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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A true SUV, with a Punch! - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By MR.D - March 9 - 10:00 amI have only owned the car for a month with no problems to report. It is a 2011 RRS w/ Luxury Package, Fuji White w/ Almond interior. A different driving experience coming from a GL450, X-5 and a QX56. This is bar none the most fun to drive SUV with a build quality that can not be matched. With the 5 liter engine @ 375 hp definitely has enough power when you need it, the exhaust note sounds great when just at cruising speeds. The interior & center stack is really situated nicely and has a regal look and feel as well. If you are in the market for a RRS go get one and dont waste time, hard to find, not that available.
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Best of Breed - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Flyer - February 18 - 5:53 pmThis is the fifteenth Land Rover I have had include RRs, Disco, D-90s and even another Sport. It is the fastest, best equipped, smartest looking vehicle LR has made. It performs well in all modes and brings to the driving experience the combination of luxury and on/off road performance with several driving options.
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All around suv, vince - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By vince - January 31 - 4:06 amI have tried all the suvs on the market and so far this is the best to date. You have all the capibilities and comfort for the money. I hope this high will last for many miles.
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Coolest SUV - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By DCorey - December 17 - 1:03 pmVery high coolness factor. Sweet Sounding Supercharged Engine that pushes this ride like an M3. The stereo/dvd system is the best Ive experienced in a vehicle. The memory seat buttons are tough to navigate due to space, but other than that the interior is flawless. Needs to have power lift gate for my wife since she is the primary driver :( . Back seats a little rigid and tight for long runs. Auto wipers and seats/steering column a bit quirky. Dealer picks up and delivers. Cant Beat That. At the dealer twice for scheduled maintenance.
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Range Rover Sport Rocks - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By mmec - October 26 - 6:10 pmIf youre looking for an SUV that drives as smooth as a luxury sedan, handles like a sports car, plush interior, and is a real off road vehicle...look no further then the Range Rover Sport. Best in its class, best on the road
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Our dream suv !! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By MGB - September 17 - 8:36 pmCould not be happier with this purchase. I traded in my BMW X5 4.4 toward the purchase of this and I am so pleased to have done so. Never thought a Land Rover would drive even better than a BMW! The whole family loves it. The Best SUV I have ever owned. (Have owned 9 Previously). This vehicle is incredibly well engineered. Serious Curb Appeal! Cant Wait to take the first long trip with it. Only Problem with it is you dont realize how fast you are moving in a nearly 6000 LB vehicle because it is so smooth and quiet.
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Very Impressed - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Pete - July 12 - 2:40 amHave owned two weeks now and so far very happy with this vehicle. Performs very well on dry, wet and snow covered roads from acceleration to handling and braking. Tried all the competitors and for the best choice for performance plus off road capabilities this vehicle won the contest. I did not buy this for fuel economy (who buys a supercharged car for good gas mileage) so I am not put off by the 14 mpg I am getting.
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Gorgeous design - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By kungpao - June 28 - 1:20 amYep, I am a gal that owns the Sport and I absolutely dig this car! Of course the gas mileage can be an issue but other than that and a few other issues: the tailgate is a little heavy for me to pull down, there isnt a lot of room for stuff in the center console (girls need room for stuff!) and the steering wheel blocks the odometer panel so that I am constantly having to look around and through it to see the stats etc... Now for the positive stuff! Design is incomparable! This is a beauty on the exterior and I got the total package so my clients can feel comfortable when viewing property. (Im in real estate). My kids love the dvd and surround sound, its killer! Buy it, you deserve it!
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Wow! Amazing Best car I ever owned - 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By coldenny@yahoo.com - April 22 - 8:01 pmThis car is amazing! Ive owed this now for 18 mouths and put on about 26,000 miles on it. Truly a total package. Very fast, ride is smooth and exciting ! I receive unbelievable gas miles On my hour commute to work which is 50 miles one way I can average 26 to 30 miles per gallon. This is mostly highway driving at highway speeds. Think about that a 500 + horse powered 5500lb car getting these kind of numbers! Everyone that I take for a ride is super impressed. I also Live in snow country never an issue !
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My supercharged rover! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Rick Respicio - April 4 - 1:40 amIts been a month now since we got our RR Sport Supercharged and it has been and still is and will always be "FUN TO DRIVE"! If you dont mind the gas mileage on this baby then you should take a look at this SUV. I checked out the competition and this became my choice of toy. Overall, I give high remarks on the FUN FACTOR, Performance, Overall Design, Quality, Creature Comforts, etc. Maybe they should rename this car and badge it as "Range Rover SuperSport"! ;)
