Overview & Reviews

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a premium SUV that represents a shift in focus for this SUV-oriented luxury brand. While traditional Land Rover models have combined unbeatable off-road performance with the amenities of a luxury sedan, the Range Rover Sport represents Land Rover's entry into the burgeoning high-performance SUV arena. It is designed to offer sporty road manners and traditional Land Rover luxury without completely sacrificing the go-anywhere abilities of other Land Rover models.

Despite its name, the Range Rover Sport is actually a modified and shortened version of the old Land Rover LR3. Certainly, it's an enjoyable and luxurious vehicle to drive as well as look at. But shoppers seriously interested in getting maximum on-road performance out of an SUV would probably be better served by a few of this Land Rover's competitors, as they are able to deliver better acceleration and handling.

Current Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is offered in two trim levels, both featuring 5.0-liter V8s. The HSE model produces 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, while the Supercharged model's V8 develops an impressive 510 hp and 461 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

Handling performance is a definite step up from other Land Rover models. The Range Rover Sport is the first Land Rover to offer the company's Dynamic Response suspension system, which is standard on the Supercharged model and optional on the HSE. Land Rover says that this computer-controlled system senses cornering forces and automatically adjusts the antiroll bars to optimize body control and handling. Dynamic Response works as advertised, giving the Range Rover Sport a more agile feeling when the roads get twisty, as compared to previous Land Rovers.

Off-road performance is still within the Range Rover Sport's repertoire as well. A permanent four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case is standard, and features an electronically controlled, infinitely variable locking center differential that automatically distributes the available torque to both drive axles as needed. Additionally, the Range Rover Sport's Terrain Response System assures that the driver will be up to nearly any off-road task. It offers five different settings that adjust throttle response, gearchanges, vehicle ride height and the differentials to optimize mobility in varying environments, ranging from pavement to sand.

Land Rover is also synonymous with luxury, which doesn't take a backseat in the Range Rover Sport. Just about any premium feature that you will find on most luxury sedans, or any of its luxury SUV competitors, is available on the Range Rover Sport. The same holds true for safety items, with the usual complement of airbags and electronic crash-prevention aids.

Unlike the Sport's older cabin design, the current RR Sport offers the sort of ambience its big Range Rover brother has been renowned for. Occupants are surrounded by supple leathers, rich wood trim and top-notch materials, while the dash design is not only visually appealing but easy to use as well. As always, though, the Sport isn't as passenger-friendly as its Land Rover siblings. Headroom can be at a premium, and the backseat is best suited for two people.

We are impressed with the Range Rover Sport's dual-natured capabilities on and off-road. Its 5.0-liter V8s provide the sort of power this hefty truck requires, and the cabin yields the luxury its well-heeled customers deserve. However, besides the above concerns, there's also the matter of its thirsty fuel consumption and Land Rover's poor record for reliability.

Used Land Rover Range Rover Sport Models
The Range Rover Sport debuted for the 2006 model year and is still in its first generation. However, there are notable differences between the current model and those made from 2006-'09.

Originally, the HSE was equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 that developed 300 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. The Supercharged model was equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 that, logically, employed a supercharger to produce 390 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. However, the relatively high curb weights put a damper on performance and fuel economy for both models. Both engines were backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with different tuning than the current model.

The original cabin was more akin to the cheaper LR3 in design than the top-dog Range Rover. Its center console was a mess of little black buttons, which felt cheap, looked alike and were harder to reach than they should've been. Prior to the 2012 model year, Range Rovers also suffered from outdated and unintuitive audio and navigation systems. Recent updates have remedied those issues.

User Reviews:

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  Luxury at a price - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Gday - February 12 - 2:33 am

  Well its an eye catcher at a steep price. A princely car, gas guzzler, but the confidence you get when in it is not describable. It more than compensates for the shortcomings. It cuts through snow effortlessly. It accelerates beautifully, lifting its almost 4 ton weight effortlessly, but its not a sports car. Handling in corners calls for caution. It has some plasticky attachments which lower the overall quality together with the fact that it doesnt come with bells and whistles of Japanese cars. Eg the tail gate can be fully automated and there can be a rear camera without paying an arm and a foot. The power and control is great! Highly maneuverable for its size. Great car to own.

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  1st time buyer this type suv - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Tess - February 6 - 4:30 pm

  Love, Love, Love, look, ride,just about everything on or in this suv. still have not mastered some of the features there are so many. never have had it off road so not sure how its handles there. looking forward to that test drive.

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  Looks great but disappointed! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By udman2 - February 2 - 2:30 am

  Love the looks. Had to change out the Continental Tires that were stock. 3 of the 4 had side wall issues. Dealership said must be abuse but I am 46, driven all prior cars with no accidents, no abuse and have done nothing but normal with this vehicle. Chromed wheels at same time. Looks great. Went off=road 2 times into real estate development on new roads just cleared. Both times in area where several other vehicles had 0 problems the RRS had issues and damage underneath. CHEAP< CHEAP ALLUMINUM shield (not steel) just crumples if contact anything. Underside sits so low (even w/ veh in hi) had damage at 2 - 3 mph over cleared area. 0 issues with Suburban.

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  All around suv, vince - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By vince - January 31 - 4:06 am

  I have tried all the suvs on the market and so far this is the best to date. You have all the capibilities and comfort for the money. I hope this high will last for many miles.

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  Coolest SUV - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By DCorey - December 17 - 1:03 pm

  Very high coolness factor. Sweet Sounding Supercharged Engine that pushes this ride like an M3. The stereo/dvd system is the best Ive experienced in a vehicle. The memory seat buttons are tough to navigate due to space, but other than that the interior is flawless. Needs to have power lift gate for my wife since she is the primary driver :( . Back seats a little rigid and tight for long runs. Auto wipers and seats/steering column a bit quirky. Dealer picks up and delivers. Cant Beat That. At the dealer twice for scheduled maintenance.

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  Range Rover Sport Rocks - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By mmec - October 26 - 6:10 pm

  If youre looking for an SUV that drives as smooth as a luxury sedan, handles like a sports car, plush interior, and is a real off road vehicle...look no further then the Range Rover Sport. Best in its class, best on the road

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  Our dream suv !! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By MGB - September 17 - 8:36 pm

  Could not be happier with this purchase. I traded in my BMW X5 4.4 toward the purchase of this and I am so pleased to have done so. Never thought a Land Rover would drive even better than a BMW! The whole family loves it. The Best SUV I have ever owned. (Have owned 9 Previously). This vehicle is incredibly well engineered. Serious Curb Appeal! Cant Wait to take the first long trip with it. Only Problem with it is you dont realize how fast you are moving in a nearly 6000 LB vehicle because it is so smooth and quiet.

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  Beautiful to drive, frustrating to own. - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By FirstLR - August 24 - 2:50 pm

  I’ve had the 2010 RRS HSE with LUX package for two weeks now. I love how the car handles; spent the first few nights taking the coast road home [Stop reading here if you only want favorable words]. The electronic/software issues on the other hand, are now making me think this is the Microsoft Vista of automobiles; nothing quite operates the same two times in row. Manufacture date is 09/09. This is my first LR vehicle, having spent the last 10 years as a Lexus owner with nary a cold, so maybe my expectations are too high. Id like to loan LR the top notch Test & QA team from my company for a few months. Taking the car into the dealer for 7 issues (all but one are electronic/software related).

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  Very Impressed - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Pete - July 12 - 2:40 am

  Have owned two weeks now and so far very happy with this vehicle. Performs very well on dry, wet and snow covered roads from acceleration to handling and braking. Tried all the competitors and for the best choice for performance plus off road capabilities this vehicle won the contest. I did not buy this for fuel economy (who buys a supercharged car for good gas mileage) so I am not put off by the 14 mpg I am getting.

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  I dont recommend any Land Rover - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By AnaJara - July 11 - 5:23 pm

  I have an 08 RRS with 3000 miles. It has a leaking sunroof that the dealer has tried to fix 4 times. They did not take it back the 5th time saying Land Rover said it was normal to have some water enter the suv. I spoke with Land Rover and they looked into it but have now closed my case saying "normal". This is not normal by any standards. Land Rover needs to build a better car! I only bought it because I loved the look of it. I am filing for help under the TX Lemon Law in hopes that they buy back the car so I can get into another car, not a land rover!!