The Range Rover Sport is available in SE, HSE, Supercharged, Supercharged Dynamic, Autobiography and high-performance SVR models. SE and HSE get a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6, while a new 3.0L turbo diesel six-cylinder is optional, which makes 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Supercharged and Autobiography models step up to a 510-horsepower supercharged V8. The SVR version gets an even more powerful, 550-horsepower version of the supercharged V8 engine. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration with any of these models is very quick -- just 6.9 seconds to 60 mph for the base engine.
The 4-wheel-drive system in the Range Rover Sport provides a bias toward the rear wheels, sending more power to them most of the time for a more stable on-the-road driving feel. It works in conjunction with a Torsen differential and single-speed transfer case, while a separate system with a two-speed transfer case and low range is optional. An available Terrain Response 2 system lets the driver simply dial in different conditions and terrains such as snow, mud, sand, gravel or rocks, and the all-wheel drive and electronic stability systems will automatically choose the best settings and torque distribution to traverse it smoothly and confidently. Separately, the stability system offers a Dynamic mode, oriented toward enthusiastic driving on the road.
Beside the driver is a simplified control layout, with a higher center console and more sophisticated, customizable displays. Highlights among in-dash interface options include a 12.3-inch TFT display, along with a separate 5-inch TFT display, as well as an 8-inch touch screen at the center of the dash for entertainment, navigation and other 'secondary' functions. When the stability control is in its Dynamic mode, the displays on that main TFT screen change to a red theme.
Underpinning the Range Rover Sport is a 4-corner air suspension with variable ride height. It has several different ride heights, depending on the speed (the maximum clearance is only available up to 31 mph), and can adjust its height about seven inches. The suspension is made of aluminum and fully independent, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in back. In all, the suspension allows more than ten inches of travel for both the front and rear travel--an asset for off-roading, where wheel articulation is important. Steering is an electric-assist rack-and-pinion system, while brakes are strong Brembo 4-wheel vented discs.
Five can fit in the Range Rover Sport, although on both the SE and Supercharged models, there's a third-row seating option that expands total capacity to seven; the setup doesn't sacrifice any cargo space as it folds completely flat into the floor when not in use.
To help improve fuel efficiency, the Range Rover Sport gets Intelligent Stop/Start technology. This system automatically stops the engine when at a stoplight, restarting it instantaneously as soon as the brake is released. But much attention has also been paid to cabin noise; the Sport has multiple levels of extra sound deadening to help keep the interior quiet well beyond the levels of a normal luxury vehicle. Acoustic laminated glass is used to keep out noise, and special bushings for the suspension help avoid transmission of road noise.
Safety features in the Range Rover Sport include front, side curtain and thorax airbags, plus active front seat belts. A number of active-safety features are available in the Range Rover Sport and they might help avoid an accident entirely. Examples include Lane Blind Spot Monitoring, Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Flank Guard, Automatic High Beam Assist, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Reverse Traffic Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist. Adaptive cruise control is also available and it will brake automatically if it anticipates a collision.
The more contemporary, elongated design of the Sport, with its clamshell hood and floating roof design, along with side fender vents, is easily distinguished from a distance, while LED lamps are now used for the headlight and taillight clusters. Red Brembo brake calipers signal the sportier intent of this model. Range Rover points out that there are 11 interior color themes, four different aluminum interior finishes, three real wood veneers, three headliner colors, and three contrast roof colors, along with a total of 19 exterior hues. Wheel options range from 19 to 22 inches in a variety of designs.
One key difference that the Range Rover Sport HSE offers over the SE is a standard Dual Moon Roof; but it also includes perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats and additional trim. Outside of the engine upgrade, the Supercharged model gets adaptive damping, as well as steering-wheel paddle-shifters. Towards the top of the lineup, the Autobiography gets adaptive headlamps with Automatic High-Beam Assist, upgraded ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a center-console cooler, most of the aforementioned active-safety items and a 1700-watt Meridian Signature Reference system with 23 speakers, including a subwoofer. It's part of a connectivity package that includes voice control, Bluetooth audio streaming (and hands-free calling) and full USB connectivity.
Other noteworthy options include a rear-seat entertainment system, 4-zone climate control and a 7700-lb tow package.
Unique Style Inside And Out
Quiet, Luxurious Cabin
Seating For Up To Seven
Improved On-road Performance
Off-road Prowess
Wide Range Of Active-safety Features
Excellent Engines
For 2016, the Range Rover Sport gains a V6 turbo diesel engine that makes 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. A hands-free power tailgate is now standard, as is Auto Access Height self-lowering suspension, which makes vehicle entry and exit easier for occupants. The All-Terrain Progress Control low-speed crawl feature is improved and rearview and surround-view cameras now display in higher definition. Finally, the InControl Remote app grants unique remote control features to a smartphone, including remote door locks, remote start, fuel level, and automatic notification of emergency services in the event of a crash.
Compared to the Range Rover on which it's based, the Range Rover Sport is about six inches shorter in length and two inches lower. The Sport has somewhat different packaging, with a lower seating position and more of an emphasis on handling and on-road performance. It does, however, retain an impressive level of off-road prowess.
The Range Rover Sport is a fast and agile performer, thanks to its lightweight all-aluminum construction. With major improvements in interior packaging and design, it is a more pleasant place for passengers, providing a luxurious, refined place. Compared to other models in its class, the Range Rover Sport doesn't make as much of a sacrifice in ride quality for handling and off-road prowess, while its feature set and luxurious cabin appointments are a step above some in the same price range. Key rivals include the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, INFINITI QX70 and Cadillac Escalade.
