2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Sleeker, faster and even more exciting, the Range Rover Sport enters its third generation as an almost totally new design for 2023. Meant as a sportier version of the tried-and-true Range Rover, which was new last year, the Sport has ditched its previously optional (but teensy) third row, and there are design upgrades almost everywhere you look, including major improvements to the infotainment and audio systems. It keeps the core values with lots of luxury features, as well as on-road capability mixed with standard Land Rover off-road DNA.

As an all-new SUV, the Range Rover Sport has changes everywhere you look, from interior and exterior styling to infotainment to available engines, though some things are familiar. The base P360 SE gets a carryover six-cylinder as does the P400 SE Dynamic model. The P440e Autobiography is the new plug-in hybrid trim, which also has a more well-appointed interior. The top P530 First Edition, which is only for the first year of production, gets a new twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The competition includes the BMW X5, which offers both a plug-in hybrid along with performance gas engines. There’s also the Audi Q7, which has the performance but lacks the plug-in hybrid. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, at least in its AMG form, has the performance but no plug-in hybrid option. The Genesis GV80 is equally rakish-looking, but also doesn’t have this range of performance choices. All four have comparably luxurious interiors, but none match the off-road capability of the Range Rover Sport.

The Range Rover Sport is unique for its combination of luxurious features, off-road capability and wide range of powertrains. There are gas engines, including a robust V8 for those who prioritize performance. The plug-in hybrid is for those who prioritize fuel economy, with an all-electric option due for 2024. No matter which powertrain you choose, all-wheel drive is standard, and each model comes with technologies that allow the Range Rover Sport to tackle the most aggressive terrain. The Sport may be just as much about on-road performance as it is dirt, but it’s still a Land Rover.

The futuristic-looking interior is spare and clean, but with beautiful details, and dominated by the 13.1-inch infotainment display running Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro software. An equally impressive 13.7-inch wide digital driver’s display sits behind the steering wheel. Although it requires learning some menus, Pivi Pro is easy to use and works well, and the graphics look great. It complements the rest of the comfortable interior, which compares well on room and comfort to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The way-too-tight optional third row in the previous design is now deleted.

Key safety features are standard. These include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings with lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, and wade sensing for those times when you need to ford through water. Some of these things cost extra at BMW and Mercedes, and Genesis and Audi aren’t ever likely to have wading sensors. Yes, it’s expensive, but as an alternative to the even larger and pricier Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport holds plenty of appeal.

Performance: 13/15

Each Range Rover Sport trim comes with its own powertrain. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all, as are an eight-speed automatic transmission and an adjustable air suspension.

The P360 SE has a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The P400 SE Dynamic ups those numbers to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The P440e Autobiography plug-in hybrid uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for 434 hp and 619 lb-ft of torque. At the top is the P530 First Edition with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the various options start between $83,000 and $121,500.

The six-cylinder engines have plenty of power to get this SUV up to speed and won’t leave you wanting for more. If you prefer the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid, you won’t be disappointed as it offers more horsepower and torque than either of the six-cylinder engines. The extra electric oomph also makes for a sportier and more engaging drive.

The six-cylinder engines are plenty powerful for most drivers, but it’s AMG or M performance you’re after, then go right to the V8. Sadly, it’s only available on the top trim, which makes it an expensive proposition. 

Fuel Economy: 14/15

The EPA estimates that the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, equipped with the base engine, will get 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 mpg combined. The more powerful six-cylinder drops both city and combined figures by one mpg. The hot V8 engine gets 16 mpg around town, 21 on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. 

The EPA has not yet rated the plug-in hybrid, but Land Rover estimates it will have an all-electric range of 48 miles, which bodes well for its overall fuel economy.  

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and BMW X5 all offer a wide range of trims and powertrains including high-performance variants. Overall, their fuel economy is slightly lower than what’s offered by the Range Rover Sport. Of the close alternatives, only the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 offer plug-in hybrid options. The BMW offers an all-electric range of only 31 miles, the Volvo a little less at 29.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 10/15 

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The absence of ratings from either of these agencies lowered our safety score.

Standard safety active safety features include automatic emergency braking, 3D surround camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, driver condition monitor, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic monitor and traffic sign recognition. ClearSight ground view shows a virtual image of the area directly in front of the vehicle so the driver can see just how close they’re getting to curbs, or keep track of unpredictable terrain and obstacles when off-roading.

Comfort & Room: 11/15

The Range Rover Sport has a roomy interior with two rows of seating and 37.8 inches of rear legroom. That’s slightly more than the 37.4 inches in the BMW X5, but less than the 38.8 inches in the Audi Q7, and 40.9 inches in the Mercedes-Benz GLE. All three competitors offer a third row of seats that accommodate two additional passengers, although those third rows are snug and not suitable for longer drives.

When it comes to comfort, however, the Range Rover Sport easily sits at the top of the pack. Premium interior finishes are found across the lineup, and this SUV offers a smooth ride befitting a luxury car. Even with its off-road capabilities, the Sport rides like a high-end sedan with minimal road and wind noise. The available 22-way adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats, and comfort features like heated and ventilated seats with massage function further add to the luxurious experience.

Infotainment: 15/15

Infotainment is upgraded this year with a standard 13.1-inch curved touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless device charging. The system used the latest Land Rover Pivi Pro system with an intuitive user interface, which is easy to learn and less distracting to operate. A 13.7-inch high-resolution display for the driver includes 3D navigation, so you don’t have to shift your eyes to the infotainment screen just to keep tabs on your next turn. Top trims also get a head-up display.

A Meridian Sounds system with a 400-watt amplifier and 15 speakers is standard. The upgraded audio system features a Meridian 3D surround system with 19 speakers, a dual-channel subwoofer, and an 800-watt amplifier. An available Meridian Signature Sound System has 29 speakers including four in the front and outboard rear headrests. It’s an easy system to use with beautiful sound quality.

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

As a midsize SUV, the Range Rover Sport doesn’t have the cavernous cargo space of larger models. On the upside, it’s easier to maneuver through city streets. It offers 31.9 cubic-feet behind the rear seats, which is less than all three vehicles in our competitive set. The Audi Q7 has 35.7 cubic-feet, while the BMW X5 offers 33.9 cubic-feet. The Mercedes-Benz GLE comes in with 33.3 cubic-feet.

If you plan on making use of the cargo room behind the first row frequently, then the Range Rover Sport comes out way ahead. Land Rover quotes 118 cubic-feet behind the first row of seats, a full-size SUV number though it means using every spare inch of space up to the roof. The nearest competition comes from the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at 74.9 cubic feet and the BMW X5 at 72.3 cubic feet. The Audi Q7 offers only 69.6 cubic feet.

Style & Design: 8/10

The Range Rover Sport has styling much like the larger Range Rover with bold lines that make a striking first impression. It looks like a rugged and capable SUV, and it delivers on that first impression with the features and technologies to take you anywhere. This isn’t just an off-roader, however. It’s also a luxury vehicle, so it needs to have a certain amount of elegance, including high-quality materials. Once again, the Range Rover Sport delivers.

The interior is thoughtfully designed with supportive and plush seats that coddle passengers, and it’s swathed in surfaces (hard and soft) that not only look beautiful but also feel nice to the touch. The interior is attractive and understated. This looks and feels like a luxury vehicle, but without drawing unnecessary attention. This is understated style at its finest.

Is the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport worth it? Which Range Rover Sport is the Best Value?

You’ll pay a premium no matter which trim you purchase, but it’s worth the price. The Range Rover Sport is a complete package with a high level of attention to detail.

It’s beautiful and has a luxurious interior. Those good looks belie a capable SUV that can tackle the most rugged terrain, even if all you plan to do is take it to work or for a Sunday drive. Technologies, from infotainment to safety, are comprehensive making the Range Rover Sport feel like a thoroughly modern choice.

It’s really more pick your powertrain than pick your trim, and we choose the P400 SE Dynamic. This has the more powerful six-cylinder gas engine for a more engaging drive experience and a few additional interior comforts. The plug-in hybrid is a close second if your budget allows it.

The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 offer a more performance-focused ride, but the P530 First Edition is a great option for that buyer. The Mercedes-Benz GLE has a more traditional luxury interior with a roomier second row. None of these competitors, however, quite match the combination of luxury and capability found in the Range Rover Sport.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Ranger Rover Sport?

The Ranger Rover Sport’s insurance costs are similar to its main competitors. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of between $2,919 and $3,970, depending on the model, while the BMW X5 runs between $2,742 and $3,968 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE between $2,442 and $3,521. The Audi Q7 is the least expensive to insure at between $2,741 and $2,976. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.