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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Very nice SUV - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By chris - March 28 - 3:56 amThere are only 2 brands of SUVs in the world, in America there Jeeps and in the rest of the world there are Land Rovers. Sophistication meets true 4x4 ability, the one aspect all other SUVs lack. Truly refined luxury, solid, and fun to drive. This machine makes you feel good driving it. Thank God Ford made a better engine, my disco was weak in the power area and this machine is a powerhouse. Its not as interactive as a BMW, where all the electronics almost know what you want and everything works together, but it is a wonderful machine in its own rights. Yes, even a 2008 Tahoe has more "stuff", a X5 is more electronically advance, and some have more room, but this is an amazing SUV!
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The best - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By smith - March 19 - 3:43 pmThis land rover is just like its older brother but is more sportier in the inside and out. It delivers the best quality performance you would like in the price range for this SUV. During the test drive, we went on a 70 degree angle which I thought we were going to tip but the sales lady assured me that these cars were made to do this off road activity and give a sporty atitude at the same time. Its not very powerful, I would compare the power to a BMW X5 3.0. However the Supercharged is very powerful like the X5 4.8. I give this car an A+ in all its capabilities and performance.
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Supercharged about my Supercharged - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By p - January 11 - 9:43 amI love this truck. I looked at, and drove, virtually every high-end SUV on the market. Nothing came close to the RRS Supercharged in terms of style, ride and power.
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Turning Heads - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Aman Sabharwal - November 28 - 8:00 pmI am very happy with my new RRS. It is sturdy, and the build quality is superb. It is fun to drive and fun to drive over things. Nice turining radius and the air suspension is nice. I applaud LR for using the Denso Navi system (like lexus). Unlike porsche and other makes, there is no cheap plastic inside.
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Lovin it - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By jndcav - November 27 - 4:40 amLove the ride and comfort. Fuel mileage is better than I expected ( as high as 21 but overall average 16.5). Very quite interior with just the right amount of engine noise under hard acceleration. Navigation system has worked perfectly every time. Exterior design is very eye catching. This vehicle does one thing most other import luxury SUV cant it is rated to tow 7700 pounds. No real problems in almost 3000 miles, only a check engine light that went off on its own ( I think it was the gas cap not on correctly) and a rear speaker cover that keeps falling off.
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Range Rover Sport - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Darlene - October 27 - 11:36 amVery sporty, fun to drive, A little small inside, but comfortable. Quick acceleration, turns on a dime. Super stereo system.
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Beats the competition, hands down! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Dave W - October 7 - 11:03 pmWhen I first saw the RRS I knew this was the one. I remain impressed with the AWD technology as well as the verifiable reputation that Land Rover has for "getting you there and back" This is one of those cars that after you lock it and walk away, you look over you shoulder to check it out.
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Best LR ive owned/driven - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By quiet - September 18 - 6:50 pmIve slowly moved up from the disco 2 to the lr3 to the rrscs and I gotta tell you this truck is slick and fast. I usually drive on the highway and going from ramp speed to highway speed is a dream. Put this thing in sport mode and two things happens, it sucks a lot of gas but also an adrenalin rush. Ive had no issues other than a having to replace a fuse for the heated seats and the drivers airbag sensor. While Im at it I must also say that no Major issues to report in regards to the lr3 and disco 2.
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Puzzled? - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By Puzzled - August 20 - 4:53 am2 weeks of having the car, the driver seat no longer moves forward- backwards. My wife couldnt drive it since the seat was stuck farther back that her foot is unable to reach the pedals. Funny! Took it to the dealer and was told they had to order a new motor. Came the new motor after couple of weeks and had it installed. The driver seat still didnt work. LR service then told me that it must be the programming. They were puzzled on how to resolve the issue and kept my car for 2 weeks. Talk about reliability! Now Im second guessing if this car was truly worth it.
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not tired of it yet - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
By laserdoc86 - July 27 - 4:19 amI have owned by RRS for 2 years now, and I still love driving this car. I love the driving position, acceleration and looks of the car. It is one of those cars that stands out from the rest. Over all the experience has been positive. The car has been reliable, except for the earlier problems with the camera system, which I really think you only need the rear camera. The brakes do wear early, got mine replaced at 21,000 miles.
