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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  Awesome SUV! - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By alberto martinez - December 6 - 11:33 pm

  Its been a fun experience driving the car. You will also get a lot of compliments -it looks great. The brakes are very good and it handles really well on curves for an SUV.

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  Number 1 fan !! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By jaydav - December 1 - 1:50 am

  My perfect vehicle ... has performance, handling, capacity, styling and, so far, reliability. Have not as yet taken it off road, but good to know I could if needed. Im a long time Jaguar owner and this engine is as powerful and smooth as I expected...and as much fun to drive as my XK8 !!!

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  This Awesome Range Rover Beats My Old X5 - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By LovemyRRS - November 25 - 9:16 pm

  I was fairly satisfied with my old X5 BMW until I drove this awsome vehicle. It fits like a glove with a solid luxurious interior and confident road position. I was particularly impressed with performance during our first snow storm when I engaged the terrain response system. The Rover grabbed the road like a tank and showed no sign of slipping or sliding despite icy conditions. Any vehicle this complex is bound to have some adjustment issues, and the dealer has been very attentive. It stimulates autophile interest, and I have yet to see another one on the road.

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  Best SUV out there - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By TYLER - November 9 - 5:00 pm

  This is the best suv out there for the money. Thus far has been a fantastic vehicle and as far as the reliability goes it is just like any other vehicle out there. That is why they come with a 4 year 50,000 warranty. There are no concerns about reliability for those of you who dont know land rover have the best four wheel drive system available. Why do you think BMW bought Land Rover years ago. For the four wheel drive system that they think is in the X-5. Yeah right, the X5 couldnt hang with this vehicle at all.

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  Dreams Can Come True!!! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Barry - November 7 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this very at a very high mileage and this is significant because it speaks directly to its reliability. Mine has a 73K (highway mileage)when purchased and people ask me if this was a 2010 model. It was customized by previous owner that some of its current features are incorporated in the 2010 models I saw for sale. Awesome SUV in and out. Great sound system, handling and lots of POWER. Quick stopping brakes. Needless to say its a head turner. If you gonna get one get supercharged, thats when you can feel the punch more. Previous owner had no major issues and vehicle is in excellent condition. One problem I have a couple of days ago is tire air sensor is bad. Good resale value.

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  Perfection in motion - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Surprised - October 18 - 11:20 am

  This car has been perfect for me. I was originally looking for a sport sedan in the 50k range, but I couldnt find anything that fit my personality. I wanted something that was comfortable and fun to drive but stood out. I found the comfort in one car, the drivability in another. But in this Range Rover Sport, I found both of those attributes plus the X factor in appearance. This SUV really stands out. I get looks and compliments everywhere I go. Its big enough to look rugged and tough as well as being sleek enough to look sexy. Land Rover could have not made a better SUV. When I tell someone that I own a Range Rover, they congratulate me for getting the Sport and not the other one.

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  My first Range Rover - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By James Daniel - October 8 - 8:16 pm

  This is my first RR purchase. The reliability has been superb at 7000 miles. What a looker! Turns heads of all ages. Maybe too small up front for a big guy (64", 220lbs.), however controls and seats are top notch. Fuel mileage has averaged about 14 city and 20+ highway. I have tried regular gas for several tankfuls without any noticeable problems. Has the best nav system on the market, period. The infusion of BMW engineering (RRs previous owner) and Fords money (RRs current owner) has created a desirable, competitive and trustworthy product line.

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  Fun to Drive when everything works - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By NH RRS HSE - October 2 - 12:53 am

  Purchased new 2010 Silver RRS HSE in Nov 2009. Upgraded leather package / 20" wheels / HD - SAT radio. Vehicle rides very nice, quiet and smooth with plenty of power. I have had a few electronic (SW) issues however. The front NAV screen / display area went black (came back on next day). Brought to dealer for inspection..but of course was working then. This past week the radio audio went out (has not happened twice) came back on the next day and today a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Failure alarm came on. Back to the dealer tomorrow. They indicated they need to reprogram the car (and both keys). I also had a "Bonnet Open" alarm. Fixed by snapping connector back. All this in 6 months.

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  Said Goodbye - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Peter - September 30 - 6:23 pm

  Turned the vehicle in a couple weeks ago 5 months before the end of the lease. Notwithstanding the fact that I was at the end of my mileage the continual reliability problems were just too much to take. Since purchase this vehicle would be difficult to start once in a while and it became more frequent over the past few months. After the suspension problems a few months back the ride was never as compliant as it was when I purchased. Became very harsh and vechile began to rattle a bit at times. I am very saddened by this turn of events. I was thrilled for the first year but it ended in a most unappealing way. I wish Land Rover luck under their new ownership.

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  great car - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By don - September 28 - 9:33 pm

  this vehicle turns heads and gets you lots of attention if thats what your looking for. Great interior design and exterior design, all the exterior curves/lines of the car are beautiful. Ive had some trouble with the air suspension not lowering by itself when the car is turned off; the car will sometimes do it and sometimes wont. also note, that the voice command for the cd player, if you ask to play track "seven" the car will play track "seventy". Overall, great car, very sturdy and powerful. Anyone in the orange county area, Land Rover Newport Beach dealership has extremely friendly service.