Overview

This is the Range Rover Sport, the smaller and sportier brother to the full-sized, maximum-luxury Parkers award-winning Range Rover. Both cars share engines, tech and interior fittings, which means the Sport could well be the best Range Rover of them all, as it’s cheaper, more agile and is packed with cutting-edge SUV technology.

Launched in 2023, the Sport represents a massive step up over its predecessor, and makes it a serious contender for cars like the BMW X5 and X7. There’s also the far sportier Porsche Cayenne to consider, amongst others. This includes the Audi Q8, a more rakish alternative. However, the Sport approaches things in a different way to its German rivals, refusing to sacrifice luxury in its effort to provide greater dynamism.

The result is a car that may not be ‘sporty’ like its name suggests but is still very satisfying to drive. In fact, it’s up there with the very best luxury SUVs. There’s a plethora of engines available, incorporating mild hybrid petrol and diesel straight sixes, a petrol V8, the 635hp performance SV, and a pair of plug-in hybrids developing 440 and 510hp.

The main difference between the Sport and the big Rangey is that it lacks a seven-seater option, and features a simpler, less ostentatious interior. And if you’re not one for carting around a large family, that means the Sport is a tempting alternative to the Range Rover – for around 80% of that car’s price.

Different trims are available depending on what engine you opt for. The regular trim levels are SE, Dynamic SE and Autobiography – the former is available only with the most basic D300 diesel. But even that comes well equipped, with leather upholstery, 20-way heated seats, a Meridian sound system, Matrix LED headlights and 21-inch wheels. 

As is usually the way with a Range Rover, the specification can be bolstered in just about any way you fancy. The brand still offers numerous choices for interior upholstery and trim, as well as an array of great exterior colours – and the options list contains everything down to Land Rover-branded pet bowls to keep your canine companion happy in the boot.

Over the next few pages we’ll be scoring the Range Rover Sport in 10 key areas to give it a score out of five. They’ll take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you.