A Land Rover with 510 HP riding on 20" wheels. You bet. The Range Rover Sport, Land Rover's entry into the already busy Superformance SUV arena, is one tough customer. While many marquees like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and others offer bullet fast SUV's, the British builder's entry still retains a very strong sense of its origins. It remains a very competent off road vehicle, something many of its competitors forfeit for the sake of top asphalt performance. The well rounded performance of the Range Rover Sport cannot be matched by the models available from its competition.
On road performance isn't left out of Land Rovers equation, however. The 5.0 Liter Supercharged V-8 still propels this 5500lb machine to 60 miles per hour in just over 7 seconds. No mean feat to be certain. Especially for a vehicle than can wade through a 27" deep stream without a hiccup. The power is routed through a 6 speed transmission. The Range Rover sport rides on a sophisticated air suspension system to keep the ride comfortable and the body roll negligible even at high speeds.
The Range
Bodystyle: SUV
Engines: 5.0L V-8, 5.0L supercharged V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Models: HSE, HSE LUX, Supercharged
What's New
Like its siblings, the Sport gets the full Jag-engine treatment for 2010 -- the 375-horsepower, twin-cam, 5.0-liter V-8 in the HSE, and the pressurized, 510-horse version in the Sport Supercharged. Both mate to a revised six-speed auto. The blown Sport also gets an exclusive Dynamic Performance setting in its Terrain Response system. All-new interiors grace both models.
Exterior
If the 2010 Sport looks lower and meaner to you, you're right. Styling revisions front and rear further accentuate the sporty look -- as do standard 19-inch (HSE) and 20-inch (S/C) wheels.
Interior
Like the LR4, the Sport boasts a complete cockpit overhaul -- this Rover has never looked more regal or luxurious. Naturally, the Sport's cabin design is extra-special -- including a unique center console and extra helpings of wood.
Performance & Handling
The Sport is fast all right -- figure just under six seconds to 60 mph for the S/C version. And the S/C's low-profile 40-series rubber and grip-tuned suspension make this a playful dance partner. Yet the ride is jittery at times -- unusual for a Rover -- and the steering is almost too quick. Really, it's almost happier off-road.
Safety
A new surround-view parking-assist camera delivers added convenience and peace of mind, while the updated Terrain Response works miracles getting this big, extravagant rig out of the toughest entanglements.
EPA Fuel Economy
HSE: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway
Supercharged: 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Sportiness and agility
- Supercharged speed
- Amazing off-road competence
You Won't Like
- Heavyweight build
- Dismal fuel economy
- Nervous ride
Sum Up
Not as sporty as rivals -- but more able
If You Like This Vehicle
- BMW X6 M
- Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo