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, allowing it to shed up to 420 kg. Positioned as the brand's dynamic and luxurious SUV, it offers exceptional off-road capabilities coupled with top-flight road handling. In 2018, the model received a facelift that introduced the P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, combining a 4-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor. While this version appealed for tax and ecological reasons, it concentrates numerous technical challenges. Overall, despite its dynamic qualities and prestige, the L494 suffers from a very poor reliability record, confirmed by independent organizations (TÜV, ADAC, What Car?), with c

✅ Strengths

Imperial ride comfort and high-level soundproofing
Off-road capabilities (Terrain Response 2) unmatched in the category
Timeless and prestigious design
Ballistic performance of the SVR version
Tax advantages of the P400e version for businesses

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous overall reliability record (TÜV 3-year defect rate: 22.5%, What Car?: 2/5)
Very fragile air suspension (compressor, airbags, sensors)
Slow and buggy infotainment system (InControl Touch Pro) before 2021
Exorbitant maintenance and repair costs
Highly unpredictable reliability of the P400e hybrid powertrain

🎯 Verdict

The Range Rover Sport L494 is a vehicle of paradoxes: exceptional to drive, luxurious, and versatile, it is unfortunately weighed down by catastrophic reliability. The data from ADAC (5.8 breakdowns/1000), TÜV (22.5% defect rate at 3 years, one of the worst in the segment), and What Car? (36% annual breakdown rate) are conclusive. Regarding the P400e hybrid version: Although attractive on paper, it combines the flaws of Land Rover electronics with the complexity of a poorly mastered hybrid powertrain (recalls for battery fire risk, DC/DC converter). Buying advice: If you absolutely must buy this model, favor a late-run model (2021-2022) with an inline 6-cylinder engine (Petrol or Diesel MHEV), avoid the early P400e models, and never buy this vehicle without a manufacturer warranty or a comprehensive extended warranty (such as Land Rover Approved) covering the air suspension and electronics.

Common issues

Défaillance du système de suspension pneumatique Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 800 – 2 000 € (pour un compresseur ou un boudin)

Vérifier l'assiette du véhicule et écouter le compresseur à l'arrêt.

Problèmes de gestion du système hybride (P400e) High

🔧 70 000 – 120 000 km

💶 1 500 – 4 000 € (pour modules, capteurs, hors batterie complète)

Surveiller les alertes tableau de bord et la capacité de charge de la batterie.

Dysfonctionnements électriques et d'infodivertissement Low

🔧 Dès 30 000 km, plus fréquent après 60 000 km

💶 300 – 1 000 € (diagnostics, mises à jour, remplacement de module mineur)

Tester toutes les fonctions électroniques et l'écran tactile avant achat.

Défaillance de la pompe à vide de frein (moteur 2.0L Ingenium) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 140 000 km

💶 600 – 1 200 €

Faire vérifier la pédale de frein si elle devient dure ou moins efficace.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£160 – 280
Timing chain	£1 300 – 2 200
Complete brakes	£550 – 1 100
Estimated annual budget	£1 100 – 2 300

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