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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Outstanding Vehicle - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Jim - September 24 - 11:40 pmI have used the vehicle to travel 3- 400 highway miles a week. I have towed 20 boat 300 miles w/o effort, pulled boat full of water from sandy beach without trouble. I have driven through sandy orange groves...the vehicle performs as advertised. I use the lowering function for easier entry for the ladies, (still too high for elderly to easily access)parking in the garage and when using drive up banking services. I currently have 54,000 miles on the vehicle, 0 problems and I have averaged 18.6 mpg.
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Great Car - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By lee crosse - September 14 - 12:56 pmI love being in my RRS. Writing from the UK where I drive a diesel. 29 mpg on a decent run. After 24,000 miles in 7 months (including a 2500 mile round trip to Poland after having taken delivery of the car 2 days before) I can safely say this is the best car Ive driven. Quiet and smooth and when cruise control set to 100mph on German autobahns its a dream. Very few niggles in my first 24,000 miles: warning lights often come on for no reason; dipping wing mirrors sometimes dont come back up, and problems finding the correct snow chains. But otherwise this car is FAB!!!!
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Coolest luxury SUV around - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By naes91 - September 2 - 7:33 amWhen first looking at thr RRS I was just in utter amazement. They are a sleek and sexy machine. I have had mine since October 2008 and have no complaints what so ever. It drives like a dream, yes a little heavy but I feel it is needed. Its as nimble as my wifes Volvo S40 t5. In the snow it has proven better than my F-150 or past Jeep Cherokee. Sitting in the drivers seat is like sitting in a fighter jet. Comfortable and everything is within reach and convenient.
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Great SUV - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By JBLove - August 31 - 9:16 pmThis is a great vehicle. It has all the options that you would want and has a great design/look. Off road abilities coupled with the on road manners make this SUV a winner. Gas mileage is so-so but a good trade off and it is a 60k car. Has a very solid feel. My suggestions: one locking glove box, a little larger seat with the lower seating surface a bit deeper (like my 2002 7 series BMW), a navigation system that you can input on the fly, and easier to reach (when the door is closed) seat controls.
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Same Old Range Rover - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By David - August 7 - 10:33 amBest Looking SUV in its class. Too bad Land Rover has not fixed its mecanical issues. Wait till you get to 25000 mile and the dealer tells you that you need new brakes all around. Dealer wont help nor will Land Rover. They claim this is normal wear and tear. Right!
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As long as its not raining - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Adam - June 13 - 8:13 pmI love my Rover Sport...Have had several BMW X5s in the past and they dont even come close. The exterior is great, interior, everything is within reach. I was quite concerned about reliability when I purchased but with almost 8000 miles, I have only had 2 problems. Sunroof leaks and dealer cannot seem to fix, have replaced seal and sunroof twice but still leaks in the rain and car wash (this seems to be very common with Rover from what I have read on line). Rear door seals falling off. Only draw back is everything has to be ordered by the dealer and takes a couple of weeks to arrive. Fuel mileage is not bad at all, I am averaging 18/19 city/hwy mix. Would definitely buy again!
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My new love - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By jennifer - June 10 - 10:33 amDrove it in snow & rain and it handled great! Drove a BMW M3, so you can imagine the power, control & handling I need. RRS drives like a dream, its a luxury SUV that actually handles all the elements and gives you the power & control all at the same time. I miss my M3 but after driving the RRS, Ive found a new love. Also use to drive a Land Cruiser & compared to the RRS, the LC drives heavy & is hard to steer. It truly amazes me how easy the RRS steering is, its effortless. it doesnt feel heavy or huge. 1 thing that used to bug me were the lines in the windshield (for defrosting), but you get use to it. Also, its common knowledge not to buy an V8 SUV if you care about gas mileage!
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Transmission Erratic - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By SUV Driver - April 14 - 8:23 amTruck drags between gears when rpm is at 2000 and speed of 70 mph or greater. Problem is repeatable. When i took to the shop they gave me a loaner and it does the same thing. I like the car but the tranny needs work. Good service and the car looks great.
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I love mine! - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Broskay - March 14 - 8:00 amGot mine in Nov 2009. Waited this long to write a review because I truly want to experience the car. It is a joy to own and drive. It turns heads everywhere I go. I have not seen a lot of it on the road yet. After taking a 500 mile trip, I did not experience any body aches or soreness. I just wanted to keep driving for the sheer joy of driving this automobile. I have not experienced any of these difficulties that some of the reviewers have described. Mine is a stornoway gray with almond interior and luxury package. The sound system is great. Actually better than the Bose I have had in my other luxury SUV. I wish they would use more wood grain on the interior and get rid of the refrigerator.
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Pleasant Surprise - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Particular - February 24 - 5:13 pmI have been amazed by the quality and comfort of this SUV since the day I took delivery a year ago. LR has out done themselves with the Sport. It is the most nimble SUV on the road and the best I have ever owned - and I have owned many SUVs. The style and craftmanship are unsurpassed. It blows my old BMW built SUV away on all counts. Pricey, you say. Hogwash, I say. Its worth every penney! A year on the road and it still turns heads. Handles like a sports car, climbs like a billy goat with power to spare. The air ride suspension is amazing.
