The Range Rover KV6 2.5L is a 2,497 cc, naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2004. It features a 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with variable inlet cam timing (VCT) on later variants, delivering 130–140 kW (177–190 PS) and 235–240 Nm of torque. Its compact 60° V-angle and narrow profile enabled transverse mounting in larger SUVs.
Fitted primarily to the P38A Range Rover and Discovery II (Series 2), the KV6 2.5L was engineered for smooth operation and improved refinement over the outgoing Rover V8. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential fuel injection and catalytic converters meeting Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress at the rear of the cylinder head, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin SIB 05/2001/12. This issue stems from coolant flow restrictions and casting weaknesses in early alloy heads, prompting a revised gasket and coolant rail design from mid-2001.
Production years 1999–2004 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2341).
The Range Rover KV6 2.5L is a 2,497 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size SUVs (1999–2004). It combines a 60° V-angle with DOHC architecture to deliver smooth power delivery and compact packaging. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it offered improved refinement over predecessor V8 units while maintaining robust towing capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,497 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 78.5 mm | |
| Power output | 130–140 kW (177–190 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 235–240 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.0) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual electric fans | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Rover STJLR.03.5001 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The KV6’s narrow V6 layout provides smooth operation but is prone to head gasket failure if coolant maintenance is neglected. Use of 10W-40 oil meeting Rover STJLR.03.5001 is essential to protect the chain-driven valvetrain. Extended coolant change intervals increase risk of corrosion and localized overheating at the rear combustion chambers. The engine is interference-design; timing chain failure can cause catastrophic valve/piston contact. Post-2001 engines feature improved coolant rails and multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets per SIB 05/2001/12.
Oil Specs: Requires Rover STJLR.03.5001 (10W-40) specification (Land Rover SIB 02/2000/08). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1999–2004 KV6 2.5L engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2341). No Euro 4 variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified per Rover Group PT-2000 documentation.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LRTIS-1999-ENG, SIB 05/2001/12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2341)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover KV6 2.5L was used across Land Rover's P38A and Discovery Series II platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Discovery II and updated cooling ducts in the P38A—and from mid-2001 the head gasket and coolant rail design was revised to address thermal stress. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (Land Rover TIS LRTIS-1999-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for KV6). Visual identification: black plastic intake manifold with 'KV6' embossing and twin cam covers. Critical differentiation from 4.0L V8: V6 configuration, absence of distributor, and narrower engine bay fitment. Service parts require build date verification—head gaskets changed in 06/2001 per SIB 05/2001/12.
The KV6 2.5L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure at the rear of the cylinder head, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate use. Land Rover internal data from 2002 indicated a notable share of pre-2001 engines requiring head work before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show catalytic converter degradation as a common MOT emissions failure. Extended coolant intervals and low-quality antifreeze increase corrosion and thermal stress, making adherence to OEM maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1999–2004) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER KV6-2-5L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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