When comparing a Range Rover petrol vs diesel engine, petrol engines tend to be smoother and quieter than diesel engines, and they can offer better performance in terms of acceleration and top speed. Diesel engines are typically more powerful and offer better fuel economy, making them a popular choice for drivers who do a lot of long-distance driving or towing. They also tend to be more durable and longer-lasting than petrol engines.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will largely depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Read on to find out the breakdown of which type of Range Rover engine suits you best.
Range Rover petrol vs diesel comparison
When it comes to performance, Range Rover petrol and diesel engines both have their strengths and weaknesses.
| Range Rover Petrol | Range Rover Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at around $105,000 | Starting at around $108,000 |
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6 petrol engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6 diesel engine |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 254 hp |
| Torque | 365 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds | 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
| Fuel economy | 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway | 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway |
| Interior luxury | Leather seats, wood trim, 10-inch touchscreen | Leather seats, wood trim, 10-inch touchscreen |
| Technology | 13-speaker Meridian sound system, navigation | 13-speaker Meridian sound system, navigation system |
| Safety features | Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring | Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring |
| Off-road ability | Terrain Response 2 system, air suspension | Terrain Response 2 system, air suspension |
Let’s compare the performance of petrol and diesel engines in Range Rover vehicles.
Petrol engine performance
Petrol engines in Range Rover vehicles are known for their smooth and powerful performance. They offer quick acceleration and high horsepower, making them ideal for those who want a sporty driving experience.
The Range Rover Sport, for example, comes with a supercharged V6 petrol engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. This engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
The Range Rover Sport SVR is the top of the line sport model which exclusively only has a petrol engine with a top speed of 176mph, 0 – 60mph in 4.3 seconds, and weighs 2.377 tonnes!
Another advantage of petrol engines is that they are generally quieter than diesel engines. They also emit less particulate matter and NOx emissions, which makes them a better choice for those who are concerned about the environment.
However, petrol engines are less fuel-efficient than diesel engines. They consume more fuel, especially on long journeys, which can add up to significant costs over time.
Diesel engine performance
Diesel engines in Range Rover vehicles are known for their high torque and fuel efficiency. They offer better fuel economy than petrol engines, which makes them a better choice for those who want to save money on fuel costs.
The Range Rover Velar, for example, comes with a 2.0-liter diesel engine that delivers 177 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds.
Diesel engines also produce less CO2 emissions than petrol engines, which makes them more environmentally friendly. They are also more durable and last longer than petrol engines, and require less maintenance over time.
However, diesel engines are generally noisier than petrol engines, which can be a drawback for some drivers. They also emit more NOx emissions, which can contribute to air pollution.
Fuel efficiency comparison
When it comes to choosing between a petrol or diesel engine for your Range Rover, fuel efficiency is a major factor to consider.
Both petrol and diesel engines have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to fuel economy, so let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
Petrol engine fuel economy
Petrol engines are known for their power and performance, but they are not as fuel-efficient as diesel engines.
On average, a petrol-powered Range Rover will get around 20 miles per gallon (MPG) in combined city and highway driving.
However, newer models with plug-in hybrid technology can achieve significantly better fuel economy, with some models getting up to 50 MPG.
Diesel engine fuel economy
Diesel engines, on the other hand, are known for their fuel efficiency.
They typically get better gas mileage than petrol engines, with an average of around 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving. In addition, diesel engines have more low-end torque, which makes them better for towing and hauling heavy loads.
However, it’s important to note that diesel engines are not always the most environmentally friendly option.
They emit more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) than petrol engines, which can contribute to air pollution and have negative health effects.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the choice between petrol and diesel engines ultimately depends on your driving habits and priorities.
If you prioritize power and performance, a petrol engine may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize fuel economy and towing capacity, a diesel engine may be the way to go.
Overall, it’s important to do your research and consider all factors before making a decision on which engine to choose for your Range Rover.
Maintenance comparison
When it comes to Range Rover maintenance, both petrol and diesel engines require regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
However, there are some differences in maintenance needs between the two engine types.
Petrol engine maintenance
Petrol engines generally require more frequent maintenance than diesel engines. You will need to change the oil and oil filter every 5,000-7,500 miles, depending on your driving habits and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, you should have your air filter replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Other routine maintenance tasks for petrol engines include replacing spark plugs every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
You should also have your fuel system inspected and cleaned every 30,000-60,000 miles to ensure optimal performance.
Diesel engine maintenance
Diesel engines generally require less frequent maintenance than petrol engines.
Depending on your driving habits and the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will typically need to change the oil and oil filter every 7,500-10,000 miles.
However, you should also have your diesel particulate filter (DPF) inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and ensure proper function.
Other routine maintenance tasks for diesel engines include replacing fuel filters every 10,000-20,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
You should also have your diesel injectors inspected and cleaned every 100,000 miles to prevent clogs and improve fuel efficiency.
Sensors
Both petrol and diesel engines are equipped with sensors that monitor various aspects of the engine’s performance.
These sensors can detect issues with the engine, transmission, and other systems and alert you to potential problems.
Driving habits
Your driving habits can also impact the maintenance needs of your Range Rover.
If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to have your air filter and fuel system inspected and cleaned more frequently.
Mileage
The mileage of your Range Rover will also impact the maintenance needs of your vehicle.
You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks based on the mileage of your vehicle.
Overall, both petrol and diesel engines require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
However, the specific maintenance needs of your Range Rover will depend on the type of engine you have, your driving habits, and the mileage of your vehicle.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance and have your vehicle inspected regularly to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.
Towing comparison
If you’re considering buying a Range Rover, you’re probably interested in its towing capacity.
Whether you’re planning to tow a trailer, a boat, or a caravan, it’s important to know what your options are. In this section, we’ll compare the towing capacities of petrol and diesel engines in the Range Rover.
Petrol engine towing capacity
The petrol-powered Range Rover has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg (7,716 lbs). This is the same for both the P360 and P400 models.
However, it’s important to note that the towing capacity may vary depending on the specific model and equipment you choose.
If you’re planning to tow a heavy load, keep in mind that petrol engines are generally less powerful than diesel engines. This means that they may struggle more when towing uphill or in difficult terrain.
However, petrol engines are generally smoother and quieter than diesel engines, which may be a consideration if you’re planning to use your Range Rover for long trips.
Diesel engine towing capacity
The diesel-powered Range Rover has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg (7,716lbs) for the D250 and D300 models and 3,000kg (6,613lbs) for the D350 model.
This means that if you’re planning to tow a heavy load, the D250 and D300 models may be a better option for you.
Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, which means that you’ll get better mileage when towing.
They also have higher torque, which means that they may be better suited for towing uphill or in difficult terrain.
It’s important to note that the towing capacity may vary depending on the specific model and equipment you choose.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re using the correct towing equipment and following all safety guidelines when towing.
Environmental impact comparison
When choosing between petrol and diesel engines, one of the most important factors to consider is their environmental impact if that concerns you.
If it concerns you a lot, choosing an electric car or a Range Rover hybrid is probably wiser.
Petrol engine emissions
Petrol engines emit carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Petrol engines also produce particulate matter (PM), which can cause respiratory problems.
However, modern petrol engines are equipped with catalytic converters and other emission control systems that significantly reduce their environmental impact.
In addition, some petrol engines are now hybrid or electric, which further reduces their emissions.
Diesel engine emissions
Diesel engines emit more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) than petrol engines. These emissions are harmful to human health and the environment.
To reduce these emissions, diesel engines are equipped with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which is injected into the exhaust system to reduce NOx emissions.
Despite these emissions, diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, which means they produce less CO2 emissions.
However, this advantage is offset by their higher emissions of NOx and PM.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions, making them the cleanest option. However, their environmental impact depends on how the electricity they use is generated.
If the electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power, then EVs have virtually no environmental impact.
However, if the electricity comes from fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, then their environmental impact is similar to that of petrol or diesel engines.
FAQs
Which is better, Range Rover petrol or diesel?
The choice between petrol and diesel engine options for a Range Rover ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Petrol engines may provide more power and faster acceleration, while diesel engines typically offer better fuel efficiency and more torque. Additionally, diesel engines may be better suited for towing or long-distance driving. It is recommended to test drive both options and compare their performance, fuel efficiency, and cost before deciding.
Is it worth buying a diesel Range Rover?
Buying a diesel Range Rover may be a good choice if you frequently drive long distances or tow heavy loads, as diesel engines typically offer better fuel efficiency and more torque than petrol engines. However, diesel engines may be more expensive to maintain and repair than petrol engines, and some regions may have stricter emissions regulations for diesel vehicles. It is recommended to consider your individual needs and preferences before deciding on a diesel or petrol engine.
Which Range Rover is best on fuel?
The Range Rover hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Range Rover model, offering an electric motor in addition to a petrol or diesel engine. This hybrid model provides a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency and may be a good choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and fuel costs. However, it is worth noting that the hybrid model may be more expensive upfront compared to other Range Rover models.