2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

The V8 Supercharged trim has been dropped, but buyers can still order the V8 Supercharged Dynamic modelThe optional Wade Sensing feature alerts drivers when the vehicle approaches maximum wading depthSome option packages have changedMidway through the model year, the supercharged V6 was replaced by a turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality was also introduced.Part of the second Range Rover Sport generation introduced for 2014

　　It's hard to find an area the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport doesn't excel in. Like many of its competitors, the Range Rover Sport offers a luxuriously appointed cabin, a comfortable ride and sprightly acceleration. But it also boasts unrivaled off-road performance if you decide to escape the sprawl of suburbia and literally head for the hills. The same can be said of the standard Range Rover, of course, but the Sport's more attractive price point might give it the edge for many prospective buyers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SE 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$240/mo  for Range Rover Sport SE

　　Range Rover Sport SE

　　SE 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $67,050 MSRPP360 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $68,500 MSRPSE Td6 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $69,050 MSRPHSE 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) (Most Popular) - $72,650 MSRPP360 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $73,990 MSRPHSE Td6 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $74,650 MSRPHSE Dynamic 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) - $82,450 MSRPP400 HST 4dr SUV 4WD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $82,950 MSRPSupercharged Dynamic 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $85,850 MSRPAutobiography 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $96,950 MSRPSVR 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $113,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2019, the Range Rover Sport adds a new powertrain to its robust lineup. Midway through the model year (so-called 2019.5 models), the supercharged V6 gasoline engine was replaced by a new mild hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt system providing extra thrust at low revs. Though we haven't yet driven the Range Rover Sport with this powertrain, its promise of power and fuel efficiency is enticing.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is one of the most desirable luxury SUVs around, with an exquisite cabin, tons of luxury features, and dynamic off-road abilities. A plug-in hybrid variant is new for this year, boasting nearly 400 horsepower and estimated 31 miles of electric range.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. We haven't yet driven the Range Rover Sport with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, but we have driven a gasoline-powered model of this generation. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged (supercharged 5.0-liter V8 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current Range Rover Sport has received some revisions, including smartphone integration via Jaguar's InControl Apps application and additional safety systems in 2015, revised off-road systems in 2016, a new touchscreen interface in 2017, and a refreshed interior in 2018. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Range Rover Sport.

　　

Driving

　　The Range Rover Sport is an impressive on-road performer, especially with the powerful supercharged engine. It's not the most agile SUV on the road, but it's a superbly capable off-roader.

　　

Acceleration

　　At the zzdcar test track, a Range Rover Sport Supercharged sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds. The SVR improved a smidge to 4.5 seconds. There are faster SUVs, but not many.

　　

Braking

　　In our testing, the Range Rover Sport performed a panic stop from 60 mph in 124 feet, average for the class.

　　

Steering

　　The steering feel and accuracy are impeccable on twisting mountain roads yet appropriately light when parking.

　　

Handling

　　Although it's hard to trust something this big, the Range Rover Sport tackles back roads with the utmost confidence and speed. It's still not as agile as the considerably lighter Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

　　

Off-road

　　Tackling steep rocky grades is made effortless thanks to the sophisticated Terrain Response system and the two-speed transfer case. But wheel articulation is far better on the non-Sport Range Rover.

　　

Comfort

　　We haven't had a chance to test the updated interior, but in our experience the Rover Sport offers exemplary comfort and quietness.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The highly adjustable front seats have ample padding and support, making the Range Rover competitive with luxury sedans in terms of comfort.

　　

Ride comfort

　　With the Terrain Response system set to Auto, the ride is pleasantly cushioned and readily smooths out bumps in the road. Imperfections are felt, but they are never intrusive in this mode.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Levels of wind and road noise are insulated enough to be barely detectable. You'll only hear engine growl when you're driving with exuberance. And even then, it sounds great.

　　

Interior

　　Historically, the Range Rover Sport has used excellent materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The new Touch Pro Duo system adds a thoroughly modern and appealing look, updating the cabin nicely.

　　

Utility

　　Interior storage is ample, and the optional cooler box works well. With 24.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a max of 56.8 cubic feet, cargo space lags the class leaders. Most Range Rover Sports can tow up to an impressive 7,716 pounds. The SVR drops to a respectable 6,613 pounds, while the hybrid can tow up to 5,511 pounds.

　　

Technology

　　The Range Rover Sport packs a lot of technology options, including driver aids for both on and off the road and rear-seat entertainment screens. The Touch Pro Duo system looks sharp and futuristic, but it can be slow to respond and overly complicated to use.

　　

Which Range Rover Sport does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though the base SE model has plenty to offer, the HSE isn't much more expensive and adds some desirable features. It also opens the door to a handful of packages that aren't available on the SE. The Drive Pro package is a good choice; it adds adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to the list of features. A stand-alone option adds heated and ventilated front and rear seats. Ventilated rears are a rarity in this class, and we think the cost is relatively low for such an unusual luxury.

　　

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport models

　　The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a midsize luxury SUV offered in six main trim levels: SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic (replaced by the HST trim for 2019.5 models), Supercharged Dynamic, Autobiography and SVR. Five-passenger seating is standard, and a power-folding third row that boosts capacity to seven passengers is available on all trims except the SVR.

　　The Range Rover Sport is available with a wide range of powertrain options; all are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature four-wheel drive. The most common for 2019 models is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. On SE and HSE trims, it produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. On the HSE Dynamic trim, output is boosted to 380 hp. For 2019.5 models, this powertrain was replaced by a turbocharged inline-six with an auxiliary compressor driven by a 48-volt electrical system. Power stands at 355 hp and 365 lb-ft on SE and HSE models, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft on the new HST trim. A fuel-sipping, diesel-powered 3.0-liter V6 (254 hp, 443 lb-ft) is available on SE and HSE trims.

　　The Supercharged Dynamic and Autobiography trims are powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (518 hp, 461 lb-ft). The range-topping SVR increases output to 575 hp and 516 lb-ft.

　　Standard features on the Range Rover Sport SE include 19-inch wheels, a self-leveling air suspension with automatic height adjustment for loading and unloading, LED headlights, rear foglights, power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors, puddle lamps, a hands-free liftgate, and keyless ignition and entry.

　　Within the cabin, you'll find dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, driver memory settings, ambient interior lighting and a power-adjustable steering wheel. Also standard are a navigation system, a 10-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio and USB connectivity. Safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking.

　　There are two options packages exclusive to the SE. The Drive package adds a blind-spot monitor, a driver-condition monitoring system and traffic sign recognition. The Park package adds 360-degree parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The HSE includes both above packages, plus adds 20-inch wheels, front foglights, a fixed panoramic sunroof, perforated leather upholstery, an 11-speaker stereo system, 16-way heated front seats, and upgraded interior trim.

　　The HSE Dynamic (called the HST in 2019.5 models) is powered by the upgraded gasoline engine. Additional features include the contents of the Off-Road package, 21-inch wheels, automatic high beams, sporty visual upgrades, a heated steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, additional leather interior trim, configurable ambient lighting, even better front seats (with 22 adjustments plus ventilation and airline-style headrests), heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, a power-sliding sunroof and the 19-speaker audio system.

　　The Supercharged Dynamic uses a supercharged V8 and reverts to the HSE's level of equipment. However, it also includes the HSE Dynamic's 21-inch wheels, the Off-Road package, trim upgrades and paddle shifters. The Autobiography adds the HSE Dynamic's luxury features, along with power-closing doors and a 360-degree parking camera.

　　At the top of the Range Rover Sport lineup is the high-octane SVR. It adds unique wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, sportier transmission programming, special interior and exterior styling and trim details, and sport seats.

　　Many of the above options can be ordered on lower trims, though some packages are available on most levels. These include Drive Pro (blind-spot monitor, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and high-speed automatic emergency braking), Park Pro (automatic parallel and perpendicular parking) and Climate Comfort (a refrigerated box in the front console, a heated steering wheel, and, for non-SE models, a sliding sunroof and four-zone climate control).

　　Stand-alone options include 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, a 23-speaker audio system, front-seat massage functions, ventilated rear seats, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and the Wade Sensing system, which requires a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitor and alerts drivers when the Range Rover Sport approaches its maximum wading depth. A third row of seating, for a maximum of seven passengers, is available on all trims except the P400e plug-in and SVR models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard but are part of a no-cost option package called the Smartphone Pack.

　　

2019 Range Rover Sport Highlights

Type: SVRSUVDieselSUV

　　Trim: SEP360 SESE Td6HSEP360 HSEHSE td6HSE DynamicP400 HSTSupercharged DynamicAutobiographySVRSE

　　

Base MSRP	$67,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$240/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles