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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  Electronic gremlins - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Sin City Ferrari - December 30 - 12:33 pm

  With 13 months of ownership I can honestly say Im seriously debating whether to get another one when the lease is up. The recent electronic gremlins, engine light turns on and off, and noises the vehicle is exhibiting is suprising for a vehicle costing 75k+. One day the radio and nav didnt work; I was ready to drop it off at the dealership when it miraculously started working again. The engine light intermittently turns on and off. Theres also this "crunching" noise when I drive over large bumps. Definitely will have the dealership look into this. On a positive note, I enjoy the supercharged motor, the exterior styling and interior ergonomics.

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  Great Leap Forward... - 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By senator1971 - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  I collected the car in a blizzard 2 weeks ago. Since then, Ive only done a couple of hundred miles including a 100 mile round trip yesterday. Car is light years ahead of the previous model. I was a little skeptical of buying the V6 due to the power drop over the normally aspirated V8 of the previous RRS, but the car feels much stronger than the figures portray and I dont regret not getting the V8. Design and finish are way ahead of last gen, as is the ride quality on standard 20" wheels. Capability in the snow and ice has been excellent as well. Interior space, particularly in the back, is way up on the previous model.

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  RRS S/C 4 ME!! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By midwesting - November 1 - 4:00 pm

  Fast,nimble,handles like a sports car with true off road ability that few other SUVs can match. Chose the RRS S/C over the Cayenne and could not be happier. SIRIUS,Bluetooth,NAV,active HID headlights,headrest monitors with DVD changer,heated seats - completely loaded. Gas mileage needs improvement but I didnt buy it for gas mileage.

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  Sporty, Luxury -- Fun to Drive! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rick - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle is mostly just simply a lot of fun to drive. It handles great (for an SUV), feels solid and tight, looks great (you can judge for yourself) --- and wraps you in luxury and more options than I can count. The sound system is outstanding - the best I have ever had in a vehicle (including high-end Mercedes). This is my first Land Rover product and I have been very impressed by the overall quaity of the interior and exterior fit and finish, and the overall feeling of sportiness and luxury. Also, it is actually very spacious on the inside.

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  Durning 1st Year of Ownership - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By 2006_rrs - October 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is a great vehicle inside out. I love the look of the RRS. Customer Services were great at both location in S. CA area. Problems that I had during my 1st year of ownership: Suspension Faults, compressor problems, Tailgate struts failure, Brakes squeeks after a few thousand miles, Engine Light comes on often, car shuts off by itself very often, Clicking Noise when making turns, rough transmission shifting at low speed, Spent 40+ days in shop. When vehicle is out of the shop: turns head, nice sound system with 6 cd changer that plays MP3. Est. 170 songs per CD. Nice driving position, Air Suspension, Touchscreen Navi & Radio is separate on dash. A++.

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  This is a great Rover! - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By JJF030 - October 2 - 11:36 am

  After owning 2 LR3s and 2 X5s I upgraded to the RR Sport. This is a great SUV, and is truly king of the mountain. Dont be deceived by the scary reliability ratings, Ive had more trouble out of Lexus and BMW products. The vehicles are sometimes quirky, but the issues are small and infrequent. Plus the dealer is great to work with and always gives you a Rover loaner. Plus, this is the best looking SUV on the market. I have never had so many compliments. I would recommend the RR Sport to anyone that appreciates a refined luxury SUV.

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  Sitting Pretty - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By College Dude - September 10 - 6:23 am

  I bought the Range Rover Sport because I wanted something that not many people drove. I was originally going to get a luxury sport sedan of some sort, but I fell in love with this Range. The exterior is what really brought me to buy it. It is extremely sleek and sexy. I get looks everywhere I go. The interior really surrounds you and makes you feel like you are part of the car. The only draw back that prevented me from buying it the day that I saw it was the Land Rovers terrible reliability. The dealer assured me that those days were over, but within a week of my purchase, some suspension lights came on. I got that fixed and havent had a problem since. This car stands out.

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  What the RRS should always have been... - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By LR Newbie - September 6 - 7:00 pm

  I always liked the idea of the Range Rover Sport but to me the interior was always too close to the LR3/Discovery and no where near the Range Rover. The 2010 model has addressed this biggest flaw and at the same time brought the standard model up to a performance level which is worthy of the word "sport". I took delivery on Friday and drove 500 miles over the weekend on a combination of highways and back roads. The car feels very solid on the highway with great control on the more winding roads and the seats are superb. Its a big step up in comfort from my old ML550 but performance isnt close to the ML but certainly on the right side of adequate.

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  The Ultimate Luxury SUV - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Flash G - September 5 - 11:53 am

  I traded in my 1997 Range Rover 4.6 HSE for the new Range Rover Sport HSE. You get the best of both worlds with the Range Rover Sport: The classic Range Rover styling and off-road capabilities coupled with the performance of a luxury sedan. The design of this vehicle is very upmarket. It is a handsome car. The interior quality is excellent. I have the very rare upgraded "Ivory" leather and cherry wood which looks much more opulent than the darker "Alpaca" and standard black "Ebony" interior. It looks and feels like a fine British coach. (I do wish the seats had darker piping like the big Rover.) Excellent power, handling and ride. Electronics are top notch. All A+

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  Im Ridin Dirty - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Richard - September 1 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased my Sport very recently; but Im already in love with it. My initial city/road mix is yielding 18 mpg, which is as good as my 6 year old Volvo S80...but a much cooler ride. I have more features than I ever imagined and even added a few extra items such as the side molding, wind deflectors and rear lamp guards. This is truly the way to roll; even if youll never get off road with it. As well, the service and treatment for purchasing a product like this was as expected. And the bottom line, the gas mileage is weak, but if you have to worry about gas prices when youre buying a SUV for $62k...you shouldnt be buying it. My favorite vehicle of 28 Ive had!!