Acceleration

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Though not as quick as V8 Cayennes and X5s, HSE never seems taxed in everyday driving. Supercharged model impressively strong. Test Supercharged did 6.7 sec 0-60 mph. Credit transmission with shrewdly matching power delivery to demand.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
3	2	3.4

No opportunity to measure with HSE. Supercharged test vehicles averaged a dismal 11.1-11.2 mpg in mostly city driving. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	4	5.5

Both models react firmly to bumps in manner of a European sport sedan. Low-profile 20-inch tires less absorbent on pavement cracks and ridges than 19s, but aren't jarring. What Supercharged version relinquishes in ride cushioning vs. HSE it recoups with outstanding stability on dips, swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Not as quick to react to steering inputs as X5, but always secure, balanced, grippy. Tail stays planted in fast, bumpy corners, but 20-inch tires prone to wander along pavement grooves. Laudable Dynamic Response suspension quells undue body lean, contributes to markedly faster cornering speeds vs. HSE without system. Off-road, both models made good use of Terrain Response technology, adjustable-height suspension to conquer deep sand, steep rocky inclines.

Quietness

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	6	6.6

Impressively muffles wind, engine noise. The 20-inch tires whine on coarse pavement.

Controls

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	6	6.6

Gauges unobstructed, but larger typeface would enhance legibility. Controls grouped close-by for "driver-focused" design vs. other Land Rovers. Climate dials big, obvious; adjusting navigation system no burden. But effort required to sort out multitude of other buttons, knobs. Setting Terrain Response, hill-descent control, related off-road gear puzzles the uninitiated. Plenty of richly padded cabin surfaces, but wood used too sparingly at these prices, and metal-look trim should be aluminum, not painted plastic. In same vein, flimsy sunroof shade panel, fuzzy fabric headliner inappropriate. Sliding cupholder cover made of cheap plastic, binds and crimps when opened or closed. One test Supercharged disappointed with myriad squeaks, as well as small leak from sunroof after heavy rainfall.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Adequate head clearance, but larger passengers lack wiggle room in footwell pinched by wide center console, low dashboard housing. Great support from firm, astutely contoured seats. Excellent driving position, though premium-class prices merit power not manual tilt/telescope steering. Good visibility. No-fuss entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	6.3

Good head room. Some adults may find seatback too upright, cushion length stingy on long drives. Leg, foot space confined if front occupants don't cooperate on seat positioning. Narrow door openings hamper entry/exit.

Cargo Room

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
7	7	7.9

One-piece liftgate, separate-opening window. Station wagon-sized cargo bay. Two-step rear-seat folding process creates relatively long, flat load floor. Double-tier glovebox, multiple console bins contribute to good small-item storage space.

Value within Class

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	4	5.8

It's not as outright fast as most like-priced high-performance SUVs, and discriminating shoppers will find the grade of interior materials lacking. But credit Range Rover Sport with adroitly balanced dynamics and a mature personality that combine to create a vehicle with a distinct character.

Total Score

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
57	55	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73