Huge Range Rover Comparison! L322 vs L405 - Which One Should You Buy (Test drive and full review)

As I said in a comment on your last vid. The L322 is a better range rover, the 405 is a better car. Some bloke by the name of clarkson said. The L322 identifies as a transit van. And I totally get what he means. It's practical, you can throw a sheep, your shopping and two kids in the back all at the same time. It'll tow your trailers, tow start the stubborn old tractor, then after a quick wash, whisk you to your favorite eatery in comfort and a certain, style. Every switch in the 322 is designed so you could use it with a gloved hand, a small nod to the farmers car in it's breeding. It really wants to be the family workhorse. The 405, lighter, quicker (in some cases), undoubtedly more refined. And in some peoples view, prettier. But it is.. a car, not a true working SUV. And the fridge, was an option in the 322 as well. If you were to put a private plate on a tidy 322, most people would not think it's a 10 plus year old car, and for all their issues (and we know there are many) It's one hell of a car, that can be had for silly low money.

If you're ever looking to do a video to see how far the L322 has come from the P38 I've got a pretty good example of a 2001 4.6 V8 Vogue P38, still on air as well! Would be more than happy to see it up against the L322!

Bang on. The Queen kept her L322 until the end. We have a 2004, L322 NA V8, since new and we adore her. 233k miles. I have driven the L405 sc petrol V8 and it defies physics, powerful, smooth, quiet…lovely, but I miss the taller and larger windows in the L322; the open and airy cabin is luxury and the original L322 dash is cleaner than the updated dash in the later L322 models; my glove box is still operating perfectly and the lux package for 2003-2005, has deeper leather creases than the 2006-on version + I love the old contrasting leather piping. I love your review. It is great fun to hear your thoughts on the two. I love them both, but I would never let my L322 go…even if a newer one joins her.

Amusing how views can differ. Have both tested Ranger Rovers, a L322 diesel v8 and L405 diesel v8, both Vouge HSE, and agree that L405 is performance wise yes noticably quicker than the L322 and nimbler. However a sensible state of mind buys a Range Rover because he wants a vehicle that is a very practical, very safe, very comfortable and luxurious daily driver for either short or long distances. One doesn't expect it to tackle corners like a 911. I also agree that out of both the L322 is the vehicle one worries less about doing any damage to. For me it has nothing to do with the price of either vehicles. The new price of my L322 was around €124.000 which isn't "peanuts' and thus also something I don't really want to scratch or dent. For me it's simply just the looks. The L322 just looks like the lad you don't have to worry about and the L405 a bit to pretty boyish. Naturally every new model takes every topic a step further than it's predecessor and I therefore also agree the L405 does take luxury to the next level. In my opinion though and even by today's standards the L322 is still a very luxurious SUV. In fact in it's production lifetime it was considered the most luxurious SUV on the market. Alone the full leather interior with contrast piping, something that once was like the trade mark for British luxury automobiles and once only found on the likes of Daimler, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley or Rolls Royce. That this very British "Gentlemans Club" option was on longer available for the L405, well ... disappointing to say the least. E.g. take the full spec 2017 MB GLS 500 I had to my disposal 2 years ago for a wee while. The interior of my 2012 L323, a 9 year old vehicle at the time is far more luxurious than the then the at the time 4 year old GLS. The 9 year old L322 also equipped with features the GLS simply missed. My L405 I purchased with the intent to replace my L322 but instead the L405 has become the "Sunday Suit" that gets taken out on special occasions and my L322 has remained my daily automotive companion. Owned many a car in my day, most MB, E, CE, S, SL, GL but also a M535i, M3, A7, Alfa 33, Alfa 166, Phaeton, Volvo S60, Lexus LS 400 and most of them put a smile on my face in one way or other. The L322 however was the first car in my life that put a smile on my face the first day I drove it and on every single since then till now. My L322 a immaculately maintained car but also very well used which it's 180.000 Km on the clock and many road trips such as southern Germany to Berlin, Croatia or Italy show. Could not think of a better car for a 4 person + luggage long distance trip!

It's worth remembering that the L405 is around half a tonne lighter than L322 so a lot more power, a lot less weight. I had an L322 4.4TDV8 for 8 months but got rid of it for one simple reason, insurance. I'm nearly 38 with clean driving record but insurance grew to nearly £2000 this year. Add to that road tax at near £700 and the ever present risk of large repair bills, it had to go, too much for a second car/toy. But I do miss it terribly.

I have both L405 and an old L322 as a work horse. This way I have ( in my mind ) the best of both worlds. L405 is my daily drive Autobiography too by the way. Nice bit of luxury. Then L322 is a great work horse for working out in fields and wooded areas. I’m not worrying about the scratches and the junk I’m putting in it plus it’s a V8 petrol so it sounds good too. I think there’s a Range Rover for every taste and need someone has. You just have to have the budget and love too.

The steering wheel is not ‘part plastic’. Its grand piano black veneered wood. You really think LR would fit ‘plastic’ in a 100k car?

I prefer the more chiseled looks of the L322. Whilst the L322 is perhaps seen as less reliable as it's older, once the L405 starts ageing as much I suspect that all the extra bells and whistles will start to reach the limits of their working life and the reliability complaints will start to increase too.

I had an L322 and and L405. Had many more problems with the L405. More luxury meant more things to go wrong. If I was to return to this type of vehicle again, I'd try to find a well looked after L322.

Great to see the two.....Like you for me the L322 is the true Range Rover, but I am warming to the L405, it is quite possible in 3 years I will change....Keep the videos coming😃

Go for the L405 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography from 2016. Update the lower climate screen to the newer style, which is plug and play. Install takes 20mins. If you can, also change the upper screen to the Andriod head unit, and then you are up to date. See Range Rover World for those mods. It's also worth a remap as mine increased to 393BHP alongside the torque too. Amazing at roundabout where you don't have to book an appointment when pressing the accelerator! In terms of reliability, as Matt from HPA says, service it when it should, and look after it. Double the oil service interval to keep the turbos happy. Service the gearbox by 'Updates by Bodsy'. He is excellent and the gearbox feels brand new. Good luck :)

Another great video. I love my 4.4TDV8 L322 and wouldn’t change it. As said many times before “the L405 is a better car but the L322 is a better Range Rover.

Your passion shines through even though your L322 is aged. Welcome to the club.

I have a 2.5TD P38 if you want to use it for your comparison test 👍🏼

Great review! I own a 2012 L322 HSE LUX and have spent a considerable amount of time with the L405. I totally get what you're on about with the doors. The mechanical feel and effort to open/close them is so satisfying, second only to the G-wagon in solidity. Luxury in today's vehicles just equates to how many technical/electrical faffs can be squeezed in. The L322 hails from a goldilocks time in automobile manufacturing where luxury largely meant quality in build construction... well some parts of LR build quality. Nevertheless, I adore my FFRR and couldn't see myself owning any other truck.

Great review and comparison 🔥. Just committed to an L322 and started the journey, couldn't be happier! L405 is really luxurious (it has a darn fridge!), but I would agree you wouldnt treat it the same and be a bit more precious with it, which you should at the price difference.

Just to clear up the steering wheel spec. See below Product Description Range Rover Vogue L405 2013+ - Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (Black Piano Wood) Upgrade your Range Rover L405 with this re-trimmed genuine steering wheel with gloss back inlays and sports ergonomic grip. This steering wheel is a genuine Land Rover Steering Wheel that has be professionally re-trimmed by hand. Black Piano is the term used to describe the deep black finish as seen on many expensive Pianos. These steering wheels are not simply sprayed black but have had 10 layers of clear lacquer applied over a polished black surface. This finish is also refered to as "Grand Black Lacquer". The steering wheel has designed with a more ergonomic "sports" grip profile and the grip areas have be trimmed with soft napa leather with a perforated finish. Note: this steering wheel retains the heated grip function. In addition this steering wheel has the recesses at the rear for paddle shifters. This listing is for a bare steering wheel with no airbag and no switches. You retain all your original wiring / airbags etc so there are

Again another great review .. LOC. Being the proud owner of an L322 3.6 and have been having the same thoughts re upgrading to the later models I have to agree despite the additional ride and refinements in the later models the L322 just looks and feels more the 'chiselled' Range Rover as opposed to 'Jelly Mould' .... more tractor as you referred. A well maintained and servied L322 is just fun to both fun to drive and own .. stay classic and enjoy the heritage ... :) appreciating classic

The L322 is peak RR for me. I'll make mine last as long as possible. 139k miles so far, over 100k with me. Love the vids

L322 a far heavier car which will affect handling and fuel consumption L322 has issues with body rot and rust which is difficult to control and expensive L322 even with the late model lacks a lot of technology The L322 still however does have a certain charm and upgrading from a late 2011 model to a 2017 L405 is significant £20k plus upgrade and if you want a car opposed to a Range Rover then the L405 is a natural choice if you can afford it and if you want to avoid numerous break downs in 7 months in the L322 A lot of people whine on about both cars and ultimately it’s down to personal opinion and whether you can afford an upgrade