Skip to main content

Land Rover goes camping in the Arctic Circle to prove it makes a hardy hybrid

What’s your idea of a fun road trip destination? Somewhere nice, warm, and hospitable? How about the Arctic Circle?

Land Rover is constantly trying to prove the mettle of its vehicles, but the company’s latest stunt can best be described as extreme vacationing.

A Range Rover Sport Hybrid was recently dispatched to the Arctic Circle towing an Airstream trailer, because who wouldn’t want to camp in one of the coldest places on the planet?

The 5,500-pound Airstream 684 was driven from Mengerskirchen, Germany, 2,500 miles to the frozen north via Land Rover’s winter testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.

According to Land Rover, the rig traversed some of the worst winter weather on record in Scandinavia, with record snow depths, gales, and freak ice conditions. It’s no wonder this part of the world has produced so many champion rally drivers.

At least the Land Rover crew had a cushy spot to wait out any storms. The Airstream they brought along features two double beds, satellite television, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

All of that luxury weighs over two tons, and the Range Rover Sport Hybrid had to drag it up snowy hills and along dirt roads.

The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric motor seemed to be up to the job.

Their combined output is rated at 336 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and Land Rover says the Range Rover Sport Hybrid will do 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds – when it isn’t pulling a trailer, that is.

The Range Rover Sport Hybrid isn’t available in U.S., but it’s nice to get a reminder that Land Rovers really can do what their brochures say they can.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more