Range Rover L322: 4.4 V8 petrol vs 4.4 TDV8 diesel

Two of the most popular Range Rover L322 engines are the 4.4 V8 Jaguar petrol and the 4.4 TDV8 diesel. They suit different buyers. The petrol is the smoother, more robust choice for lower mileage, while the diesel offers far better economy and torque for towing and long distances. This page compares them on the points that decide a purchase.

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Choose the 4.4 TDV8 diesel for economy, torque and high mileage, with the newer eight-speed gearbox on later cars. Choose the 4.4 V8 Jaguar petrol for smoothness and a reputation as the most robust L322 engine, accepting higher fuel costs. Your annual mileage usually decides it.

Side by side

Point	4.4 V8 Jaguar petrol	4.4 TDV8 diesel
Years	2006 to 2009	2010 to 2012
Character	Smooth, refined, eager	Strong torque, effortless pull
Economy	Thirsty	Much better
Towing	Capable	Stronger, better suited
Gearbox	Six-speed automatic	Eight-speed automatic
Reputation	Most robust L322 engine	Good if maintained
Best for	Lower mileage, smoothness	High mileage, towing, distance

The 4.4 V8 Jaguar petrol

The 4.4 Jaguar petrol arrived with the 2006 switch from BMW engines and is widely seen as the most robust engine fitted to the L322. It is smooth and refined, and owners who do not cover big mileage often prefer it for that reason. The trade-off is fuel economy, which is poor by modern standards given the weight of the car.

For a car used mainly for shorter journeys, where running costs matter less than refinement and reliability, the petrol is a strong pick. See 4.4 V8 Jaguar for the full engine detail.

The 4.4 TDV8 diesel

The 4.4 TDV8 replaced the earlier 3.6 TDV8 for 2010 and brought smarter turbocharging and an eight-speed automatic. It offers strong torque and much better economy than any petrol L322, which makes it the natural choice for high mileage, long distances and towing. It is well regarded when looked after, though like any diesel of this age it needs a good history.

The later eight-speed gearbox is also a stronger unit than the earlier boxes, which adds to the case for the final diesels. See 4.4 TDV8 for the full detail.

Which to buy

The decision usually comes down to mileage and running costs rather than one engine being better overall.

Choose the petrol if you cover lower mileage, value smoothness, and want the engine with the best reliability reputation, and you can accept the fuel bills.
Choose the diesel if you cover high mileage, tow, or drive long distances, and want the economy and the newer gearbox.

Whichever you choose, history and condition matter more than the engine choice. A neglected example of either will cost more to put right than the difference between them. See best L322 to buy for the wider year and engine picture.

In short: diesel for economy, towing and high mileage, petrol for smoothness and the best reliability reputation. Let your annual mileage decide, then buy the best history you can find.

Frequently asked questions

Which is more reliable, the 4.4 petrol or the 4.4 TDV8?
The 4.4 Jaguar petrol has the stronger reliability reputation of the two. The 4.4 TDV8 is well regarded when maintained, but as a diesel of this age it needs a good history.

Is the diesel much cheaper to run?
Yes. The 4.4 TDV8 returns far better economy than any petrol L322, which is the main reason to choose it for high mileage or towing.

Does the diesel have a better gearbox?
The later 4.4 TDV8 cars use the ZF eight-speed automatic, which is a stronger unit than the earlier boxes used with the petrol. That adds to the case for the final diesels.

Which holds its value better?
Both depend heavily on condition and history. A sorted, well documented car of either type holds value better than a neglected one, so history matters more than fuel type for resale.