2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is largely unchanged. This premium midsize SUV seats five and shares some of its basic design with Land Rover's seven-passenger LR3. Range Rover Sport comes as the HSE with a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8 engine and as the Supercharged with a 390-hp 4.2-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. 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, 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 and available on HSE are wood interior trim, heated seats, and Land Rover's Dynamic Response suspension system, which is designed to counteract body lean in turns. DVD entertainment is optional on both models, and adaptive cruise control is available on the Supercharged.

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 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti FX and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Chrysler Aspen adds a gas/electric hybrid model, and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class add a new diesel powerplant, as does the Volkswagen Touareg 2.