Although the name can cause confusion, the Range Rover Sport is distinctively different from Land Rover's familiar flagship, the Range Rover. It's shorter, lower, sportier, and more affordable, with a starting price that's substantially less than its big brother. Its engaging character is reminiscent of its German competitors, but the Sport lacks the Range Rover's comfy, refined ride. Another appeal for families is an optional but tiny third-row seat.
The Sport gets the same weight-saving aluminum construction as the Range Rover. We tested a 340-hp, 3.0-liter V6 model, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This powertrain delivered effortless power as well as 18 mpg overall, which isn't outstanding but isn't bad considering the Sport's potent performance. Towing capacity is a hefty 7,715 pounds. However, for 2019, this engine was dropped and replaced by a 355-hp, inline 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which also comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Handling is quite responsive and the Range Rover Sport is taut as it hunkers down in corners. The steering is on the heavy side but doesn't transmit much feedback. When pushed to its limits, the Sport was secure, although its stability-control system intervenes quite early to keep this heavy vehicle out of trouble.
The Range Rover Sport's biggest shortcoming is its stiff, choppy ride.
For off-road use, the Sport provides various electronic modes for driving on sand, mud, and gravel. It managed to scale our rock hill -- even without low range. It's only available as an option.
Interior fit and finish is excellent. Drivers sit up high, with plenty of room and very good visibility to the front and sides because of large windows and a low dashboard.
Chairlike front seats are comfortable and accommodating, with a wide range of power adjustments. Large bolsters offer plenty of lateral support, but bigger drivers might find them somewhat confining. There is ample rear-seat room, with firm, well-shaped cushions that provide good support. The optional third row can hold two kids, but it's cramped and a chore to access.
The controls are mostly complicated and frustrating, with the electronic shifter and central touch screen being notable sore points. The unintuitive shifter makes it easy to end up in the wrong gear. It also lacks some desired safeguards to prevent the car from accidentally rolling away when parked.
The touch screen, which controls many basic functions, has small fonts and is slow to respond. At least there's a shortcut for the seat heaters. Pairing a phone isn't as easy as in most systems. Voice controls can be used for a number of functions, but they require a specific sequence of commands rather than natural speech.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard.
Although the Sport is significantly less expensive than the more opulent Range Rover, it still costs more than high-tech competitors like the BMW X5.