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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  Dont use a shotgun to kill flies. - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Mountainman - December 5 - 9:33 pm

  First and foremost, this is a luxury OFFROAD vehicle. Its onroad performance is on par with the best, but when ice hits the mountains or it rains buckets, I remember why I bought the RRS. Ive been places on my property in it, that Id only been able to hike into before. The interior is ergonomically sound and beautifully executed. The subsystems work quite well and most of the complaints Ive heard come from folks who, seemingly, didnt bother to read the manual (s). Also, I dont mind the "bling" factor, but dont use the 20" wheels offroad, or youll run the risk of pinching a rim. Overall, the RRS is head and shoulders above the rest. If you want a luxury car, buy one, an SUV,the RRS

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  Briefly - 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By rovernewbie - October 17 - 7:51 pm

  Quite and amazing vehicle. Literally 5/5 in all categories with the exception of the infotainment system. This is about 5 years behind leading competitors like Audi. Fortunately I predominantly use my iPhone for music/GPS so its not a huge problem for me. The 510 hp is absolutely insane. I highly recommend this to anyone who can afford this.

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  loving it - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Brian - October 12 - 11:30 am

  Just took a quick road trip in my new supercharged sport and I LOVE IT! I wasnt sure about buying an SUV but since my needs were changing & a RS4 no longer made sense I went looking for a sport SUV. The Cayenne-S drive was a disappointment and the X5 doesnt really have enough room so the only option was the RR sport super. Having gone on a road trip there is no question this was the right choice. I wanted performance & this is total performance. Acceleration, handling, braking everything is exceeding my hopes. The interior is beautiful but the drive is what really counts. If the maintenance isnt a prob this will easily be the best SUV for those that really wanted a sports car.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rob - August 19 - 9:26 am

  Wow own a 2008 RRS and this is so much more of a truck...Can;t say enough good things run dont walk to buy one.

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  Garbage RRS - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Garbage RRS - August 15 - 4:56 am

  Great looking RRS, but this car stinks in reliability! 390 horses and it doesnt feel like it. I got smoked by a BMW X5 4.8is. I tell you, who ever thinks this car is some kind of performance machine, is a fool. I have had this thing in the shop for half of the time Ive owned it. Garbage! Traded it in and bought a 2006 BMW X5 4.8is. Now this is a car. Talk about having some B-lls!

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  awesome drive - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By jenni - June 21 - 11:43 pm

  this is truly the most incredible vehicle i have ever driven. when you drive it you do not want to get out! However, It drinks alot of gas. Awesome car!

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  Supercharged Would be a 10 - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By 3lakeswi - June 18 - 12:33 pm

  So far I love my RRS. The only thing I feel it needs is more hp - although more hp is available for a price. Compared to Porsche Cayenne V8, FX45, BMW X5 4.4 - this was by far the best ride for the money. Just coming up on 1000 miles and have loved every minute of it. It will be interesting to see how it works in Northern Wisconsin winters with the stock tires. Also hope the trade-in value will rival that of BMW.

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  Hot SUV - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Ron Panna - June 17 - 2:03 pm

  Replaces a ML 320 with 100K+ mileage. Also own a VW Touareg V-8. Love the RRS S/C. Looks great, rides & handles like as Sports Car and performs pretty close to one also. Interior is as luxurious as they come and the Brembo brakes speak for themselves. Just a really great ride. Wife is primary driver and an aggressive driver, she is as impressed as I am with this vehicle. Would recommend it if you are willing to trump up to to this price tag for an SUV.

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  excellent early experience - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By happy - May 26 - 3:13 pm

  I have had the vehicle for just over two months and 3000 miles. I have been a long time SUV owner(14 years; five other vehicles), most recently in an FX 45. I spent considerable time "shopping" the Land Rover, BMW and Lexus vehicles. This vehicle was far and above the superior in the group. Recently took a 1200 mile trip with the family and found the vehicle to be quite comfortable and a pleasure to drive. At this point I would highly recommend strong consideration of this vehicle.

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  Rose with a thorn - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By S. Colson - May 24 - 11:53 pm

  Bought my supercharged RRS loaded, including factor DVD and adaptive cruise control which were options I really didnt have much interest in. Factory DVD system requires headphones with wires, but...they dont come with this $70k+ vehicle. Adaptive cruise control makes interstate trips a real joy...set your cruising speed and forget about putting your foot on the gas pedal or brake. Transmission downshifts around town for this heavy SUV take a toll on gas mileage. Seats are adjustable, but still a little too firm. Acceleration and exhaust note are great. Lots of looks and compliments on this red beauty with 20-inch wheels. Wife loves it too!