Thanks: VOL MOTORS
  / volmotors_  

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Starting at $84.475

Highs Handsome exterior design, highend interior finishes, agreeable mix of comfort and sport.
Lows Jumpy throttle response on V8 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 offroad capability, luxury accommodations, and the status of an uppercrust image something from Land Rover's topshelf 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 inlinesix, a plugin hybrid inlinesix, and a megapower twinturbo V8 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 driverassistance features to help with both on and offroad 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, MercedesBenz GLEclass, 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 midsize Range Rover Sport has received a full redesign that includes fresh styling, a revamped cabin, and cuttingedge tech. An allelectric 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 sixfigure bill.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The entrylevel engine is a turbocharged 3.0liter inlinesix that employs a 48volt 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 fullthrottle 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 plugin hybrid P440e setup is exclusive to the fancy Autobiography trim and pairs an electric motor to the inlinesix for a combined 434 horsepower. The juiciest cut can be found in the P530 First Edition, which comes only with a twinturbocharged 4.4liter V8 engine that pumps out a robust 523 horsepower. Land Rover estimates the V8 will motivate the Range Rover Sport to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. All models come with an eightspeed automatic transmission, standard allwheel 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 rearwheel steering and torquevectoring systems. During our initial test drive of the V8 model, we found the throttle response on our V8–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 rearwheel steering system made maneuvering in tight spaces less challenging than in other similarlysized SUVs.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior design has taken a more minimalist approach this time around, with a reduction in the number of buttons and switches and a more streamlined appearance throughout the cabin. Buyers can choose from either textile or genuine leather upholstery in attractive twotone designs. The darktinted chrome accents look particularly premium. Poweradjustable front seats are standard but a set of chairs with up to 22 ways of adjustability as well as massage, ventilation, and winged headrests is optional. An integrated air purification system is available and is said to reduce odors, bacteria, viruses, and allergens from the cabin.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/landrov...

Instagram ▶   / medcars.tv  
Tiktok ▶   / cartvpress