2006-2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Full Review

Though 0-60 mph acceleration times are middling compared to V8 Cayennes and X5s, the Range Rover Sport HSE never seems taxed in everyday driving, and the Supercharged model feels impressively strong. Land Rover claimed 8.2-second 0-60 mph time for the HSE, and 7.2 for the Supercharged model. A test Supercharged model performed that feat in just 6.7 seconds. Credit the transmission with shrewdly matching power delivery to demand. Don't expect to pass up too many gas stations. Test Supercharged models averaged a dismal 11.1-11.2 mpg in mostly city driving. Both engines require premium-grade fuel. Each Sport model reacts firmly to bumps, in the manner of a European sport sedan. Low-profile 20-inch tires are less absorbent on pavement cracks and ridges than 19s, but aren't jarring. What the Supercharged version relinquishes in ride cushioning versus the HSE, it recoups with outstanding stability over dips and swells. Although no Range Rover Sport is as quick to react to steering inputs as an X5, they're always secure, balanced, and grippy. Tails stay properly planted during swift, bumpy corners, but 20-inch tires are prone to wander along pavement grooves. Land Rover's laudable Dynamic Response suspension quells undue body lean, and contributes to markedly faster cornering speeds versus an HSE lacking that system. Off-road, both models make good use of Terrain Response technology and the adjustable-height suspension to conquer deep sand and steep, rocky inclines. Range Rover Sports impressively muffle wind and engine noise, but the 20-inch tires whine on coarse pavement. Gauges are unobstructed, but a larger typeface would enhance legibility. Controls are grouped nearby in a "driver-focused" design, unlike other Land Rovers. Climate dials are big and obvious; and adjusting the navigation system is no burden. Unfortunately, considerable effort is required to sort out the multitude of other buttons and knobs. Setting the Terrain Response, hill-descent control, and related off-road gear easily bewilders the uninitiated. Cabins contain plenty of richly padded surfaces, but some materials disappoint. Wood is used too sparingly at these prices, and metal-look trim should be aluminum, not painted plastic. In the same vein, the flimsy sunroof shade panel and fuzzy fabric headliner are inappropriate for this class of vehicle. The sliding cupholder cover, made of cheap plastic, binds and crimps when opened or closed. One test Supercharged model suffered numerous squeaks, as well as a small leak from the sunroof after heavy rainfall. Occupant's heads get adequate front-seat clearance, but larger passengers lack wiggle room in the footwell, pinched by the wide center console and low dashboard housing. Firm, astutely contoured seats deliver great support and the driver is in excellent position. Still, premium-class prices merit powered, not manual, tilt/telescopic steering. Visibility is outstanding, and passengers enjoy no-fuss entry/exit. Rear headroom is good, but on long drives some adults may find the seatback too upright and the cushion length stingy. Leg and foot space are confined if front occupants don't cooperate on seating position. Narrow door openings hamper rear entry/exit. Cargo fits into a station-wagon-sized bay, with a one-piece liftgate and separate-opening window. A two-step rear-seat folding process creates a relatively long, flat load floor. Multiple console bins and a double-tier glovebox contribute to good small-item storage space.

Value for the Money
Land Rover's midlevel model isn't as outright swift as most similar-priced high-performance SUVs. Discriminating shoppers will find the grade of interior materials lacking as well. But plaudits go to the Range Rover Sport for its adroitly balanced dynamics and mature personality, which create a vehicle with a distinct character in this category. Strong resale values translate to high secondhand prices, however.