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 technical turning point compared to its predecessor (L320) by adopting an all-aluminum architecture, allowing it to shed up to 420 kg. Positioned as the ultimate dynamic and luxurious SUV, it offers exceptional on-road and off-road performance. It received a facelift in late 2017 (2018 models) introducing new headlights, the dual touchscreen (Touch Pro Duo), and the P400e plug-in hybrid version. However, despite its very high-end positioning, the L494 suffers from a particularly bleak reliability record. Data from the TÜV Report (22.5% failure rate at 3 years), ADAC (5.8 breakdowns/1000 vehicles), and What Car? (score of 2/5, 36% breakdown rate) confirm that this model requires a colossal maintenance budget and an exte

✅ Strengths

Exceptional road handling and outstanding off-road capabilities
Finish quality, interior luxury, and soundproofing
Performance and sound of the V8 Supercharged petrol engines
Aluminum chassis offering better driving dynamics than the L320 generation

⚠️ Weaknesses

Alarming TÜV Report defect rate (22.5% at 3 years), one of the worst in the premium segment
Disastrous reliability according to What Car? (36% reported breakdowns, score 2/5)
Very fragile air suspension (EAS) and extremely expensive to repair (ADAC)
Temperamental onboard electronics (black screens, infotainment bugs)
Exorbitant maintenance, insurance, and spare parts costs

🎯 Verdict

The Range Rover Sport L494 is a paradoxical vehicle: it is one of the most desirable, luxurious, and high-performing SUVs on the market, but it is also one of the least reliable. The statistics from ADAC, the TÜV Report, and What Car? are definitive. If you are targeting a petrol engine, avoid the early 5.0 SC V8s (pre-2015) due to timing chain issues, and favor the recent inline 6-cylinders (P360/P400) or a post-2016 V8 with a meticulous maintenance history. The PHEV model (P400e) should be approached with extreme caution given the battery recalls. Golden rule: never buy this vehicle without a comprehensive and valid mechanical breakdown warranty.

Common issues

Défaillance du système de suspension pneumatique (compresseur, boudins, capteurs) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 500 €

Vérifier l'assiette du véhicule à l'arrêt et l'absence de bruits anormaux du compresseur.

Fuites du système de refroidissement (pompe à eau, durites, boîtier de thermostat) Medium

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 600 – 1 500 €

Surveiller le niveau de liquide de refroidissement et toute trace de fuite sous le véhicule.

Usure prématurée de la chaîne de distribution et/ou de ses tendeurs (moteurs V6/V8 S/C) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 2 500 – 5 000 €

Écouter les bruits de cliquetis au démarrage à froid. Exiger un historique d'entretien rigoureux.

Problèmes électriques et électroniques (infodivertissement, capteurs, décharge batterie) Medium

🔧 Variable

💶 300 – 800 €

Tester toutes les fonctions électroniques. S'assurer que la batterie est en bon état.

Fuites d'huile moteur (joints de cache-culbuteurs, joint de carter d'huile) Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 1 000 €

Vérifier l'absence de taches d'huile sous le véhicule et l'odeur d'huile brûlée.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£160 – 250
Timing chain	£2 200 – 4 500 (remplacement complet si nécessaire)
Complete brakes	£550 – 1 100
Estimated annual budget	£900 – 1 800

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.