Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review

Gumtree Rating

4.5 rating

Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Sport in 2005, meeting demand for a more compact, racier version of the iconic luxury SUV. Now on its second generation, it has a combination of style, performance and practicality that’s hard to beat. The weight of this bulky machine has been reduced with a switch to aluminium bodywork, but it retains its formidable strength and presence on the road. The handling is smooth and exciting on all terrains, and the Sport also offers a wide range of modern, powerful engines that balance intimidating speed with great efficiency.

Head to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport model page to find out more.

What we think about the Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is exciting luxury SUV with real power and presence.

Pros

+

Fast and fun

+

Handles like a dream

+

Range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and a great petrol hybrid

Cons

Expensive to run

Less roomy than some rivals

The 2020 Range Rover Sport is a five-door, seven-seater SUV. The entry-level model for the range is the P300, which offers a two-litre petrol engine that can provide up to 25.5 mpg. There’s also the P400, another petrol-powered version. The D300 and D350 have diesel engines, while the P400e offers an eco-friendly petrol hybrid unit.

Driving performance of the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

The newer Range Rover Sports are a real joy to drive, with the second-generation’s updated all-aluminium bodywork drastically reducing weight without making the vehicle any less robust. Steering is on the light side but is extremely responsive and agile, ideal for navigating city streets or more winding country roads. There’s very little body lean in corners, and the adjustable suspension keeps the ride comfortable at all times. If you choose to go fully off-road, the Sport’s four-wheel-drive Land Rover pedigree will be evident, and you’ll handle tricky terrain with ease.

Safety and reliability of the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the Range Rover Sport at all, and the last Range Rover certification was given back in 2012. However, the larger model did score well back then, with 91% for its protection of adult passengers, and 86% for its safety features. The Range Rover Sport is likely to be even safer than this, with better tech including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and an intelligent speed-limiter function. There’s also a host of driver assistance features for off-roading, like terrain response and gradient acceleration control.

Under the bonnet of the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

There’s a decent selection of engines for the Range Rover Sport. The basic two-litre petrol unit on the P300 is turbocharged, and provides 296 bhp, which gets you to 62 mph from standing in as little as seven seconds. There’s also the three-litre turbocharged petrol engine on the P400, which includes a mild-hybrid system for 395 bhp output and a 0-62 time of 5.9 seconds. The petrol-hybrid P300e can do 0-62 in 6.7 seconds. The D300 diesel has a three-litre unit, and the more powerful D350 uses this to propel you from 0-60 in just 6.9 seconds. If you really don’t want to compromise on power, the five-litre petrol engine on the SVR can do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, and maxes out at 176 mph.

What you'll find in the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Range Rover branding is always going to turn heads, and the Sport’s aesthetic is dependably sophisticated and cool. With the second generation models, you get an extremely eye-catching car that maintains the classic rugged aggression of a Land Rover, but with a modern, updated feel. It’s a lot more streamlined than the regular Range Rover, with angular lines bringing it closer to the sleek style of the Velar. It sits high off the road and has a slim, sculpted front grille with elegant headlights to match.

Comfort and interiors in the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

Sitting inside the Range Rover Sport is an experience in itself, as the cabin has an opulent feel that is suited to its premium price tag. Everything is well laid-out and spacious, and the materials exude quality and class. The seats’ leather is plush, and many of the switches have an elegant, jewel-like look to them. The slim, ergonomic dashboard also boasts a few luxury leather touches. Like any Range Rover, the Sport can accommodate five adults comfortably, although the back row can be cramped if you need to pack more in.

land rover range rover dashboard

What features you'll find in the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Features Rating9 / 10

The Range Rover Sport offers all the desirable features you’d expect from a luxury car made by such a prestigious brand. Even at the most basic level, you’ll get 21-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats as standard. You can upgrade to get massaging rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and four-zone climate control, among other bonuses. Its onboard infotainment system is accessed via a large ten-inch touchscreen, and it has Apple Play and Android Auto compatibility. There’s also a second touchscreen below this, which allows you to adjust comfort and convenience settings.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Eco-friendly drivers will find a lot to like with the Range Rover Sport. Although the entry-level P300 petrol engine only returns 25.5 mpg, you can get up to 33.8 mpg with the smaller D300 diesel. The P400’s mild-hybrid system means decent efficiency for a three-litre engine, with figures up to 27.7 mpg. Obviously, if keeping fuel costs and emissions down is your top priority, the P400e is the trim for you. Its petrol-hybrid unit delivers up to 86 mpg, with an all-electric range of 26 miles.

Running costs of the Land Rover Range RoverSport

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Opting for a smaller petrol unit or one of the Range Rover Sport’s diesel engines will allow you to make reasonable savings on your fuel costs, which are particularly impressive for a car in this class – and the petrol-hybrid is even better. Its low emissions also mean you’ll pay less for road tax, and it’s (just) inside the acceptable range to be exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Insurance premiums are pretty high, though. A three-year manufacturer’s warranty comes as standard.

Our verdict of the Land Rover Range RoverSport

4.5 rating

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

A slightly more compact version of the classic SUV behemoth, when it comes to speed, handling, and interior luxury, the Range Rover Sport has few peers.