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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  Beautiful to drive, frustrating to own. - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By FirstLR - August 24 - 2:50 pm

  I’ve had the 2010 RRS HSE with LUX package for two weeks now. I love how the car handles; spent the first few nights taking the coast road home [Stop reading here if you only want favorable words]. The electronic/software issues on the other hand, are now making me think this is the Microsoft Vista of automobiles; nothing quite operates the same two times in row. Manufacture date is 09/09. This is my first LR vehicle, having spent the last 10 years as a Lexus owner with nary a cold, so maybe my expectations are too high. Id like to loan LR the top notch Test & QA team from my company for a few months. Taking the car into the dealer for 7 issues (all but one are electronic/software related).

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  Knee Problems but overall great car - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By flipper8 - March 9 - 7:56 pm

  Leased my RRS 2 weeks ago, and have found that the combination of the driving position/ accelerator pedal position and accelerator pedal stiffness is causing a lot of knee pressure and discomfort. Feel like I am developing knee tendinitis. This is the only drawback about the car (but a major drawback) as I enjoy the look and ride of the vehicle a lot.

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  Looks Great - Poor Quality - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Jon - January 22 - 8:06 am

  This car is FUN to drive! There is no question about it. The exterior lines of the car are beautiful. The interior craftsmanship of the car are well appointed. The options and some of the gadgets (GPS/Satellite Radio/Climate control etc) are very basic in style and function. If you compare other cars in the same price range, Rover comes up on the short end of the stick for what you are paying for with how things were not integrated into a central console. The car has been in the shop over 3 times for an "ECU" related issue and has spent more time in the shop than on the road w/me driving it. If you want the prestige of owning a Rover its fun to drive, be prepared for headaches that can come

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  Rover Sport-Totally Unreliable - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By EMannis - January 1 - 11:16 am

  Bought the RR Sport Brand new in April 2006. This vehicle has been in for service for major issues. Has been towed 3-4 times, major service problems 5-6 times. If you buy a RR Sport be prepared to trade it after the warranty is up. I have been driving for 30 years and owned several different vehicles both domestic and foreign. I have never had problems like I have encountered with the Range Rover Sport. I was warned but didnt listen.

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  Fun in the Snow - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By caskier - August 30 - 2:33 pm

  Bought this car new in Feb 06 primarily to drive from LA to Mammoth Mtn and ski (300 miles each eay). Only problems involved a leak from the front differential after 6000 miles. Dealer replaced 3-times under warranty. Brakes are expensive to replace, but love the stopping power. RRS is great vehicle in the snow, traction and handling are great. I use a different set of wheels and snow/ice tires for the winter. Great heated seats. Back seat is not very comfortable, should be able to recline.

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  After the initial love affair is over shell bleed you to death - 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By joe493 - May 25 - 9:32 am

  The Range Rover sport is in my view an over priced V6 powered ego trip. The poorly designed interior layout coupled with the least intuitive gps and entertainment system out there should give anyone pause. And why does the gps system point upward into to the sun? The small screen is hard enough to deal with, let alone the excessive sun light! Additionally youll find that although Land Rover claims there SUV as being the best off road vehicles in the world, its interesting why there tires only offer about 3/16 to 1/4" clearance for the rim. The best drivers will still curb the rims. When its time for breaks, 30k miles. Expect to pay 1000 dollars per axle. Oh, oil and tire rotate, 300

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By jmr1967 - March 4 - 8:50 pm

  The build quality is great, and I have had no problems wiht the car over two years and 25000 miles. Great for road tripping, being stuck in LA traffic, or a moderately spirited drive on some country roads. Plenty of power, competent off road (yes I really have taking it off road), and it can pull my Defender 90 on a trailer.

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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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  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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  Computer Issues - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By IROC - March 6 - 12:16 pm

  Bought the car 2 weeks ago, has been in the shop the last week because the stereo and navigation system keep going on and off. The service people cant figure out the problem and seem like they are clueless all around. Have always owned BMWs and regret switching. I would wait a year before I bought this vehicle, let them work the kinks out. Car is new so they are trying to fix problems on the fly.