The latest Sport model utilises the same MLA-Flex platform as the Range Rover – architecture which can be used to accommodate all-electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid powertrains.
Its minimalist exterior styling and sumptuous cabin certainly set the right tone, while onboard infotainment is the best yet, and optional rear-wheel steering helps the Sport’s manoeuvrability in town. A range of mild-hybrid petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines add to its appeal, while an all-electric model will be introduced soon.
Entry into the Range Rover Sport engine line-up starts with the 247bhp D250 3.0-litre diesel, a 296bhp D300 version of the same engine, followed by an even more potent 345bhp D350. People paying Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax will be more interested in the P460e and P550e PHEVs, which pack more of a punch with 454bhp and 543bhp, respectively. The 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine found in the P530 provides a whopping 523bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.3 seconds. The high-performance SV version uses a twin-turbocharged V8 that produces a whopping 626bhp, and propels this large SUV from 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Available trim levels include S, SE, Dynamic SE and Autobiography, with a standalone SV model for those wanting the fastest Range Rover Sport. As we’ve already mentioned, the S is generously equipped, while the SE piles on the luxury features with upgraded Windsor leather, adaptive LED headlights and 20-way electrically adjustable front seats. Dynamic SE provides a Satin Dark Grey finish for the alloy wheels and interior chrome accents, while Autobiography comes with an uprated Meridian 3D sound system, 22-way electrically adjustable front seats, and 22-inch alloy wheels.
You’re more likely to find the Range Rover Sport on-road rather than off it, and to that end, you can get some handy suspension and steering aids as part of the Stormer Handling Pack to benefit low-speed manoeuvrability, along with high-speed stability if you do try to push this 2.3 tonne SUV at some corners. There’s a strong line-up of sensible diesel engines or bonkers V8 petrol grunt. But behind all this, the Sport is still a cosseting luxury car at heart, with a great balance between long-distance comfort and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics. Read more about the Range Rover Sport’s engines, performance and drive…
Anyone buying a £75,000-plus car is (hopefully) under no illusion that it’ll be inexpensive to run, and the same is true of the Range Rover Sport. While its residual values are expected to be better than some of its rivals, it will still consume plenty of fuel (or electricity if you’re running the plug-in hybrid model), and insurance is likely to be pricey. Company car drivers will be much better off financially going for either the P460e or P550e plug-in hybrid models because they’re in a five per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax band, whereas everything else is in the 37 per cent band. Read more about the Range Rover Sport’s MPG, emissions and running costs…
Numerous subtle changes to the exterior of the Range Rover Sport have cleaned up its design while maintaining its distinctive look. The interior carries on this minimalist trend, although deleting the easy-to-use rotary climate control dials is a backward step in our view. The technology is a step on from what went before, but the display is a little busier than before, now that there isn’t a second screen in the Sport to divide functions between. Read more about the Range Rover Sport’s interior, design and technology…
Unlike its predecessor, you cannot get the latest Range Rover Sport with seven seats. For that, you’ll need to side-step towards the Discovery, Defender or upgrade to the full-fat Ranger Rover LWB. That omission might put some buyers off, but in the end, you still have a big five-seater car with a sizeable boot. We’d like to see a little more rear passenger legroom, because there are numerous older rivals with more generous rear quarters. Towing capacity for anyone lugging around a trailer, caravan or horsebox is excellent. Read more about the Range Rover Sport’s boot space, comfort and practicality…
Those putting their faith in the fact that they’ll be safe in a car the size of the Range Rover Sport will not be disappointed, because it gets a top five-star score from Euro NCAP. It also comes fully equipped with all the safety assistance technology you’d expect of an expensive luxury car. Land Rover has also been steadily improving the brand’s Driver Power customer satisfaction score, with a fine 10th place out of 32 manufacturers result in our 2024 rankings. Read more about the Range Rover Sport’s reliability and safety…
Range Rover Sport alternatives
The Range Rover Sport sits in the Land Rover range above the Range Rover Velar, and below the Range Rover as a more sporty version of the brand’s most luxurious SUV. Up against the Sport are rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Porsche Cayenne.
Buyers considering a seven-seater will need to look towards either the Audi Q7 or BMW X5, because the latest Sport has lost the option of two fold-out chairs in the boot, leaving you to dig deeper into your savings and upgrade to the long-wheelbase version of the pricier Range Rover.
The Cayenne is perhaps a little sharper to drive, but you pay the price in terms of ride quality compared with the more supple Sport, and the Porsche can’t match the Range Rover’s imposing driving position. The Cayenne doesn’t hold its value nearly as well as the Sport, which is important to consider when totting up running costs.
In terms of plug-in hybrids, the extra capacity of the Sport’s 38.4kWh battery over the 29.7kWh X5 xDrive50e means it can go further on electric power alone, but the more efficient GLE can travel a similar distance as the Sport on battery power, despite having a smaller 25kWh battery. As long as you can tolerate the much smaller boot of the GLE due to the battery pack taking up valuable space, the Mercedes might be the one to go for if running costs are important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although Land Rover has historically had a questionable reliability record, the brand finished 10th (out of 32) in the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, coming four places higher than BMW.
