2022 Range Rover First Edition Review: A Masterclass In Luxury And Capability

There are luxury SUVs, and then there’s the Range Rover – a vehicle that’s been the ultimate symbol of wealth, power, and go-anywhere capability for 50+ years. Now in its 5th generation, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover First Edition takes everything that made the original an icon and elevates it to new heights with breathtaking design, cutting-edge tech, and a level of refinement that rivals high-end sedans.

After spending a week living with one, it’s clear this is more than just a status symbol parked outside Michelin-starred restaurants – it’s a masterclass in modern luxury that can conquer muddy backroads on the weekend and glide down Park Avenue the next, of which we did both.

Design & First Impressions: Subtle Power and Timeless Elegance

Land Rover didn’t reinvent the wheel with the new Range Rover’s exterior, but they didn’t need to. The silhouette is instantly recognizable, yet the details have been meticulously refined to deliver a fresh and modern look. The design language is minimalist and reductive, free of unnecessary creases or chrome, with flush glazing, hidden waist rails, and taillights that stay invisible until illuminated. The result is a bold vehicle that looks as if it was carved from a single block of metal.. purposeful, elegant, and dripping with old-money confidence.

The First Edition trim dials things up even further, with unique badging, exclusive color choices (like our tester’s Sunset Gold Satin finish), and beautifully machined 23-inch wheels that fill the arches just right. Its sheer size and presence command respect in a way few SUVs can. Whether parked in front of a high-end restaurant or rolling through traffic, the Range Rover exudes an understated kind of power, the kind that doesn’t need to shout to be heard.

Interior & Luxury: Like Flying First Class On Four Wheels

Step inside, and it’s immediately clear why Range Rover is considered the gold standard of luxury SUVs. The cabin is a serene, meticulously crafted space that blends traditional opulence with modern tech in perfect harmony. Every surface you touch feels really expensive, from the buttery-soft leathers and polished metal accents to the available ceramic switchgear and intricate wood veneers. The attention to detail is truly next level. Even the headliner and door panels feel carefully considered.

The Range Rover First Edition’s rear seats are especially noteworthy. With available power footrests, reclining seatbacks, and a whisper-quiet cabin, it’s basically like riding in a private jet on wheels. The third-generation Active Noise Cancellation system is so effective that conversations can be held in hushed tones, and the optional Meridian sound system turns the cabin into a concert hall.

Tech is everywhere, yet it’s tastefully integrated. The 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen is crisp and intuitive, Amazon Alexa integration makes voice commands seamless, and there are cameras seemingly everywhere — including 360-degree views, off-road angles, and even an underbody camera for tackling tricky terrain. Everything about the interior feels designed to make your life easier, calmer, and more comfortable.

On-Road Performance: Smooth, Silent, and Seriously Fast

Under the hood of the Range Rover First Edition is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque – numbers that would have sounded absurd in an SUV just a few years ago. Plant your foot and this nearly 6,000-pound luxury liner rockets to 60mph in about 4.4 seconds, which is properly quick for something with the aerodynamic profile of a brick mansion.

But straight-line speed isn’t the headline here: refinement is. The ride quality is nothing short of spectacular. The air suspension glides over potholes and imperfections like they don’t exist, and the cabin remains eerily silent even at highway speeds. And thanks to rear-wheel steering, maneuverability is shockingly good too. This full-size SUV can turn in tighter spaces than many mid-size crossovers, making city driving far less stressful than you’d expect.

Off-Road Capability: Luxury Meets Legacy

It might be easy to forget, given the high six-figure price tag and leather-wrapped everything, but this is still a Range Rover, and that means it’s every bit as capable off-road as it is on pavement. The Terrain Response 2 system makes conquering difficult terrain as simple as turning a dial, and the adjustable air suspension gives you some serious ground clearance when you really need it.

There’s also a full suite of camera views that make navigating rocky trails or deep ruts feel almost like playing a video game. Even if most owners will never venture beyond a gravel driveway, it’s nice to know this luxury SUV can still wade through nearly three feet of water or climb steep, muddy hills without breaking a sweat.

Downsides: No One’s Perfect

Of course, perfection like this doesn’t come cheap. The 2022 Range Rover First Edition starts at $158,200, and our well-equipped tester clocked in at a whopping $169,900 (though in its defense, the matte paint job accounted for $7,450 of that). Fuel economy is also predictably bad; you’re looking at mid-teens around town and not much better on the highway.

And while the build quality is generally excellent, my car’s overly complicated power tailgate occasionally emitted some creaky noises that felt out of place in a vehicle this expensive. Sure, it’s a small annoyance that would likely be addressed by the dealership. But in a six-figure SUV, those things stand out.

Verdict: The Ultimate SUV, Evolved

The 2022 Range Rover First Edition is everything that a flagship SUV should be: powerful, supremely comfortable, technologically advanced, and capable of handling just about anything you throw at it. It’s quieter than a library, rides smoother than a luxury sedan, and despite its size, it’s surprisingly easy to maneuver thanks to its clever chassis tech. Add in the legendary off-road prowess and palatial rear-seat accommodations, and you’re looking at one of the most complete luxury vehicles on the road today.

Yes, the price is eye-watering, and yes, it drinks fuel like a thirsty turbocharged V8 should. But for those who can afford it, there’s simply nothing else that blends this level of comfort, capability, and class. The Range Rover has always been the benchmark, and in its latest form, it continues to set the standard for what a luxury SUV should be.

2022 Range Rover First Edition Gallery