What We Know So Far

Overview

When it comes to off-road capability combined with luxury accommodations—and the status of an upper-crust image—there’s no better option than a Range Rover. But if your budget is slightly less elastic, the 2023 Range Rover Sport is an alternative that’s nearly as gratifying. Despite its smaller dimensions, the Sport has a similar silhouette to the more expensive Range Rover—but with an added dose of attitude. A trio of powertrains, including a hybrid inline-six, a plug-in hybrid inline-six, and a mega-power twin-turbo V-8 gives you a good variety of choices. The cabin is premium and fitted with desirable tech, including Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system and driver-assistance features to help with both on- and off-road driving. All this prestige doesn’t come cheap, though, and the Range Rover Sport’s starting price is higher than other deluxe SUVs such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Volvo XC90. But make no mistake, the Sport earns its place in the Range Rover lineup honestly and for several reasons, not the least of which is this: it looks like money.

What’s New for 2023?

Like the larger Range Rover, the mid-size Range Rover Sport has received a full redesign that includes fresh styling, a revamped cabin, and cutting-edge tech. An all-electric Range Rover Sport EV will enter the market next year as a 2024 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Land Rover hasn’t released a full breakdown of the Range Rover Sport’s standard and optional features yet, but we think the more powerful SE Dynamic will be the trim to go with. Its extra horsepower will undoubtedly give it a bit of a boost both around town and on the highway. When we find out more about the redesigned model’s option packages we will update this story with details.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The entry-level engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that employs a 48-volt hybrid system and makes 355 horsepower in the P360 SE and 395 horsepower in the P400 SE Dynamic. A plug-in hybrid P440e setup is exclusive to the fancy Autobiography trim and pairs an electric motor to the inline-six for a combined 434 horsepower. The juiciest cut can be found in the P530 First Edition, which comes only with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine that pumps out a robust 523 horsepower. Land Rover estimates the V-8 will motivate the Range Rover Sport to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and an adjustable air suspension. The Range Rover Sport can also be had with an optional performance driving setup called Stormer Handling Pack, which adds rear-wheel steering and torque-vectoring systems. When we get a chance to test drive the new Range Rover Sport, we’ll update this section with driving impressions.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The plug-in hybrid model will be the only Range Rover Sport with an all-electric driving range until next year when the EV model goes on sale. The plug-in sports a 31.8-kWh battery pack that Land Rover claims is good for a 48-mile electric driving range.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to Land Rover, the P360 and P400 models will deliver 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while the V-8–powered P530 carries fuel economy estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the Range Rover Sport on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and report its results here. For more information about the Range Rover Sport’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior design has taken a more minimalist approach this time around, with a reduction in the number of buttons and switches and a more streamlined appearance throughout the cabin. Buyers can choose from either textile or genuine leather upholstery in attractive two-tone designs. The dark-tinted chrome accents look particularly premium. Power-adjustable front seats are standard but a set of chairs with up to 22 ways of adjustability as well as massage, ventilation, and winged headrests is optional. An integrated air purification system is available and is said to reduce odors, bacteria, viruses, and allergens from the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Range Rover Sport’s redesigned dashboard offers plenty of digital real estate, with a large 13.1-inch curved touchscreen serving infotainment duties and an even larger 13.7-inch screen parked in front of the driver to display the gauges. Land Rover’s Pivi Pro interface is the company’s best attempt at in-car infotainment yet, but as we’ve learned using it in other models such as the Defender and the Discovery, it’s not without its quirks. The displays are crisp and clear though, and it looks high-end floating above the Range Rover Sport’s upholstered dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard and all Range Rover Sports come with Amazon’s Alexa. A wireless smartphone charging pad is cleverly integrated on a shelf just beneath the infotainment screen, too. A 29-speaker Meridian stereo system is optional and incorporates speakers in the Range Rover Sport’s front and rear headrests.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features are standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree exterior camera system. An adaptive cruise control system is also included and it even has an off-road feature. For more information about the Range Rover Sport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Range Rover Sport’s warranty coverage is about average for its class, but it doesn’t include complimentary scheduled maintenance. The purchase price of three of its key competitors—the BMW X5 and X7 and the Volvo XC90—include three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance