Land Rover Range Rover Sport II (L494) (2013 – 2022)
Reliability score : 4.2/10
The second-generation Land Rover Range Rover Sport (L494) marks a major technological break from its predecessor (L320). Thanks to the adoption of an aluminum monocoque structure shared with the classic Range Rover (L405), it sheds up to 420 kg, radically transforming its road handling and performance. Positioned as the ultimate luxury dynamic SUV, it offers exceptional off-road capabilities coupled with limousine comfort. A major facelift took place in 2018, introducing the dual-screen Touch Pro Duo infotainment system and the plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV P400e). Despite its undeniable qualities, the L494 remains plagued by very poor overall reliability, inheriting the brand's chronic problems with electronics, air suspension, and diesel emissions control.
✅ Strengths
- Unrivaled off-road capabilities in the category (Terrain Response 2)
- Imperial ride comfort thanks to the air suspension
- Aluminum chassis offering vastly superior driving dynamics compared to the previous generation
- Interior finish quality and luxurious atmosphere (leathers, wood trims)
- Sound and character of the V8 Supercharged engines (especially the SVR version)
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Disastrous overall reliability: TÜV 3-year defect rate of 22.5% (among the worst in the premium segment)
- What Car? Reliability score of 2/5 (36% of faults reported over 12 months)
- ADAC breakdown rate of 5.0 breakdowns/1000 vehicles (below average)
- Very fragile air suspension and extremely expensive to repair
- Chronic DPF problems on diesel engines (SDV6) in urban use
- Omnipresent electronic bugs (screens, driving aids, sensors)
🎯 Verdict
The Range Rover Sport L494 is a paradoxical vehicle: majestic, ultra-comfortable, and formidable both on-road and off-road, it is unfortunately plagued by catastrophic reliability. Data from ADAC, TÜV (22.5% defect rate), and What Car? (2/5) are unanimous: it is a high financial risk purchase. The diesel engines (especially the SDV6) are particularly vulnerable to expensive failures if used in the city (DPF, EGR, crankshaft). Buying advice: If you absolutely must buy one, AVOID pre-2018 SDV6 diesels and early P400e PHEVs. Firmly NEGOTIATE a petrol model (V8 Supercharged) or a recent inline-6 diesel (post-2020 D300), demand a 100% Land Rover network service book with annual oil changes, and imperatively take out a comprehensive mechanical breakdown warranty covering the air suspension and electronics.
Common issues
Défaillance des coussinets de bielle / vilebrequin (moteurs 3.0L TDV6/SDV6)
High
🔧 80 000 – 180 000 km
💶 8 000 – 15 000 € (remplacement moteur ou réfection majeure)
Vérifier l'historique d'entretien rigoureux, écouter tout bruit moteur suspect.
Encrassement vanne EGR et/ou filtre à particules (FAP)
Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 400 – 800 € (vanne EGR) ; 800 – 2 000 € (FAP)
Privilégier les longs trajets, effectuer un décalaminage préventif si usage urbain.
Défaillance du compresseur ou des boudins de suspension pneumatique
Medium
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 800 – 1 500 € (compresseur) ; 500 – 1 000 € par boudin
Tester le fonctionnement de la suspension, vérifier l'absence de fuites d'air.
Problèmes de turbocompresseur (sifflements, perte de puissance)
High
🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km
💶 1 500 – 3 000 € par turbo
Respecter les intervalles de vidange, laisser le moteur refroidir après usage intensif.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£150 – 250 |
| Timing belt |
£700 – 1 300 |
| Complete brakes |
£500 – 1 000 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£1 000 – 2 000 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.