2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Introduced in 2014, the current Range Rover Sport finds itself competing in a segment bursting with fresh talent. Both the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class are still fresh and there's also Audi's Q8 to worry about, so that's a trio of German talent to compete with. Fortunately, the Range Rover Sport has aged well and still successfully combines typical Land Rover off-road prowess with a more fun-to-drive demeanor than the regular Range Rover. The posh cabin remains a highlight and, from the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech to the mighty 5.0-liter supercharged V8, there is plenty of performance on offer. On the downside, the infotainment system is a touch clumsy and slow, while the cargo capacity isn't the best in this segment. The available third row of seats is also seriously cramped. But the Range Rover Sport remains a strong - and highly desirable - contender in the midsize luxury SUV bracket.

The years have been kind to the Range Rover Sport SUV. It still looks modern, expensive, and has loads of presence. All models have LED exterior lighting (with distinctive wraparound head- and taillights), headlight power washers, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, and follow-me-home lighting. The base model has 19-inch alloy wheels, but going up through the trims avails larger wheels, as well as a sliding panoramic roof and automatic high-beam assist.

A large vehicle, the Range Rover Sport's dimensions will require some care when navigating tight lanes. At 192.1 inches in length, the standard 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is around two inches shorter than the latest Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. With the mirrors folded, width works out to 81.6 inches, while the standard height is 71 inches. When off-roading, the height can be increased to 73.5 inches. The body conceals a wheelbase of 115.1 inches.

As an accomplished off-road vehicle, it remains far more capable than the typical crossover. The Sport has maximum approach/departure/ramp breakover angles of 33/30/25.7 degrees, respectively, although the figures differ slightly depending on trim. The ground clearance is 8.4 inches normally (up to 10.9 inches when in lifted off-roading mode) and the wading depth is 33.5 inches. Curb weight ranges from 4,870 pounds for the P360 to 5,100 lbs for the P525 V8 models.

Land Rover has provided a generous selection of colors for customization. On the base model, the palette begins with the default Fuji White. After that, there are over 20 added-cost colors; the range of metallics starts at $710 each, with choices like Santorini Black, Yulong White, and Firenze Red. Next up are two Premium Metallic choices for $1,550 each, namely Carpathian Grey and Silicon Silver. There are several Ultra Metallic choices like Ligurian Black, Velocity (a striking blue), Sanguinello Orange, Sunset Gold, and Petrolix Blue, but these are pricier at $4,550 each; some colors are available with a matte finish and some require adding packages. One special paint, Icy White, goes for a startling $9,200. Essentially, Range Rover Sport customers will be spoilt for choice here.

Two main powertrains are used within the Range Rover Sport lineup and both provide impressive performance. The 3.0-liter MHEV P360 is the slowest of the bunch, but it'll still manage 0-60 in a swift 6.2 seconds, combining a turbocharged engine with electric boost to provide 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. Like every other model in the range, permanent four-wheel-drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The next step up comes from the high-output 3.0-liter MHEV powertrain with 395 hp/406 lb-ft, which is able to run to 60 in just 5.6 seconds.

After that, it's all brawny V8 power, topped by the SVR version's 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 567 hp (575 PS)/516 lb-ft; this model will fly to 60 in only 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 176 mph. It's exceptionally quick, and yet, the performance versions of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 are even faster, dipping below four seconds for the benchmark sprint. If you want to tow, the Range Rover Sport has a competitive rating of 7,716 lbs for all versions besides the SVR; this model has a towing capacity of 6,613 lbs.

In 2019, Land Rover introduced a new mild-hybrid powertrain for the Range Rover Sport. The powertrain pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric supercharger, which provides an immediate burst of power at lower engine speeds. A tiny 0.23-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 48-volt electrical system are employed. The powertrain is offered in two states of tune: a 355 hp/365 lb-ft version in the SE and HSE Silver Edition, and a 395 hp/406 lb-ft version in the HST. In both cases, the electrified powertrain delivers responsive performance from a standing start and good passing power on the move. However, although it gets going smoothly, there is a brief delay before the turbo kicks in, where power delivery is a bit muted; when the turbo announces itself, you can suddenly go from having too little power to too much.

For really potent performance, the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is the one to get. It generates 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, or 567 hp/516 lb-ft in the SVR; in both cases, it makes a lovely noise and feels incredibly strong, with vicious passing power (50-75 mph takes only 2.8 seconds in the SVR). The eight-speed automatic gearbox blends well with every engine option, with smooth and unruffled gearshifts, but it'll speed up when you need it to.

Engineered to be a more fun-to-drive alternative to the regular Range Rover, the Sport delivers on that promise. Considering its weight, the Range Rover Sport's electric power steering provides accurate placement of the large SUV, even if you are always aware of its size. It exhibits good body control through the twisties, but doesn't scale the same heights as the Porsche Cayenne (to be fair, almost no other SUV does). At parking speeds, the light steering assists in making it a bit easier to get into and out of tight spots.

The Sport's ride is even better, though. It feels rock-solid on the highway, with minimal noise intrusion and a nonchalant smothering of bumps before they can disturb the peace inside the cabin. When the asphalt turns to gravel, the Sport doesn't shy away like some other luxury SUVs do. With the standard Terrain Response system and features like hill descent control and gradient release control, it's a great choice for novice off-roaders who want the vehicle to do much of the work. That being said, the regular Range Rover has superior wheel articulation, but this isn't surprising considering that the Sport focuses a bit more on on-road performance.

Although we may have pointed out the MHEV's sometimes flawed power delivery, the electric assistance does help in making the stop-start system pleasantly smooth. If you're the type of driver who often finds these systems annoying, chances are you'll be able to live with the one in the mild-hybrid Range Rover Sport.

The most fuel-efficient models in the range are the two mild-hybrid variants with figures of 19/24/21 mpg. Unsurprisingly, the supercharged V8 places a bigger burden on the pocket, returning 17/22/19 mpg, with the SVR performance model even worse at 15/20/16 mpg. All versions have a 27.6-gallon gas tank, with the MHEV managing the furthest distance between visits to the gas station at about 580 miles. The SVR's range drops to 441 miles.

In our Range Rover Sport review, we found that the SUV still possesses a lovely cabin with beautiful materials and a clean, modern design. Tasteful wood and leathers cover almost all surfaces, while the infotainment system certainly looks the part, even if it isn't the easiest system in the world to wrap your head around. Space for occupants in the first two rows is plentiful, but the opposite is true for those consigned to the available third row. All models are generously equipped, with even the base version benefitting from amenities like 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, ambient interior lighting, and a power-adjustable steering column. The driver also has access to lane keep assist and front/rear parking aids, the latter being a useful inclusion in a large SUV.

As standard, the Range Rover Sport seats five occupants in two rows, although a third row is available to increase overall seating capacity to seven. In the first two rows, headroom and legroom are excellent for even taller occupants, and the seats themselves are well-padded yet also supportive. Larger-framed individuals may find the prominent side bolstering a bit confining, though. For the driver, both the seat and steering column can be electrically adjusted with enough range to settle on a suitable driving position. The optional third row of seats are much less comfortable, though, as space is severely restricted. We'd leave this box unticked or shop around for a better seven-seater if that is the kind of car you must have. In terms of visibility, large B-pillars produce annoying blind spots, so the available blind-spot monitoring is a system that feels essential. Ingress and egress are okay, but the Ranger Rover Sport isn't a car so the higher step-in height does require a bit more effort, but that isn't unusual for an SUV.

Smart grained leather upholstery is standard, with the base SE having a choice of Ebony or Espresso/Almond colors. This trim has Dark Satin Brushed Aluminum trim, with available Dark Grey Oak or Shadow Zebrano veneers at an added cost. On the HSE Silver Edition, more luxurious Windsor leather is fitted with the additional color choice of Ebony/Ivory. Grand Black veneer finishers are also availed at this level. Higher trims offer sporty color options like Ebony/Pimento and Ebony/Eclipse, along with carbon fiber trim. On pricier models, either more luxurious semi-aniline leather or Windsor leather is used. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, while higher trims have Aluminum treadplates. In general, the use of materials is in line with the Range Rover Sport's premium price and it's nice to know that you can see where your money has gone.

The Range Rover Sport isn't as capacious in the cargo area as some other SUVs in this segment, with 31.7 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40-split-folding second row of seats and 63.7 cubes when the second row is folded flat. By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers 33.3/74.9 cubic feet of space. If you go for the seven-seater version, there is a mere 10.8 cubes of space behind the third row. Fortunately, the trunk is well-shaped and there is no load lip, so the area is practically designed. The base SE and the HSE Silver Edition have a powered tailgate, whereas the HSE Dynamic and HST add a powered gesture tailgate.

Interior storage space gets the thumbs up, though, thanks to two gloveboxes (a regular-sized one at the bottom and a smaller one on top), a center console that is well-sized, and large cupholders front and rear. However, the protruding door armrests do restrict access to the door bins.

On the base SE, standard equipment includes 14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, a power-adjustable steering column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Convenience items like keyless entry, a garage door opener, push-button ignition, and a powered tailgate make the Range Rover Sport easier to live with. The driver assistance features that are common to all variants include emergency braking, a front/rear parking aid, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Progressing through the range introduces items like blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree parking aid, heated front seats, 16- or 22-way heated/cooled front seats, three-zone climate control, and soft-closing doors. A sliding panoramic roof is also equipped as standard on higher-spec models.

Dubbed Touch Pro Duo, the Range Rover Sport's infotainment system utilizes two ten-inch touchscreens positioned in the center of the dashboard. In theory, you can use the navigation screen on the top screen while simultaneously controlling other functions on the lower screen. In practice, the human brain can only do so much when it is also tasked with keeping over 4,000 lbs of SUV safely pointed in the right direction, so the Range Rover's setup isn't the most user-friendly. The screens look slick, though, with attractive graphics that make it pleasant to use when you're standing still. The high-tech approach continues with the interactive driver display sporting a 12.3-inch high-definition screen.

Default infotainment features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The base model has a 250-Watt eight-speaker enhanced audio system, while a 380-Watt Meridian unit with 11 speakers is equipped to the HSE Dynamic. Above this is a 19-speaker Meridian surround sound system with 825 watts of punch - optionally available on lower trims. Finally, a Meridian signature sound system with 23 speakers is available, although it adds $4,550 to the base price. A rear-seat entertainment system with dual eight-inch screens (or two ten-inch touchscreens) can be ordered.

J.D. Power's rating gives shoppers an idea of what to expect when shortlisting new vehicles, so it's not good news here for the Range Rover Sport, which had an overall rating of 70 out of 100 in 2021. No 2022 rating is available yet. This is far below its German rivals, which rank around the 85/100 mark in some cases. Most concerning is a quality and reliability rating of just 65/100.

There have been no recalls for the 2022 model at the time of writing. There were two recalls for the 2021 model, including faulty tire pressure monitoring software and incorrect tire pressure labels. These issues also applied to the 2020 models which were additionally afflicted by high beams that could be mistakenly activated, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic.

Every new Land Rover is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The same coverage applies to the powertrain, but complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't included.

Owing to its status as a luxury vehicle with an accompanying high price, local authorities (that only tend to test cheaper vehicles), have not crash-tested the new Range Rover Sport. It's possible that crash reviews from the NHTSA and IIHS may never be published for this vehicle.

Equipped with six airbags (including curtain airbags), the Range Rover Sport additionally has electronic traction control, cornering brake control, roll stability control, trailer stability assist, emergency brake assist, and LED headlights. For safer off-roading, hill descent control and gradient release control are among the standard features.

The driver assistance suite leaves something to be desired, though, considering the Sport's price. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree parking aid, a clear exit monitor, a driving condition monitor, and traffic sign recognition are only equipped to higher-spec models - these features are absent from the SE. The base model does at least have a rearview camera, cruise control with a speed limiter, lane keep assist, and a front/rear parking aid, though. Blind-spot assist and adaptive cruise control are available as added-cost options.

Despite Land Rover's revered reputation for off-road excellence, the majority of these SUVs will be used for road trips, the school run, and drives to and from the office. Considering that, the Range Rover Sport remains a superb contender within Land Rover's portfolio, with most of the off-roading capability of other Land Rovers but sportier, more assertive manners on the road, where it will be used most of the time. The range of engines no longer offers something for everyone, with the loss of the reasonably frugal turbodiesel and four-cylinder PHEV models for this year. However, the potent supercharged V8 is still alive and well. The cabin is as comfortable and luxurious as ever. The latest BMW X5/Mercedes-Benz GLE have greater cargo capacities, though, are generally even quicker, and each has implemented its infotainment system in a more user-friendly fashion. Not only that, but they are also cheaper than the Range Rover Sport. But if you want a mix of on-road comfort and performance with the ability to tackle the rough stuff, the Sport is still one of the best.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport lineup starts with the P360 SE MHEV at an MSRP of $69,500. It's followed by the P360 HSE Silver Edition MHEV at $78,500. After this is the P400 HST with the more powerful MHEV powertrain at $84,000, the P525 HSE Dynamic (with the V8) at $87,500, and the P525 Autobiography for $98,500. Finally, the most powerful derivatives are the SVR at $115,500 and the new SVR Carbon Edition at $130,000. The 2022 Range Rover Sport price for every trim excludes tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,350. The Range Rover Sport will cost well over $150,000 when fully kitted out with options and, in general, commands a premium over other German SUVs for sale or for lease in the US. Then again, it's a lot more affordable vs the Range Rover.

The 2022 Range Rover Sport lineup comprises seven distinct models: P360 SE, P360 HSE Silver Edition, P400 HST, P525 HSE Dynamic, P525 Autobiography Dynamic, P575 SVR, and P575 SVR Carbon Edition. All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system. The P360 SE and HSE Silver Edition models use a turbocharged inline-six gas engine aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to develop 355 hp / 365 lb-ft, while the P400 HST uses the same powertrain in 395-hp/406-lb-ft guise. The supercharged gas V8 engine is offered with 518 hp / 461 lb-ft in the P525 HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic trims and with 567 hp / 516 lb-ft in the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims.

The base P360 SE is fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, premium LED headlights, two-zone climate control, 14-way electrically adjustable front seats, grained leather upholstery, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto working through twin touchscreens, and a 250-Watt eight-speaker audio system.

The P360 HSE Silver Edition adds to these features gloss-black 21-inch alloy wheels, a sliding panoramic sunroof, 16-way electrically adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, Windsor leather upholstery, a 360-degree parking aid, and an 825-Watt 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

The P400 HST has a black exterior pack, red brake calipers, dynamic exterior styling, a gesture-controlled power liftgate, unique 16-way electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function and HST Windsor leather upholstery, the same audio system as the HSE Silver Edition, and heated rear seats.

The V8-powered P525 HSE Dynamic runs on silver 21-inch alloy wheels, an extended leather package, and perforated Windsor leather upholstery. The audio system, however, is downgraded to a 380-Watt 11-speaker Meridian system.

The P525 Autobiography Dynamic gets diamond-turned 21-inch alloy wheels, soft-closing doors, heated and cooled front seats with 22-way electrical adjustment and memory, a 19-speaker audio system, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control.

The P575 SVR not only has the most powerful version of the V8 engine but also SVR Sport-tuned air suspension, a black contrast roof, performance front seats with 16-way electrical adjustment, SVR Windsor leather upholstery, red SV brake calipers, and Ebony Morzine headlining, and an SVR-branded steering wheel.

Top of the pile is the P575 SVR Carbon Edition that is identical to the P575 SVR, save for an SVR carbon fiber exterior pack with a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber and SVR-branded engine cover, bright metal pedals, extended interior carbon-fiber trim elements.

Land Rover provides a massive range of upgrades, with packages called 'packs' and several standalone features. On the base SE, the Drive Pack costs $410 and packages together blind-spot monitoring, a driver condition monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The $750 Park Pack introduces a 360-degree parking aid, a clear exit monitor, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Off-Road Pack goes for $1,800 and adds a two-speed transfer box, adaptive dynamics, and All Terrain Progress Control. There are 15 additional packs adding features like deployable side steps, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel. At SE level, standalone items include a front center console refrigerator ($725), soft-closing doors ($625), a heated steering wheel ($250), and blind-spot assist ($500).

The HSE Silver has a similar range of options such as the Driver Assist Pack at $4,000, which adds blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, a surround-camera system, and park assist. It's a bit disappointing that a head-up display isn't even standard on the pricey Autobiography model, with this option adding $1,325 to the base price. Even the SVR has access to upgrades that can send the price soaring towards $150,000, with options like the SVR Carbon Fiber Exterior Pack with an exposed carbon fiber hood costing a jaw-dropping $7,200, and the 23-speaker Meridian signature sound system going for $4,550.

3rd-row seating is an available upgrade on all models besides the HST and both SVRs. However, selecting this seven-seater option requires also adding 20-inch wheels (on trims not already equipped with them) and other extras that, on the base SE, amounts to a total of $3,900 added to the base price.

There isn't a bad buy in the range, to be honest. The base SE versions aren't so barebones that they'll disappoint, while saving you thousands of dollars over pricier versions, although the topline SVR will blow you away with its power. We'll go for the P400 HST as it uses the more potent version of the mild-hybrid powertrain, while adding welcome upgrades like the sliding panoramic roof, the 19-speaker Meridian sound system, and a variety of sporty touches that set it apart from other trims. The options we'd add are the Drive Pro Pack (with blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and high-speed emergency braking) and the head-up display. Together, these take the HST's price to 88,645 including the $1,350 destination charge.

Rightly viewed as the benchmark for driving dynamics in this segment, the Porsche Cayenne excels on-road by blending a comfortable ride with cornering prowess that belies its weight and size. The Cayenne is also an especially strong performer; even the base model can hit 60 mph in as quickly as 5.9 seconds thanks to its powerful turbocharged V6 engine. At $69,000, it starts at a lower price than the Range Rover Sport, too. With performance specs that include a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, the Cayenne S is almost as quick as the Range Rover SVR - and at under $87,000. Both SUVs are similarly practical, seating five occupants in comfort and with similarly sized trunks behind the second row. The Range Rover's cabin feels a bit warmer, while the Cayenne's is more technical and modern in appearance. The Range Rover Sport is better for off-road use, though, with superior approach/departure angles, a better wading depth, and better ground clearance. Overall, we'd say that the Cayenne's better performance and more involving driving dynamics swing it the way of the German.

The current BMW X5 was introduced more recently than the Range Rover Sport, and it feels that way. Although loaded with the latest tech, the X5 makes it more accessible via its excellent iDrive system, whereas the Range Rover's dual-screen system can be tricky to fathom. Starting at under $60,000, the X5 also comes in at a cheaper price, yet even this base model is really quick, hitting 60 in 5.3 seconds thanks to a silky smooth turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The BMW is more fun to drive, feeling just a bit more buttoned down through curves than the Range Rover, while remaining very comfortable. The latest X5's build quality also approaches perfection and it's predicted to be more reliable than the British SUV. At the top of the range, the X5 M will leave the Range Rover Sport SVR for dead in a straight line despite costing less. Finally, the X5 also has a bigger trunk. For some shoppers, the Range Rover Sport's effortlessly cool demeanor will still win the day, but the BMW X5 is a superior luxury SUV.