Volkswagen Polo vs Range Rover
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Range Rover

$218,880 - $274,990

2023 price

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Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo

2023 Range Rover

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

11.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The fact it still exists – thank you, VW
Solid, quality German engineering
Safe and dynamic driving experience

Cavernous, practical, luxurious cabin
Easy and smooth to drive
530 horsepower V8!

Dislikes

Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
Some turbo/DCT lag
Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

Heavy rear doors hard to open for little kids
Retractable door handles
Centre touchscreen looks aftermarket

2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

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2023 Range Rover Summary

Land Rover was making SUVs before they were even called SUVs.

Range Rovers were ferrying families around in prestigious four-wheel drive comfort decades before Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz even thought of doing it, too.

So, even with all its rivals these days, how well does a Range Rover do modern family duties?

Well the Range Rover Autobiography came to live with my little family of four for a week. We had the seven-seater long-wheelbase version with the twin-turbo petrol V8 engine, and this is what we discovered…

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2023 Range Rover

Verdict

The VW Polo may be getting old, but it still shines on a number of fronts, including design, interior packaging and presentation, driving sophistication, efficiency and quality.

But, the ride can be too firm and the turbo/DCT lag frustrating, it is also expensive and not fully equipped enough in CityLife grade as tested, undermining the German’s value-for-money equation somewhat.

Haggle hard, though, and you’ll end up with a fine and mature urban hatch.

Verdict

The Range Rover Autobiography long wheelbase is an outstanding SUV that is not just beautiful to drive but makes family practicality a priority, too,

The price is reasonable relative to the competition, the features list is long and complementary servicing offers peace of mind.

If you don’t need the third row, I’d consider the standard wheelbase Autobiography even if it does reduce legroom, there’s still plenty of space.

My son stopped short of giving the Range Rover Autobiography full marks "because there are no massaging seats in the second row".

Volkswagen Polo vs Range Rover What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Polo vs Range Rover
What's the difference?