Range Rover L405 vs L460 — Which Should You Buy?

The Range Rover L460 is the better choice for most buyers — it's more modern, more efficient, and has a significantly nicer interior, with advanced tech and a smoother ride. The L405 is still a brilliant, luxurious SUV with proven reliability and a lower entry price, but its older engines and tech are beginning to show their age. The L460's replacement cost is comfortably within its high vehicle value, making it a safer long-term investment.

L405 (2012–2021): 284 enquiries in 2025; typical value £14,000–£55,000; 306DT V6 diesel most common; 306DT crankshaft bearing risk [EM-VERIFIED / PATTERN DATA]
L460 (2022–present): 184 enquiries in 2025; typical value £55,000–£120,000; 306PS 3.0 Ingenium petrol most common; relatively new, limited failure data [EM-VERIFIED / PATTERN DATA]
L405's 306DT is cheaper to replace (£6,500–£9,500) vs L460's new Ingenium petrol (£4,500–£7,500), but L460's higher vehicle value makes replacement cost a smaller percentage [EM-QUOTE]
L460's 60% threshold scrap point is much higher, meaning major repairs are less likely to be uneconomical

Full comparison, running cost breakdown, and which to buy for your specific use case below.

At a Glance

	Range Rover L405	Range Rover L460
Production Years	2012–2021	2022–present
Typical 2025 Value	£14,000–£55,000	£55,000–£120,000
Most Common Engine	306DT (3.0 TDV6/SDV6)	306PS (3.0 Ingenium Petrol)
2025 Enquiries (model)	284 [EM-VERIFIED]	184 [EM-VERIFIED]
Recon Engine S&F (typical)	£6,500–£9,500 (306DT)	£4,500–£7,500 (306PS)
Defining Failure	Crankshaft bearing (306DT)	Limited data — early cooling issues (306PS)
Best For	Proven luxury, lower entry price, diesel efficiency	Modern tech, petrol refinement, peace of mind (newer design)

Model enquiries: L405 is listed as Range Rover L405 with 284 enquiries; L460 is Range Rover L460 with 184 enquiries in the master list.

The Verdict

The L460 is the better all-rounder for buyers who can stretch to its higher price. It's more modern, more efficient (especially with the petrol Ingenium), and has a significantly nicer interior with cutting-edge tech. The L405 is a brilliant, proven luxury SUV with a lower entry price and a strong reputation — but its 306DT diesel carries a known catastrophic crankshaft bearing risk, and its tech is beginning to feel dated. If you're buying an L405, budget for the possibility of a major engine repair; if you're buying an L460, you're paying a premium for peace of mind and modern refinement.

Range Rover L405 Deep Dive

The L405 is the fourth generation of the Range Rover, produced from 2012 to 2021. It was a revolutionary step forward, introducing aluminium construction to shed weight and improve efficiency. Its most common engine is the 306DT 3.0 V6 diesel (TDV6/SDV6), producing 258–280 bhp and excellent low-end torque. The main documented risk is catastrophic crankshaft bearing failure, typically between 80,000 and 140,000 miles [PATTERN DATA]. The 508PS 4.4 SDV8 V8 diesel is also available, offering effortless power but with higher running costs. Replacement costs for the 306DT are £6,500–£9,500 reconditioned [EM-QUOTE], and with vehicle values typically £14,000–£55,000, a major failure can be a significant financial hit — but it's often still viable given the L405's strong residual values. For full details, see our 306DT Knowledge Centre and the 306DT failure page.

Range Rover L460 Deep Dive

The L460 is the fifth-generation Range Rover, launched in 2022. It's a ground-up redesign with a new MLA platform, offering even more refinement, efficiency, and technology. Its most common engine is the 306PS 3.0 Ingenium petrol (with mild-hybrid), producing 400 bhp and offering excellent performance with lower emissions. Early data suggests potential cooling system issues [PATTERN DATA], but the engine is too new for long-term reliability data. At £4,500–£7,500 for a reconditioned replacement [EM-QUOTE], and with vehicle values starting at £55,000, the replacement cost is a much smaller percentage of the vehicle's value, making it financially safer. The L460 also offers a plug-in hybrid (P440e, P510e) and a V8 (P530), catering to a wide range of buyers. For full details, see our 306PS Knowledge Centre (coming soon).

Running Costs: L405 vs L460

The L460 is more expensive to buy but cheaper to run in some areas, especially with the petrol Ingenium engine:

Cost Area	L405 (306DT Diesel)	L460 (306PS Petrol)
Fuel Economy (official, combined)	~35–40 mpg	~30–35 mpg (petrol), ~45 mpg (PHEV)
VED (road tax, annual)	£280–£600+ (depending on year)	£190–£450 (post-2017 rates, PHEV lower)
Routine Servicing (indie, annual)	£500–£800	£400–£700
Major Engine Replacement (recon S&F)	£6,500–£9,500	£4,500–£7,500
Insurance (group)	Group 45–50	Group 45–50

Figures are indicative; actual costs vary by condition, mileage, and regional labour rates. The L460's higher purchase price is offset by lower running costs and a lower risk of major failure.

Which Should You Buy?

🚗

You want a luxurious daily driver with proven reliability

L405 — it's a proven platform with a strong reputation and a lower entry price. Just budget for potential 306DT crankshaft issues.

💻

You want the latest tech and modern refinement

L460 — it's the most advanced Range Rover ever, with a stunning interior, cutting-edge infotainment, and a smoother ride.

💰

You're on a budget but want Range Rover luxury

A well-maintained L405 can be a bargain, but set aside a £3,000–£5,000 emergency fund for potential repairs. If you can stretch, a newer L460 will cost less over 5 years.

🔁

You plan to keep it for 5+ years

L460 — the 306PS's failure mode is less catastrophic, and parts are more readily available. Factor in the cost of a pre-2023 cooling system inspection as a preventative measure.

Both generations have their strengths. The L405 is a classic that still turns heads, and its value may hold well for enthusiasts. But for most families and daily drivers, the L460 is the more sensible, cost-effective choice. Always have any L405's 306DT inspected for signs of crankshaft wear before purchase, and prioritise a full service history.

Related Comparisons

Other Range Rover comparisons you might find useful:

L322 vs L405 →

Two generations of Range Rover, head to head.

Range Rover Sport L494 vs L461 →

Another generation comparison for the Sport.

Range Rover vs Range Rover Sport →

How the full-size compares to its sportier sibling.

Defender vs Discovery →

Two icons, side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, Range Rover L405 or L460?

The L460 is likely to be more reliable overall, due to its newer design and the 306PS petrol engine's less catastrophic failure mode. However, the L405's 306DT diesel has a known crankshaft bearing risk that can be catastrophic. The L460 is still too new for long-term reliability data.

Is the L460 better than the L405?

It depends. The L460 is more modern, more efficient (especially with the petrol Ingenium), and has a significantly nicer interior. The L405 has a proven platform, a lower entry price, and a strong reputation. For most buyers, the L460 is the better all-rounder.

Which Range Rover is cheaper to run, L405 or L460?

The L460 (especially the petrol Ingenium) is generally cheaper to run, with lower VED, lower servicing costs, and a lower risk of major failure. The L405's older diesel engines are less efficient and more expensive to maintain.

Is the L405 a good used buy in 2026?

Yes — if you find a well-maintained example with full service history and a proven 306DT that's had its crankshaft bearing inspected, it can be a very capable, luxurious vehicle. Budget for potential major repairs, and buy below the 60% threshold of your budget.

Which Range Rover holds its value better, L405 or L460?

The L460 currently holds value better due to its newer design and modern interior. However, clean, low-mileage L405s, especially the last of the run (2020-2021), are also holding firm as enthusiasts value their proven reliability.

✓

Data-Driven ComparisonBuilt from 9,000+ real 2025 UK Land Rover enquiries.

✓

A Clear VerdictWe name a winner and explain honestly when the other is still a great choice.

✓

12 Vetted JLR SpecialistsExperienced with both generations.

✓

100% IndependentNo sponsors, no manufacturer influence.