L322 vs L405 — Which Range Rover Is Better?

The L405 is the better choice for most buyers – lighter, more fuel-efficient, more reliable, and with a far more modern interior. However, the L322 is a charismatic classic with a lower entry price and a simpler, more repairable character, provided you budget for its known engine risks.

L405 (2012–2021): 284 enquiries in 2025, 306DT recon cost £6,500–£9,500 [EM-VERIFIED / EM-QUOTE]
L322 (2002–2012): Not separately tracked in 2025 data; engine replacement costs vary widely – 4.4 TDV8 is the most robust option
L405 is lighter, more efficient, and generally more reliable; L322 is heavier, thirstier, but more characterful
Both have known engine weaknesses – 306DT crankshaft bearing in L405; 3.6 TDV8 chain tensioner and 4.4 TDV8 oil cooler in L322
Our verdict: L405 wins on reliability & refinement; L322 wins on character & value

Full comparison, ownership cost analysis, and three real‑world scenarios to help you choose.

At a Glance

	L322 (2002–2012)	L405 (2012–2021)
2025 UK Enquiries	Not separately tracked	284 [EM-VERIFIED]
Typical Engines	4.4 TDV8 (448DT), 3.6 TDV8 (368DT), 4.2/5.0 SC V8, 3.0 TDV6	306DT 3.0 V6 diesel, 508PS 4.4 V8, 276DT 2.7 V6 (early)
306DT Recon S&F (where fitted)	Not applicable (early L322 used different engines)	£6,500–£9,500
Defining Weak Point	3.6 TDV8 timing chain / 4.4 TDV8 oil cooler	306DT crankshaft bearing
Construction	Steel monocoque – heavy, robust	Aluminium monocoque – lighter, more efficient
Best For	Classic enthusiasts, value‑seekers, simpler repairs	Daily drivers, modern luxury, reliability
Our Verdict	Winner for character & value	Winner for reliability & refinement

The Verdict

The L405 is the better all‑rounder for most buyers. It's lighter, more fuel-efficient, more reliable, and its interior and technology are in a different league. The L322 is a wonderful, characterful classic that offers a more analogue driving experience and a lower entry price, but it's heavier, thirstier, and its engines have their own well‑documented weaknesses. The L405's 306DT diesel is prone to crankshaft bearing failure [PATTERN DATA], but its overall reliability and refinement make it the more sensible choice for daily use. If you're an enthusiast who values character over efficiency, the L322 is still a compelling buy – but you need to budget for its known issues. For 95% of buyers, the L405 is the smarter decision.

L322 Deep Dive

The L322 (2002–2012) is the third‑generation Range Rover, built on a steel monocoque chassis. It's a heavy, solid, and immensely capable SUV, with a driving experience that feels more connected and analogue than the L405. Engine options include the 3.6 TDV8 (368DT), the 4.4 TDV8 (448DT), and petrol V8s (4.2 SC, 5.0 SC). The 3.6 TDV8 is known for timing chain tensioner failure on early (2006‑2009) examples [PATTERN DATA], with repair costs of £1,500–£3,000 for the chain and £6,000–£9,000 for a full engine. The 4.4 TDV8 is more robust, but its oil cooler leaks and coolant crossover pipe issues are well‑documented [PATTERN DATA]. Petrol V8s are generally reliable but thirsty. The L322's value band of £5,000–£18,000 means replacement costs can be a significant proportion of the vehicle's value – use the 60% threshold to guide decisions. Full engine details on the 368DT Knowledge Centre and 448DT Knowledge Centre.

L405 Deep Dive

The L405 (2012–2021) is the fourth‑generation Range Rover, built on a lightweight aluminium monocoque that saves over 400 kg compared to the L322. This makes it more fuel‑efficient, more agile, and more responsive. Most UK enquiries relate to the 306DT 3.0‑litre V6 diesel (TDV6/SDV6), which produces 245–306 bhp and 600–700 Nm of torque. Its defining weakness is crankshaft bearing failure, typically between 80,000 and 140,000 miles [PATTERN DATA]. A full reconditioned engine costs £6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE], and despite this risk, the L405's £14,000–£55,000 value band means replacement is ✅ Safe on most examples. The L405 also offers the 508PS 4.4‑litre V8 diesel, which is more robust but carries a higher replacement cost (£8,000–£12,000). The L405's interior, technology, and refinement are vastly superior to the L322, making it the better daily driver. Full specs and reliability data on the 306DT Knowledge Centre and 508PS Knowledge Centre.

Ownership Costs Compared

The biggest cost difference is the purchase price – a used L405 typically costs £8,000–£15,000 more than a comparable L322. Running costs are also higher for the L322: its steel body makes it heavier and less aerodynamic, returning 22–25 mpg (diesel) compared to the L405's 28–32 mpg. Insurance is marginally higher for the L405 due to its higher value, but VED is similar. Engine replacement costs are higher for the L405's 306DT (£6,500–£9,500) than for the L322's 4.4 TDV8 (£6,000–£9,000), but the L405's lower risk of catastrophic failure (if maintained) and higher vehicle value make it a safer financial proposition. The L322's 3.6 TDV8 chain risk is also significant. Use our ownership cost calculator to model your specific mileage and usage.

Which Should You Buy?

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Enthusiast / Classic Lover

Choose the L322. It offers a more analogue, connected driving experience, a lower entry price, and a robust, characterful feel. Just budget for the known engine risks and accept its thirst and weight.

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Daily Driver / Modern Luxury

Pick the L405. It's lighter, more efficient, more reliable, and its interior and technology are vastly superior. The L405 is the better car for everyday use.

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Value‑Conscious Buyer

The L322 offers better value for money – lower purchase price and simpler repairs. However, you must budget for its known issues. The L405 is more expensive upfront but cheaper to run in the long term.

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Long‑Term Ownership

The L405 is the better long‑term proposition, with stronger resale values, better parts support, and lower running costs. The L322 is a classic, but its age means more frequent repairs and a higher risk of corrosion.

Whichever you choose, the repair vs replace framework and the ownership cost calculator can help you decide whether to fix or move on when the bills arrive.

Other Comparisons You Might Find Useful

If you're still deciding between Range Rover models, these comparisons cover the most‑asked pairings.

P38 vs L322 →

The classic and modern Range Rover generations compared.

L405 vs L460 →

The outgoing and new Range Rover generations.

Range Rover vs Range Rover Sport →

Full‑size luxury vs sporty sibling.

448DT vs 368DT →

The two V8 diesel options in the L322.

For a full index of all our comparisons, visit the comparison hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, L322 or L405?

The L405 is generally more reliable, thanks to its lighter construction, more modern electronics, and improved engine designs. The L322's age and more complex (older) systems make it more prone to issues. However, the L405's 306DT diesel has a known crankshaft bearing risk, so proper maintenance is essential.

Is the L322 cheaper to run than the L405?

No – the L322 is heavier and less aerodynamic, so fuel economy is worse (22–25 mpg vs 28–32 mpg for the L405). Insurance and VED are similar, but the L322's age means more frequent repairs. The L405 is cheaper to run overall.

Which is better off‑road?

Both are exceptionally capable, with full‑time four‑wheel drive, low‑range gearing, and Terrain Response. The L322's heavier weight gives it slightly better traction on extreme terrain, but the L405's lighter weight and better ground clearance make it more agile. In practice, both are more than adequate for any off‑road scenario.

Which holds its value better?

The L405 holds its value better due to its more modern appeal and stronger demand. The L322 has classic status, but its value is more dependent on condition and engine choice. For resale, the L405 is the safer bet.

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Real 2025 Enquiry Data284 L405 enquiries analysed [EM-VERIFIED].

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Independent EditorialNo manufacturer sponsorship, no affiliate bias.

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12 Vetted SpecialistsExperienced with both generations.

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Transparent MethodologyAll data sourced and tagged; read our methodology page.