You’re scrolling through used car listings and there it is. The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover looks basically identical to the brand-new models that cost six figures, but now it’s sitting there for a fraction of the price. It’s tempting. Really tempting. You start imagining yourself gliding over potholes like they don't exist, wrapped in Windsor leather, feeling like royalty. But then that little voice in your head—the one that’s heard the horror stories about British reliability—starts whispering. Is this a smart luxury play or are you just signing up for a first-name-basis relationship with your local mechanic?
Honestly, the 2016 model year is a bit of a sweet spot. It sits right in the middle of the L405 generation, which ran from 2013 to 2021. By 2016, Land Rover had ironed out some of the early-production "first-year" gremlins that plagued the 2013 and 2014 rigs. You get the updated Infotainment (sorta), the lightweight aluminum chassis, and that unmistakable presence.
But let's be real. Buying one of these isn't like buying a Lexus.
What changed for the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover?
It wasn't a total overhaul, but 2016 brought some tweaks that actually matter. The biggest news was the Td6 diesel engine. For the first time in ages, North American buyers could get a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6. It pumped out 254 horsepower and a massive 440 lb-ft of torque. People loved it because it boosted fuel economy to around 28 mpg on the highway, which is wild for a rolling brick.
Then there was the SVAutobiography. This replaced the Autobiography Black as the flagship. It was basically a private jet on wheels with knurled metal pedals, a refrigerated compartment, and power-deployable tables. If you find one of these on the used market, you're looking at the peak of Land Rover luxury for that era. They also updated the cameras. The Surround Camera System became much clearer, which is a lifesaver because trying to park a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover in a tight grocery store lot is a high-stress activity.
You also got All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC). Think of it as low-speed cruise control for off-roading. You set the speed, and the car manages the throttle and braking while you just focus on steering around the jagged rocks that are trying to pop your expensive tires.
The engine lineup: Which one won't ruin you?
You’ve basically got three main paths here.
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First, the 3.0L Supercharged V6. It’s the "sensible" choice. It has 340 horsepower, which is plenty for most people. It’s lighter over the front wheels, so the handling feels a bit crisper. It’s generally the most reliable of the bunch, though "reliable" is a relative term in the Land Rover universe.
Then there’s the 5.0L Supercharged V8. This engine is a masterpiece of violence. 510 horsepower (or 550 in the SVR/SVAutobiography trims). It sounds like a thunderstorm and moves this massive SUV with the kind of urgency that defies physics. But it drinks gas like a frat boy at a kegger. Expect 13 mpg in the city if you have a heavy foot.
Finally, that Td6 Diesel. Great range. Great torque. But—and this is a big but—diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems and DPF filters can be finicky if you only drive short distances. These engines need to stretch their legs on the highway to stay healthy.
The Air Suspension Reality Check
If you buy a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover, you are buying into air suspension. There is no way around it. When it works, it’s magic. The car lowers itself so you can climb in gracefully, then raises up to clear boulders.
But rubber air bladders don't last forever. By now, a 2016 model is roughly a decade old. Dry rot is real. If you walk out to your driveway and see the front end "kneeling" or slammed to the ground, your wallet is about to get lighter. Replacing the air struts isn't actually that hard for a DIYer, but at a dealership, you're looking at $1,500 to $2,500 per corner. Many owners eventually swap them out for coil springs, but honestly? That ruins the ride. If you want a car on coils, go buy a Tahoe.
Interior Tech: Where 2016 shows its age
Inside, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover is a beautiful place to sit. The leather is thick, the wood is real, and the seats are more comfortable than most living room sofas. But the InControl Touch Plus infotainment system? It’s... okay. It’s slow compared to modern smartphones. The haptic feedback isn't there, and the navigation feels like it’s from 2010.
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A lot of owners end up installing aftermarket CarPlay or Android Auto modules. It’s a game-changer. It integrates with the existing screen and makes the car feel five years newer instantly. Without it, you're stuck with a system that feels a bit like a legacy PC trying to run modern software.
Common headaches and what to check
If you're looking at a specific 2016 Land Rover Range Rover, bring a code reader. Seriously.
- Coolant Leaks: The V6 and V8 engines have plastic coolant crossover pipes. Over time, the heat cycles make them brittle. They crack. If they fail completely, the engine overheats in seconds, and these aluminum engines do not tolerate overheating. They warp. Then you need a new engine. Check for a faint smell of "syrup" after a test drive.
- Timing Chain Tensioners: On the V8, the guides for the timing chains can wear down. If you hear a "clattering" or "marbles in a tin can" sound on a cold start, run away. That’s a $4,000+ repair.
- Lower Control Arms: This is a heavy vehicle. The bushings in the front suspension take a beating. If the steering feels vague or you hear a "clunk" when hitting the brakes at low speeds, the bushings are shot.
- Tailgate Alignment: The split-folding tailgate is iconic, but the motors can get out of sync. Make sure both the top and bottom halves open and close smoothly without needing a "helping hand."
Why people still buy them
Despite the potential for expensive repairs, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover remains a status symbol for a reason. There is a sense of "waftability" that you don't get in a BMW X5 or an Audi Q7. You sit high up—the "Command Driving Position"—and look down on basically everyone else. The visibility is incredible because the pillars are surprisingly thin.
It’s also legitimately capable. You can drive it through nearly three feet of water. You can take it to a muddy campsite and it won't even spin a tire. Most people don't, but knowing you could is part of the appeal. It’s the ultimate "go anywhere" tuxedo.
How to buy one without losing your shirt
Buying a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover is all about the previous owner. You want the person who had a folder of receipts an inch thick. You want the person who did oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, not the 15,000 miles that Land Rover officially recommended (which was way too long).
Skip the ones with five previous owners and "custom" 24-inch wheels. Those have usually been neglected. Look for a clean, two-owner car with a documented service history at a specialist or a dealer.
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Actionable Advice for Potential Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover, follow these steps to protect yourself:
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Do not skip this. Spend the $300 to have a Land Rover specialist put it on a lift. They will find the leaking coolant pipes and the worn bushings that you won't see during a quick walk-around.
Budget for the "Land Rover Tax": Put aside $3,000 in a dedicated savings account the day you buy the car. That is your emergency fund. If you don't need it this year, great. But eventually, a sensor will fail or a compressor will get tired. Having the cash ready turns a "crisis" into a "minor inconvenience."
Address the Coolant Pipes Immediately: If the previous owner hasn't replaced the plastic coolant crossover pipes with the updated versions (or aftermarket aluminum ones), make that your first project. It is cheap insurance against a total engine failure.
Check the Battery Health: Modern Range Rovers are essentially computers on wheels. If the battery voltage is even slightly low, the car will throw "Ghost Codes"—random warning lights for things that aren't actually broken. A fresh, high-quality AGM battery solves 20% of common electronic glitches.
Look for the Td6 if you commute: If you do a lot of miles, the Diesel is the hidden gem. The fuel savings are significant, and the engine itself is quite stout if driven regularly. Just make sure the previous owner didn't ignore the "Exhaust Fluid Low" warnings.
Buying a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover is a lifestyle choice. It’s not a rational financial decision like buying a used RAV4. But then again, no one ever looked back at their RAV4 in a parking lot and smiled. The Range Rover offers an experience that very few vehicles on earth can match, provided you go into the deal with your eyes wide open and your maintenance fund ready.