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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Full Review
Date Published: 3/14/08
Also in the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review
The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport receives a few new features including power-folding mirrors and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Land Rover's sport-oriented SUV shares some of its basic design with the larger, seven-passenger LR3. Range Rover Sport seats five. It comes as the HSE model with a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8 and as the Supercharged version with a 390-hp 4.2-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 7716 lb. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard. It includes Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which automatically tailors AWD performance to specific off-road conditions. A locking rear differential is optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Height-adjustable air suspension and hill-descent control are standard, as are a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, front and rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Standard on Supercharged, available on HSE are wood interior trim, heated seats, steering-linked headlights, and Land Rover's Dynamic Response suspension system designed to counteract body lean in turns. DVD entertainment and adaptive cruise control are optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
News
Despite its name and visuals, the RR Sport is not a Range Rover variation but a platform cousin of the LR3. It should stay pretty much as is through the end of the decade.
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| HSE 4-door wagon | $57,725 | $52,530 | $775 |
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| Supercharged 4-door wagon | $71,175 | $64,769 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
HSE
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, front and rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, hill descent control, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, navigation system w/voice recognition, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights w/washers, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable and load-leveling suspension, 255/50HR19 tires, alloy wheels.
Supercharged adds to HSE:
Powertrain
4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front and rear seats, center console cooler box, wood interior trim, satellite radio, heated windshield and washer jets.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Dynamic Response roll-control suspension, 275/40R20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Luxury Interior Pkg.
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||
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HSE
|
$3,000
|
$2,730
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|
Heated front and rear seats, center console cooler box, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior trim, heated windshield and washer jets, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
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||
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Dynamic Response Pkg.
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HSE
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$2,000
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$1,820
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Dynamic Response roll-control suspension, uprated brakes.
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Cold Climate Pkg.
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HSE
|
$1,300
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$1,183
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Heated front and rear seats, heated windshield and washer jets.
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Powertrain |
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Locking rear differential
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HSE, Supercharged
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$500
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$455
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Adaptive cruise control
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Supercharged
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$2,000
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$1,820
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DVD entertainment system
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HSE, Supercharged
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$2,500
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$2,275
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Satellite radio
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HSE
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$400
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$364
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Unique leather upholstery
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Supercharged
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$0
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$0
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Unique wood interior
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Supercharged
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Unique alloy wheels
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Supercharged
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$1,000
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$910
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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275/40HR20 all-terrain tires
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HSE
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$4,000
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$3,640
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 85.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5468 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 71.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.4 /268 | 4.2 /256 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 300 @ 5500 | 390 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 315 @ 4000 | 410 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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||
| 6-speed automatic | 12/18 | 12/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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