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 - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Peter - December 29 - 12:13 amWonderful ownership experience thus far. Was skeptical about purchasing because of historical reliability ratings. I have been very pleased with the performance and quality of this vehicle. No problems at all thus far. On of the best handling SUVs out there and acceleration/stopping power is superb. Great off road (put some Nokians on for winter and off road use). For a perfect blend of performance, styling and off road capability, this is the best offering available, in my humble opinion.
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Amazing, Nothing like the RRS 2010 - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By TN-Nashville - September 30 - 5:10 amYou feel like you are in a cockpit, as you drive in complete luxury. The engine has a great sound and lots of pick up. It has the best of both worlds: sportiness and comfort.
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So far so good - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Dot - September 20 - 1:16 pmGreat car, but I really wish it had a remote tailgate. This is a heavy car and should have a rear hatch that opens and closes via remote. Also, Ive already been through 2 sets of brakes and tires. The dealership said this is normal. Ugh. A heavy car like the RR Sport really blows through the brake pads. I had them replaced less than a year ago and they are already squeaking. You can hear me braking from a mile away. Kind of embarrassing.
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Keep on rock-crawlin in a free world - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By landrovin - September 7 - 9:30 amMy 2008 Range Rover Sport HSE is the second Land Rover Ive owned. I replaced a wiper blade once after it froze to the glass last winter (it was - 25 degrees). It has been unbelievably reliable and a joy to drive. My maintenance is complimentary, so the only thing Ive paid for is tire rotations. If you want the most dynamic, safe, and enjoyable sport utility vehicle, you would be doing yourself an incredible disservice to not consider a Land Rover. I average 17mpg and Im a pretty aggressive driver. If I set the cruise control at 73mph, I average 21-22mpg. And thats from a 4.4 liter V8 with 300hp. Eat your heart out, Mercedes.
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Very Happy - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Dave - August 28 - 10:10 pmI love my car! I was really close to buying a garden variety 750i, but am so glad I got on the long waiting list for the Sport. Every time I drive it I get asked about it, and subsequent nods of approval. The interior is comfortable, and the industrial look rubber mats are perfect. The touch screen navigation is much better than last years knob control, and the variable traction settings worked flawlessly on my road trip from Portland down to the OC. The new Jag engine concerned me while I was waiting for the car, but it is silky smooth. Also, the infamous British electrical system has not given me one problem, so far so good. All I can say is that I am one happy owner.Buy this car
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The Best SUV and Sport Car - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By sobemen - June 14 - 7:10 amI traded in my Porsche Carrera S for this vehicle. I am delighted with the performance, handling and overall the elegant looks of this SUV. The finish quality is superb and the purchase experience was the best. I will keep this car for a long time as this fits and exceeds all my needs. I am extremely happy with my purchase decision and find myself "staring" at the vehicle often.
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So far, so good ! - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Eric - May 15 - 10:00 amI have never owned a Range Rover or SUV, but I traded in my 2006 BMW 330I for a new 2011 Range Rover Sport. So far, so good. I did a lot of research online and I know Range Rovers have had some issues in the past, but I decided to give it a try. I am pleasantly surprised so far, however, I have only owned it for one month. I like the ride and overall feeling, plus the 375 hp gives it some pep when you hit the gas, which has been reassuring. I like the overall look and my kids seem to enjoy climbing in and out of it. I will update my comments after a few more months of ownership.
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The Best of the Best - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By reg - April 6 - 3:50 pmSo far I have had the privilege of a number of Discos, 2 RR, and LR3 and now the RRS. It is truly fantastic. Land Rover has always made a vehicle which truly could work offroad (unlike so called "Sport untility vehicles"). The RR has always been an elegant working vehicle. Now they have managed to incorporate a sportscar into the package. There are no comparable vehicles on the market today although there are many wannabes! If you want true performance, offroad capabilities and luxury the RRS can do it all.
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Fun To DRIVE - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Josh Williams - March 8 - 6:06 pmThis veh is a great joy to drive. I think this is one of the BEST veh Land Rover has made.
