Acceleration

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	6.1

Though not as quick as V8 Porsche Cayennes and BMW X5s, Range Rover HSE never seems taxed in everyday driving. The Supercharged model is impressively strong. A Supercharged did 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds in our testing. Credit the transmission with shrewdly matching power delivery to demand.

Fuel Economy

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
1	1	3.3

No opportunity to measure an HSE. Like its large Range Rover sibling, supercharged Sports are among the thirstiest vehicles we've tested. Our test Supercharged models averaged 11.1-11.2 mpg in mostly city driving and just 13.8 mpg with more highway use. Both engines require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	4	5.8

Both models react firmly to bumps in the manner of a European sport sedan. The low-profile 20-inch tires are less absorbent on pavement cracks and ridges than the 19s but aren't jarring. While the Supercharged model offers impressive stability at speed, it's not enough to offset a more choppy ride on broken surfaces and expansion joints.

Steering/Handling/Braking

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	7	5.5

Not as quick to react to steering inputs as an X5, but Range Rover Sports are always secure, balanced, and grippy. The tail stays planted in fast, bumpy corners, but the 20-inch tires are prone to wander along pavement grooves. Laudable Dynamic Response suspension quells undue body lean and contributes to markedly faster cornering speeds. Off-road, both models made good use of Terrain Response technology and the adjustable-height suspension to conquer deep sand and steep rocky inclines.

Quietness

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	5	6.7

Range Rover Sport doesn't suppress wind and road noise at highway speeds as well as its premium midsize rivals. Around town, though, it fares better. The supercharger whines in fast acceleration, but it never annoys.

Controls

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	6.3

Controls are grouped close-by, but a larger typeface would enhance the legibility of the gauges. Climate dials are big and obvious, but effort is required to sort out the multitude of other buttons and knobs. Setting Terrain Response, hill-descent control, and other off-road gear puzzles the uninitiated.

Details

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
6	6	7

Richly padded cabin surfaces are abundant, but some materials disappoint for the price and the metal-look trim should be aluminum, not painted plastic. One test Supercharged suffered from myriad squeaks and a small leak from the sunroof after a heavy rainfall.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
8	8	7.5

Head clearance is adequate, but larger passengers lack wiggle room in the footwell, which is pinched by a wide center console and the low dashboard housing. The firm and astutely contoured seats provide great support. The driving position is excellent. Visibility is good all around, and entry and exit are no-fuss affairs.

Room/Comfort (rear)

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
5	5	6.5

Rear passengers have good headroom. Some adults may find the seatback too upright, and the cushion length can be stingy on long drives. Leg and foot space is confined if the front occupants don't cooperate on seat positioning. Narrow door openings hamper entry and exit.

Cargo Room

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
9	9	8.6

The one-piece liftgate has a separate-opening window. The cargo bay is station wagon-sized. The two-step rear-seat folding process creates a relatively long and flat load floor. A double-tier glovebox and multiple console bins contribute to good small-item storage space.

Value within Class

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
4	3	6.1

In its base HSE form, Range Rover Sport is not as outright fast as most like-priced high-performance SUVs, and discriminating shoppers will find the grade of interior materials lacking. Supercharged versions can hang with rivals for overall performance but at a stiff price premium over the HSE. Credit Range Rover Sport, though, with adroitly balanced dynamics and a mature personality that create a vehicle with distinct character.

Total Score

HSE	Supercharged	Class Average
61	60	69.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		60
Average Score		69
High Score		80