2023 Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has returned, more captivating than ever. This luxury SUV exemplifies a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and high-performance capabilities. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve deep into the many facets that make the Range Rover Sport a standout in its segment.

Interior: Where Opulence Meets Innovation

Stepping into the Range Rover Sport is an experience in and of itself. The commanding driving position, a hallmark of this SUV, immediately conveys a sense of authority. From the exterior, it presents a powerful and robust image, and this essence carries through when you enter the cabin. The interior envelops you in a rich, dark red theme, establishing an aura of opulence. Plush seating, black interior accents, and a meticulously designed center console create an environment of luxury that befits the Range Rover name.

While the exterior presence is commanding, it's the details that truly set the interior apart. The gray belt on the doors and the textured wood accents on the dashboard are a testament to Land Rover's commitment to craftsmanship. It's not just about luxury; it's about crafting an experience.

The interior is designed to cater to your senses. A standout feature is the Meridian speaker system, delivering a rich, immersive sound for all to enjoy. Speaking of sounds, there isn’t much noise coming through from the outside in. With the music turned off you’ll glide forward with just a faint hum of the road passing by underneath.

The seat controls, conveniently placed on the door, make adjustments effortless, emphasizing Land Rover's meticulous approach to design. It’s nice to see what buttons I’m hitting.

The full-length sunroof creates an open and airy atmosphere, offering both front and rear passengers a connection to the world outside.

For comfort, the Range Rover Sport is unparalleled. The front seats strike the perfect balance between plushness and support, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride even on long journeys. The center console provides ample storage, with a surprisingly deep box that can even accommodate a whole roll of kitchen paper towels, standing upright.

The rear seats don't disappoint either. They may not match the opulence of the standard Range Rover's deluxe package, but they offer reclining capabilities for added comfort. The middle seat is broad, providing spacious comfort for passengers.

Driving Characteristics & Handling: The Pinnacle of Versatility

The Range Rover Sport is synonymous with versatility, designed to excel both off-road and on the urban streets. While the constraints of a one-week test drive may limit the full exploration of its off-road potential (also, we aren’t trusted/allowed to do any real off-roading), Land Rovers are renowned for their capabilities, and the Range Rover Sport is no exception. It's no exaggeration to say that this vehicle is among the best in the business when it comes to off-road prowess. I have, on multiple occasions, been impressed by a Range Rover’s mountain climbing skills - at events with professional drivers making sure we “keep the shiny side up”.

In everyday scenarios - where most Range Rover Sport owners will spend their time - the vehicle is nothing short of remarkable. It offers a ride that can be described as "floating on clouds” - a phrase used by my wife to describe the comfort level of the Range Rover Sport.

Whether you're navigating mountain roads, cruising on the freeway, or simply maneuvering in a parking lot, the Range Rover Sport is a delightful companion, providing both luxury and power. But it's not just about the power under the hood; it's about the overall experience. The Range Rover Sport is a large vehicle with abundant power and exceptional handling, making it a joy to drive in a variety of settings. When navigating twisty mountain roads, it exudes confidence and stability. The suspension minimizes any noticeable rolling, even during hard cornering, ensuring a smooth, controlled, and enjoyable ride.

The Range Rover Sport is all about having fun on the road. It offers a variety of driving modes to adapt to different terrains and driving conditions. Dynamic mode, for example, transforms the dashboard into a red-toned display focused on speed and RPM. The Eco mode, as expected, prioritizes ecological-friendly driving, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. For everyday urban driving, the Comfort mode ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, making city commutes a breeze.

Exterior: A Bold Presence

The Range Rover Sport's exterior design proudly bears the hallmark of the Range Rover family while adding sporty features that set it apart. It's unmistakably a Range Rover, commanding attention wherever it goes. However, the Sport variant introduces unique elements that give it a distinctive character.

The grille is a standout feature, subtly differentiating the Range Rover Sport from its larger siblings. Air intake-like features on the hood add to its sporty appeal, giving it a touch of aggression. While it still retains the classic Range Rover aesthetics, these subtle changes create a bolder presence, a reflection of the Range Rover Sport's character.

Technology and Features: Elevating the Experience

The Range Rover Sport's infotainment system is a treasure trove of information and features, catering to both off-road adventurers and tech-savvy drivers. It offers an altitude indicator, vehicle lean angles, and even a bearing indicator - all essential for off-road excursions (or simply for satisfying your curiosity). The surround view camera system provides a multitude of angles, aiding in both parking and off-road navigation. The fact that the bearing indicator tells you the direction in which the vehicle is facing in precise degrees makes displaying this on the big screen at all times all the more fun. These details may seem excessive for urban driving, but they underline the Range Rover Sport's off-road DNA.

The Range Rover Sport offers an array of driving modes or programs, each tailored to specific terrains and driving conditions. Dynamic mode, for instance, transforms the dashboard into a red-toned display focused on speed and RPM. Eco-mode prioritizes ecological-friendly driving, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. For everyday urban driving, the Comfort mode ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, making city commutes a breeze.

The Grass, Gravel, Snow modes are designed for off-road enthusiasts, catering to various off-road surfaces. It even offers the option of activating the low traction launch feature, which can be a lifesaver when starting from a standstill on slippery terrain. The Mud and Ruts mode ensures the vehicle is well-prepared for off-road conditions. It provides information about the differentials, suspension usage, and even activates the downhill Ascent control, making off-road adventures a breeze.

A small yet great detail is the embedded windshield spray nozzles in the wipers. This feature allows precise control over the windshield spray, ensuring your visibility remains uninterrupted while driving. It's a small detail but one that adds to the overall convenience and practicality of the Range Rover Sport.

Summary: Unmatched Luxury and Versatility

With a price tag surpassing $100,000, the Range Rover Sport undoubtedly belongs on the list of vehicles to consider for those select few car buyers with a budget to match. If you seek a Land Rover that combines sportiness with luxury, the Range Rover Sport is an ideal choice. It not only offers remarkable speed and handling for a vehicle of its size but also delivers an unforgettable driving experience.

Passengers are pampered with a wide range of comfort features. Even the front seat passenger will be so engrossed in exploring the advanced systems on the infotainment screen that watching a movie on an iPad will be an afterthought. The Range Rover Sport is more than a vehicle; it's a technological marvel that can keep you engaged for hours.