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Thanks: FC MOTORS 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Starting at $ Highs Handsome exterior design, high-end interior finishes, agreeable mix of comfort and sport. Lows Jumpy throttle response on V-8 model, peculiar infotainment interface takes getting used to, high starting price. Verdict The latest Range Rover Sport perpetuates the nameplate's luxurious pedigree and adds more modern tech and a fresh look. Overview If you're looking for a vehicle that combines off-road capability, luxury accommodations, and the status of an upper-crust image something from Land Rover's top-shelf Range Rover lineup should do just fine. But if your budget is slightly less elastic, the 2023 Range Rover Sport is an alternative that's nearly as satisfying. Despite its smaller dimensions, the Sport has a similar silhouette to the more expensive Range Rover—but with an added dose of attitude. A trio of powertrains, including a hybrid inline-six, a plug-in hybrid inline-six, and a mega-power twin-turbo V-8 gives you a good variety of choices. The cabin is premium and fitted with desirable tech, including Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system and driver-assistance features to help with both on- and off-road driving. All this prestige doesn't come cheap, though, and the Range Rover Sport's starting price is higher than other deluxe SUVs such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Volvo XC90. But make no mistake, the Sport earns its place in the Range Rover lineup honestly and for several reasons, not the least of which is this: it looks like money. What's New for 2023? Like the larger Range Rover, the mid-size Range Rover Sport has received a full redesign that includes fresh styling, a revamped cabin, and cutting-edge tech. An all-electric Range Rover Sport EV will enter the market next year as a 2024 model. Pricing and Which One to Buy P360 SE: $84,475 P400 SE Dynamic: $91,475 P440 eAutobiography: $105,675 P530 First Edition: $122,975 We think the more powerful SE Dynamic is the trim to go with. Its extra horsepower will undoubtedly give it a bit of a boost both around town and on the highway and it offers a litany of luxury and convenience features without requiring a six-figure bill. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The entry-level engine is a turbocharged inline-six that employs a 48-volt hybrid system and makes 355 horsepower in the P360 SE and 395 horsepower in the P400 SE Dynamic. When we tested the P360 SE, it needed only 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph but felt more sluggish than that around town where full-throttle launches aren't an appropriate activity. Our test vehicle delivered peerless ride quality though, which was appreciated over the broken tarmac near our Michigan headquarters. A plug-in hybrid P440e setup is exclusive to the fancy Autobiography trim and pairs an electric motor to the inline-six for a combined 434 horsepower. The juiciest cut can be found in the P530 First Edition, which comes only with a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that pumps out a robust 523 horsepower. Land Rover estimates the V-8 will motivate the Range Rover Sport to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and an adjustable air suspension. The Range Rover Sport can also be had with an optional performance driving setup called Stormer Handling Pack, which adds rear-wheel steering and torque-vectoring systems. During our initial test drive of the V-8 model, we found the throttle response on our V-8–powered test vehicle to be too jumpy and difficult to operate smoothly. Otherwise, we were impressed with the Range Rover Sport's blend of comfort and athleticism and noted that its rear-wheel steering system made maneuvering in tight spaces less challenging than in other similarly-sized SUVs. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Facebook ▶
