad belt, I don't blame the model year for it as it was definitely not a common issue.

The difference between 17 and 18 infotainment is easy: in 17 there was the one screen on the top.

Image



MY18 and beyond had 2 screens on top of each other in the middle.

Image
 
#21 ·
I’m always fond of the last year model. This 2021 will be the fourth car I’ve bought in the last year’s body style, seems like they put everything into them and have worked out all the bugs to get people to buy them knowing the new body style is coming out, if I like the body style I go for
 
#24 ·
Beware the 5.0.................do your research.
 
#25 ·
@21Westminster "Beware the 5.0.................do your research."

What's to worry about the 5.0 that warrants more caution than any L405?
 
#28 ·
I've still have my ol 2015 lwb autobiography...I LOVE it. Only issue I've ever had was i changed an 02 sensor once.. other than that still love her.. id buy another one in a heartbeat...Test drove a new escalade before.. always been a chevy guy... but when i test drove a Rover. They are just on a different level. Quailty interior aluminum body.. no rust!! 2015-up you should be good to go cheers!
 
#29 ·
I bought a 16 diesel HSE. As mentioned prior, amazing fuel mileage, 28-33 once she's warm. Can't beat this for any vehicle this size. You can't tell it's diesel once warm. I had a a v10 diesel toureg for a bit, best vehicle I've ever drove in. Had a V6 diesel treg also for many years until the timing chain tensioner went. Purchased RR due to great maintenance prior. Oil changes every 7500 vs recommended 15k. I plan to do the same. I hope I made a wise choice. Other option was a 2015 BMW 740Ld M xdrive. Only a few hundred were ever sold in the US. There's just something about the diesel fuel mileage, cheaper fuel than running premium, and the torque. But for pure go fast, the 5.0 was fun to test drive.
 
#34 ·
My personal choice when looking at 14-19 was a 16 SCV6 HSE. It has all of the timing updates. Did not want the electronics upgrade of the 17 and later. Also I specifically wanted AJ126 and no ACE. All personal reasons.
 
#36 ·
I had a 2017 ATB and now a 2021 ATB. I prefer the newer model:

1. Lower climate screen is full featured whereas the physical controls had me fiddling with the top screen frequently for more advanced features.
2. Larger sunroof drain holes. The 2017 demised due to the rusted sunroof drains. I noticed the 2021 has much larger drain holes hopefully not as susceptible to clogging and rusting.
3. 4G Cellular. I use remote start almost daily. It has been incredibly reliable and useful. If that matters, I would be concerned with 3G/Edge deprecation on a 2017.

These are the main reasons. I have other smaller ones on why I like the 2021 better, but none favoring the 2017. .