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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  Sport Rocks! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By KRBJr. - March 13 - 7:46 pm

  Best looking SUV on the planet. Ride and handling are close to the best as well. A real head turner with the guts to do more off road than most are willing to try. A keeper.

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  Worst SUV ever - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Jamie - March 12 - 10:40 pm

  Ive had my Range Rover Sport for 15 months and I cant wait to get rid of the vehicle. I bought the SUV new and Ive had radio complications, had to purchase 4 new tires, and replace brake pads after the 1st year. Thats not counting the times the SUV was in the shop to reset signal lights. I understand you have regular wear and tear maintenance problems, but Ive never purchased tires or brakes within one year of buying a new vehicle. When I asked the dealer was this normal, their response was "yes". The back seat room is ridiculous (very uncomfortable) and the navigation system is a joke.

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  Nice Sled - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Happy Camper - March 9 - 6:06 am

  I grabbed one of the first Sports to hit the lot in LA and have zero regrets. This SUV is a superb driving machine. But its not until you het the rain, mud, snow, and ice that you know you got what you paid for - its off-road prowess is unequalled. An unsurpassed engineering marvel! And it looks and drives great, too. Handles like a sport car and accelerates like one, also.

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  A waste of your money!!! - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By jen_rei - February 27 - 1:28 pm

  I bought my 2011 RRS HSE by the mid December last year and I only have 5K+ miles as Im writing this review but I already experienced a lot of trouble with it! First, the rubber seal thats on top of the wind shield came off and flapped against the wind when I was driving and it scratched the roof. for a 60K car this is the least kind of problem one would expect! Maybe on the 2K mile odometer reading the car flashed a parking brake fault when I was driving it on the freeway that prompted me to find the nearest spot to stop. The Encino dealer said that they will just update the electronic programming of the vehicle, and it happened again twice as of today after several months! dont buy this!!

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  Happy So Far - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By BWB RRS HSE - February 14 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased a new 2010 Black RRS HSE last Nov. 201. It has the ivory leather on ebony carpet, the luxury package, leather package and 20" silver wheels. So far I am very happy. It is the first vehicle I have bought where I feel there are no compromises. On the Interstate, 80 mph feels like 50! The sound system is by far the best I have ever experienced. The heated steering wheel is sweet. Only two nit pics - wish I had about 2" more leg room and there is no remote start. I am getting about 18 mpg on the highway traveling at 69 mph and about 15 around town(semi-rural area). Could have saved $8K for a 09 leftover but felt the 10 was so much improved that it was worth the extra $.

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  All Wheel Drive Bentley - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Dr. Morton - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the RRS SC and this SUV has blown my mind. I had seen them around, found them flashy and even considered buying one. However, I never became serious about it until a friend of mine brought his home. The first time I climbed into the RRS I was instantly impressed. The classy styling on the outside transitioned well into the interior. I was at the dealership the next week and now Im a proud owner of the RRS SC. If you can fit the bill, this car is worth adding to the collection. I drove the BMW 7 Series for years, and I dont think Ill ever go back.

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  Great looking car - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By iii - January 17 - 9:33 am

  This is my 4th Land Rover. The RRS is my wifes car & so far (700mi) has been a great car to drive. looks great, goes well & drives great.

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  Way Better Than Expected - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Zev - January 7 - 6:40 pm

  Have only had it for a week so not much to go on yet, but my first impressions are: one of the best drives out there - seating position is very good and i am an XL size. I had driven the full size Range and the Sport - loved the inside on the full size but this drives so much better - it really drives like a world class sports car.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Faisal Farooq - January 5 - 10:40 pm

  I traded in my Escalade ESV for this RR Sport. I just love it. Better Ergonomics, much better quality and handling.

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  Bullet proof - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Jim D - January 2 - 9:16 am

  I bought two for my business. Both have had zero issues. Handling not as sharp as my old FX35 but the car feels a lot more expensive.