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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  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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  you get what you pay for - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By sprsnic - May 7 - 3:16 am

  Yes this SUV is one of the most expensive in its class, but you get what you pay for. Great looks, good power, comfortable, and a killer stereo. This Land Rover does not disappoint.

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  Fortunately the lease is almost up - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Bob Smith - May 5 - 8:23 am

  Where to begin? I live, work in wash DC, 33 month old vehicle has 27,000 miles. Performance: this winter had 3 major snow storms, had to be pushed out of snow three times in this "go anywhere, do anything" vehicle. Woefully underpowered, acceleration terrible, Burns gas like Boeing 757, Im at the gas station more than the office, handles like an 18 Wheeler. Both front/rear brakes need replacement in 20,000 miles-not covered under warranty. Needs "realignment" about every 7-8k miles (not covered under warranty). Interior: displays are small, difficult to read, green backlite awful, "mahogany" console trim so uneven you can cut yourself, bill Gates couldnt figure out electronics, nav system is a joke.

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  Nice All Around - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Broskay - May 3 - 8:46 am

  I have always wanted a RRS mainly because of its good looks. I decided against buying the 09 model because I considered it not technologically up to date. My 2005 Infiniti FX 35 came with a back up camera, which was still missing in the RRS as at last year. They sure did make up for all the short comings this time around. I really dont have a lot of problems with the fact that the exterior is not significantly differentiated from the old model. Ive always considered the exterior look beautiful.I get to take it on a drive to Tennessee this weekend for Thanksgiving and Im sure it is going to be a fun ride based on what Ive experienced cruising around town so far. The drive is really smooth

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  Super Duper Charged - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Freddie - April 10 - 3:20 pm

  After one week of driving this car, i am amazed at what it can do. The performance and handling are amazing. I looked at other performance SUVs and I know I made the right choice. The truck is fully loaded and is fun to drive. You have the feeling of complete control while driving.

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  Just pure fun - AMAZING - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Dennis - March 17 - 5:26 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I replaced my 2004 A8 4.2 with 2007 RRS- SC and this car is truly amazing. I loved my Audi & enjoyed driving it - and this SUV is just as much fun as the A8! I also have a GL 550, but the GL isnt as fun as RRS. GL does have better ride quality - since RRS-SC is a bit stiff - it trades off with RRS sporty nature & agility. Its a true drivers car. If you are looking for a sexy, sporty, driver-fun car - go for it! but if u are looking for soft, passenger-comfort car, go for the full- size Range Rover.

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  RR Sport Rocks - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By billb - March 15 - 12:40 pm

  Simply a pleasure...Everthing about the car says luxury and cornering in this vehicle is a breeze. This SUV is made for someone looking for that "sport car feel" with all the off road capability. To me that gives you the best of both worlds. That being said if you need the the absolute best from both worlds dont expect this car to deliver. It is made to handle almost anything not outperform everything.

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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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  Unbelievable - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By headhunter - February 17 - 10:43 pm

  Being a previous owner of 4 Range Rovers and the BMW one can appreciate the differences between them.First off build quality has without a doubt improved through the years, the terrian response system for off roading is nothing short of stellar, and yes i really take it off road. The redesign of the a- pillar has quieted the wind noise nicely from the 2003 rover. The rrs has more room than the X5, rides better etc. A friend has the cayenne s very similar performance with the rover having a much better package (upscale in every department). In short a great car!!!

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  Dont waste your money ! - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Karen - January 23 - 10:10 pm

  The 2008 Range Rover Sport is the biggest mistake I ever purchased.I had a BMW X5 4.4 before this and a Mercedes ML 450 and both were better than this horrible truck.If you wear glasses forget the heated front wind shield, the lines create a glare that will give you a headache. The horn is another nightmare , good luck finding it when you really need it.The design of the interior is idiotic as well.Where is the button for the rear hatch? Opening the rear hatch is a challenge in itself. There is nothing nice to say about this truck and the next 30 months of this lease are going to be painful !!!