In-depth reviews

Range Rover Sport SUV review

“The new Sport offers so much luxury and refinement that the full-size Range Rover almost seems unnecessary”

Carbuyer Rating

4.4 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Unflappable refinement
  • Luxurious interior
  • Powerful engines

Cons

  • Not quite as sporty as name suggests
  • Sluggish gearbox
  • More expensive than before

Verdict - Is the Range Rover Sport a good car?

The latest Range Rover Sport is sublimely comfortable and refined, with interior quality and technology that now rivals the best in a competitive class. It’s also capable of spanning an incredible range of conditions from challenging B-roads to tough off-road routes, without feeling compromised in any one area.

Range Rover Sport models, specs and alternatives

The Land Rover brand has evolved considerably over the years. The original Land Rover Series 1 was intended to be little more than a utilitarian workhorse for those in the country. Following the release of the Range Rover Classic in 1970, the British marque realised the incredible demand for luxurious 4x4s and began catering for that sector of the market.

In 2005, Land Rover released the first-ever Range Rover Sport as a smaller, more affordable version of the full-size Range Rover. That’s not to say the Sport was any less desirable than its larger sibling; it still boasted a luxurious interior, but also promised a much more dynamic driving experience.

Range Rover headerTop 10 best luxury SUVs 2023

The latest iteration of the Range Rover Sport was launched in September 2022 and comes as part of the luxury brand’s ‘Reimagine’ initiative, which aims to bring its range of gas-guzzling SUVs into the new low-emissions, electrified age.

While the new Sport is visually more of an evolution over its predecessor (slimmer lights and a less-cluttered design are the most distinct aesthetic differences), the SUV has undergone a revolution under the metal. The third-generation Sport now sits on new e ‘MLA-Flex’ underpinnings, the same as the latest full-size Range Rover.

This new platform has allowed for a greater capacity for electrification. The entry-level D300 mild-hybrid diesel is claimed to return over 34mpg, whereas both plug-in hybrid models boast a pure-electric range of nearly 70 miles – significantly more than what’s possible in the equivalent BMW X5 xDrive45e, and roughly twice as far as the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid.

Of course, if you can afford the new Range Rover Sport (prices start from over £80,000), you probably aren’t too worried about high running costs. Land Rover knows this and also offers the Sport with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with 523bhp; a less -powerful 3.0-litre petrol model is also available.

Another huge leap has been made on the inside as the new Sport’s interior offers a much higher level of finish than its predecessor. Nearly everything you touch feels of impeccable quality, while Land Rover’s latest 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is incredibly intuitive and quick to respond.

All of this, alongside a spacious boot and unmatched comfort and refinement, makes the Range Rover Sport one of the most desirable new cars on the market right now. Buyers can specify their ideal car in one of four ascending trim levels: SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography and the limited-run ‘First Edition’.

The majority of Land Rover models hold their value well, so Sport finance deals should be competitive with rivals. Unfortunately, despite being available with several fuel-sipping engines, Range Rovers are notoriously expensive to run and insure – and we expect the Sport to be no different.

New Range Rover Sport SV arriving in 2024

High-performance Range Rover Sport SV Edition One confirmed with £170k price tag and 626bhp

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

Fans of truly high-performance Range Rover Sport models won’t have long to wait, thanks to the confirmation of a flagship SV model’s arrival in 2024. The launch Edition One version will get a serious price hike to £171,460, but it’s also loaded with go-faster and luxury upgrades to take on the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 M Competition.

The Range Rover Sport’s chassis has come in for serious attention, with the SV featuring a similar hydraulic setup to that found on a McLaren 720S supercar, with no need for conventional anti-roll bars. This can control how the car behaves over a wide variety of roads, firming up to improve handling when needed, before softening to boost comfort or off-road ability in the blink of an eye. The Edition One is also fitted with a set of 23-inch carbon fibre wheels that are a significant 35.6kg lighter than four of the standard forged aluminium items.

Range Rover Sport SV

The SV’s BMW-derived 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 will produce 626bhp – a 59bhp increase on the outgoing Range Rover Sport SVR model – dropping its 0-62mph time to 3.8 seconds. To reign in this power, a new set of 440mm carbon ceramic discs are fitted that equal the biggest brakes fitted to any other new model.

Inside, the SV model will gain haptic seats with pulse generators that augment the sensations provided by the 19-speaker Meridian sound system. There will be two leather interior themes and an additional leather-free option – the latter using a newly developed textile, along with carbon-backed sports seats. From the outside, the SV will look relatively subtle, featuring new bumpers, side skirts and a carbon fibre bonnet for a less aggressive look than the old SVR.

Alongside the SV, the brand also confirmed wider changes for the Range Rover Sport range for 2024. These include the arrival of an updated plug-in hybrid P550e model with a pure electric range of up to 75 miles, replacing the P510e and boasting CO2 emissions from just 15g/km. At the other end of the scale, the P530 V8 gains mild hybrid hardware for the first time to boost its efficiency.

The updated Sport will also gain the latest version of Pivi Pro infotainment, with new sidebars and “easy-to-use sliders” for the volume and climate control, which are always present no matter what’s displayed on the 13.1-inch glass display. JLR claims 80% of tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen.

Recommended

Kia EV9 review – the seven-seater EV to beat?
Kia EV9
In-depth reviews
7 Dec 2023

Kia EV9 review – the seven-seater EV to beat?

Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV review
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2023

Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV review

Porsche Cayenne Coupe review - less practical, even more fun
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2023

Porsche Cayenne Coupe review - less practical, even more fun

Renault Scenic review - class-leading range
Renault Scenic
In-depth reviews
28 Nov 2023

Renault Scenic review - class-leading range

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024
Best cars for 200 per month
Best cars
28 Nov 2023

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024

More on Range Rover Sport

Range Rover Sport PHEV review
Range Rover Sport P510e 2023 front
In-depth reviews
1 May 2023

Range Rover Sport PHEV review

“The Range Rover Sport PHEV is luxurious and smooth to drive and offers certain drivers lower running costs, too”
Driving in snow and ice: top winter driving tips
Driving in snow and ice: top winter driving tips
Tips and advice
12 Dec 2022

Driving in snow and ice: top winter driving tips

Winter driving requires careful handling; our guide explains how to drive in the snow and other icy conditions
Top 10 slowest-depreciating cars on sale 2022
Porsche 911 GT3
Car buying
16 Jun 2022

Top 10 slowest-depreciating cars on sale 2022

Here are the cars that hold their value best in the UK - the slowest-depreciating models you can buy
It’s here: all-new Range Rover Sport unveiled
Sport 1
Range Rover Sport
10 May 2022

It’s here: all-new Range Rover Sport unveiled

Following the release of the full-sized Range Rover, its smaller sibling gets sleeker styling and an equally tech-filled cabin
Range Rover Sport PHEV SUV (2013-2022) review
Range Rover Sport PHEV
In-depth reviews
22 Mar 2022

Range Rover Sport PHEV SUV (2013-2022) review

“The Range Rover Sport PHEV could prove to be far cheaper to run than other models in the range, and it’s more luxurious, too”
Range Rover Sport SUV review (2013-2022)
Range Rover Sport driving
In-depth reviews
17 Jan 2022

Range Rover Sport SUV review (2013-2022)

"The Range Rover Sport isn’t cheap, but it offers most of its big brother’s luxury, while being more fun to drive"
Range Rover and Range Rover Sport feature new mild-hybrid diesel engine
Range Rover Westminster Edition
Range Rover
15 Jul 2020

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport feature new mild-hybrid diesel engine

Both Range Rover models available as new special editions
Range Rover Sport HST special edition breaks cover
Range Rover Sport HST special edition driving
Range Rover Sport PHEV
13 Feb 2019

Range Rover Sport HST special edition breaks cover

The Range Rover Sport HST gets a new engine and exclusive options
Used Range Rover Sport buying guide: 2005-2013 (Mk1)
Range Rover Sport SUV
7 Feb 2019

Used Range Rover Sport buying guide: 2005-2013 (Mk1)

Using many traditional Range Rover design cues, but with a sportier, lower shape, the Range Rover Sport is a fantastic all-rounder
Range Rover Sport SVR review
Road tests
17 Oct 2018

Range Rover Sport SVR review

Supercar performance meets SUV style and off-road ability
2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography details revealed
Range Rover SUV
28 Nov 2017

2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography details revealed

Flagship Range Rover now available as a hybrid and is more luxurious than ever
2018 Range Rover Sport launches with plug-in hybrid option
Range Rover Sport SUV
3 Oct 2017

2018 Range Rover Sport launches with plug-in hybrid option

Facelifted Ranger Rover Sport available as a plug-in hybrid and hot 567bhp SVR model
Range Rover Sport HSE
Car trim reviews
5 Aug 2015

Range Rover Sport HSE

"The entry-level Range Rover Sport is far from basic inside."
Range Rover Sport SVR
Car trim reviews
9 Mar 2015

Range Rover Sport SVR

The Range Rover Sport SVR offers enormous performance from it's huge 5.0-litre petrol engine. Unsurprisingly it has a vast price tag to match.
Updated Range Rovers get technology boost
Range Rover SUV
5 Nov 2014

Updated Range Rovers get technology boost

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport updated with engine tweaks, head-up display and off-roading technology
Range Rover Sport SVR debut
Range Rover Sport SUV
10 Aug 2014

Range Rover Sport SVR debut

Fastest Land Rover ever costs £93,450 and will appear at Pebble Beach
Range Rover SVR revealed
Range Rover Sport SUV
30 Jun 2014

Range Rover SVR revealed

Land Rover releases full video and pictures of fastest Range Rover ever
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Car trim reviews
19 May 2014

Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic

CarBuyer’s most popular Instagram pictures
Range Rover Sport 2013 front static
Range Rover Sport SUV
8 Nov 2013

CarBuyer’s most popular Instagram pictures

We list our most popular Instagram pictures as part of our birthday celebrations
New Range Rover Hybrid unveiled
New Range Rover hybrid SUV 2013 main
Range Rover SUV
21 Aug 2013

New Range Rover Hybrid unveiled

An efficient new Range Rover Hybrid will be added to the SUV line-up in September
Range Rover Sport SUV (2005-2013)
In-depth reviews
8 Aug 2013

Range Rover Sport SUV (2005-2013)

“The Range Rover Sport is better to drive on road than the original Range Rover, but lacks its plush image.”
Range Rover Sport 2014: What to expect
Range Rover Sport 2013 front tracking
Range Rover Sport SUV
5 Jun 2013

Range Rover Sport 2014: What to expect

Everything you need to know about the new 2014 Range Rover Sport
New Range Rover Sport (2014) price and specs
Range Rover Sport 2013 front tracking
Range Rover SUV
26 Apr 2013

New Range Rover Sport (2014) price and specs

Land Rover has revealed the price and specifications of its new Range Rover Sport

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023