• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Vehicle Reviews / To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport

To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport

July 18, 2017 by admin 4 Comments

Out and about with No. 2 of four models in the Range Rover collection.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport offers five powertrain choices, including diesel.

The Land Rover universe now encompasses six models — four Range Rovers and two Discovery series. There’s considerable overlap between some models, but there is enough distinctiveness present that each one has its own unique attributes, including the 2017 Range Rover Sport.

A 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was a recent weekly driver, the second generation of this luxury SUV. Now in its fourth model year, the current-generation Range Rover Sport continues to hold its own in a highly competitive segment, delivering what customers want across five grades: SE ($65,650), HSE ($80,150), Supercharged ($80,650), Autobiography ($94,450) and SVR ($111,350). Add $995 for the destination charge.

Yes, that’s a huge spread between models, but if you’re happy with either a supercharged V6 or the turbo-diesel V6, you can hold your final price below $80,000.

New for 2017 are a host of now standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The electronics system is now controlled by the Range Rover Sport’s 10.2-inch touchscreen.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Exterior Overview

Land Rover calls the Range Rover Sport a compact model, but it is anything but that. Indeed, its proportions align with median-sized models such as the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly ML-Class). On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque is definitely the “small time” player in this segment.

What you do have here is a sleek canvas marked by curved corners and peppered by sharp creases, distinctive sculpting, and vent embellishments. A high profile, strong shoulders, and a dramatically canted windshield are among the special features of note.

Standard exterior features include Xenon headlights with LED signature lights, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, and power-heated side folding mirrors with approach lights. Also available are front fog lights.

Wheel choices include 19- and 20-inch split-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. An assortment of color options with contrasting roofs or a panoramic roof rounds out the exterior features.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Interior Highlights

2017 Land Rover Range RoverGive the Range Rover Sport much credit with providing a roomy interior. Its standard 2+3 seating offers excellent room all around.

You have the option of adding a third-row seat for two, but at great compromise to storage space and seating comfort for third-row passengers.

Opt for the third-row package ($2,750) and Land Rover throws in power control, a tire repair system, and 20-inch, five-spoke wheels.

The Range Rover’s cabin is expansive, bright, and elegantly appointed. High-end materials blanket the cabin — I couldn’t find one square inch of plastic.

Leather, wood, and chrome trim grace the interior. All switches, knobs, and buttons seem durable.

The front seats are plush and supportive; the rear 60:40 bench seat is comfortable, but not nearly as so as in the big Range Rover. Still, the cabin is exquisitely dressed, befitting a model of Range Rover stature.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

On the Road

Drive a 2017 Range Rover Sport and you have your choice of five engines. Well, not exactly. Two of the engines do double duty with enhanced computer programming squeezing out more horsepower or horsepower and torque. That said, our specifications table at the end of this article shows five engines.

The base engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 340 horsepower (380 available) and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered my test model and is wholly sufficient for the Sport. Even so, the Land Rover Discovery I tested last month had the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a whopping 443 pound-feet of torque. But if full-on power is your desire, then nothing short of the V8s making at least 500 horsepower will do. Each engine choice comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Superchargers provide superior off-the-mark acceleration compared to turbochargers, with the latter offering more boost further up the band curve. Jaguar Land Rover splits the technology by assigning turbos to diesel engines (and four-cylinder gas models) and superchargers to V6 and V8 gas engines. Either way, you win as there almost always is ample power from the smallest to the largest engine.

The Range Rover Sport seems too pretty to take off road, but if you’re so inclined, simply raise the suspension by 2.5 inches and give it a go. You’ll keep up with most everything out there, except perhaps that rock-crawling Jeep Wrangler. However, unlike the Wrangler, the Range Rover Sport supplies an absolutely comfortable on-road experience with a plush suspension and decent cornering thanks to its four-wheel drive system.

On one six-mile stretch of curvilinear pavement, I was able to experience just how well this SUV handles — it hugs the outside of the road with precision with very little body roll noted. This SUV imbues driver confidence in an all together stylish package.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Safety and Technology Features

It is common matter that luxury cars, especially SUVs, are not put through the same crash test evaluations of more mainstream models.

The cost of destroying pricey vehicles is the main inhibitor of conducting such tests, therefore neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested the Range Rover Sport.

SUVs as a rule perform better than cars in crash tests, thanks in large part to two factors: size and weight. Regardless, there is an inherent weakness present. Namely, a higher risk of tipping over. Roll stability control is an effective mitigator and the Range Rover Sport has this technology built in.

Other standard safety features include a suite of airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. This equipment is common to all cars, nonetheless.

If you want such driver assist features as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist with reverse traffic detection, the Drive Pro Package is a $2,500 option on base models.

As for technologies, you get everything expected in a luxury SUV. That said, a surround view camera system comes bundled with configurable mood lighting and soft door close to form a $1,400 vision and convenience package. Other upgrades bring in an eight-inch rear entertainment system ($2,000), head-up display ($1,300), and an 18-speaker, 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System ($1,100).

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Parting Thoughts

With the Velar now part of the Range Rover collection, shoppers have much to consider when shopping Land Rover. The latest Range Rover entry is just two inches shorter than the Sport, but it starts off with a turbo four-cylinder gas or diesel engine and tops out with a 380-horsepower supercharged V6. Definitely, if you place an importance on performance, the Sport gets the nod.

As for the Range Rover Sport, it does everything you expect in a five-passenger luxury SUV. If you need a seven-seater, then only the series-topping Range Rover will do, but its near $86,000 base price means a considerable cash outlay is in order.


2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  • Sticker price from $65,650-$111,350
  • Price as tested: $71,645
  • Seats 5 or 7 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 gas
  • 340 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel
  • 254 horsepower @ 3,750 RPM
  • 443 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 to 2,250 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 3.0L supercharged V-6 gas
  • 380 horsepower @ 6,000RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 4: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 510 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 461 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • Engine No. 5: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 550 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 502 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 115.1 inches
  • Length: 191.1 inches
  • Width: 78.1 inches
  • Height: 70.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: Not rated
  • Storage volume: 27.7/66.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Premium gasoline or diesel fuel
  • Fuel tank: 27.7 gallons (gas); 23.5 gallons (diesel)
  • Curb weight: From 4,727 to 5,148 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Solihull, United Kingdom

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport


See Also — Diesel Added: Range Rover Sport

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, Discovery Series, four-wheel drive, Land Rover, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, luxury, RANGE ROVER EVOQUE, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Classically British: Land Rover Range Rover Sport | Excel Visibility LTD says:
    July 20, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    […] This article was originally published by Auto Trends Magazine. […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Robust SUV: 2018 Land Rover Discovery — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    August 1, 2018 at 10:32 am

    […] (See Also — To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport) […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. The Innovative 2019 Audi Q8 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 5, 2019 at 10:31 am

    […] This figure is on the higher end of the towing scale, matching or bettering such models as the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the Mercedes-Benz […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Driven: Land Rover Range Rover Velar — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    March 27, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    […] Range Rover Velar is the third of four Range Rover models, situated between the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. The eponymous Range Rover is the range-topping model. The Velar, […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II

Recent Comments

  • Ram Gets a Midsize Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine on Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe) — Auto Trends Magazine on Jeep Gladiator Fun Facts
  • Ram Gets a Midsize Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine on Trail Hopping With the New Ford Ranger
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe) — Auto Trends Magazine on What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview! — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
July 2017
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Jun   Aug »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in