New for 2016

New for 2016 is the addition of a diesel engine option.

Taken to the Limit

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is truly a vehicle that tries to do it all. Like every other modern Land Rover, it’s an incredibly capable and practical SUV that’s also as luxurious as a Mercedes-Benz. But in this case, Land Rover took things a bit further. The Range Rover Sport is designed to be just as capable on-road as it is off-road, so it’s an SUV you’ll enjoy driving every day.

Powertrains and Performance

The “Sport” part of the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's admittedly long name isn’t just marketing hype. In the family that includes the original, full-size Range Rover and the Range Rover Evoque crossover, the Sport’s mission is to provide the same off-road ability and luxury as the other models, but with truly engaging on-road driving dynamics.

That starts under the hood. The base engine is a potent 3.0-liter supercharged V6 shared with other models from Land Rover and sister brand Jaguar. It produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can propel the Range Rover Sport from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, allow it to achieve a top speed of 130 mph, and return an EPA-rated 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*

For an even sportier experience, there’s also the automaker’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8. This engine produces 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, and also comes with an eight-speed automatic. Packing eight cylinders, the Range Rover Sport will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and reach 140 mph. It will also return 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway).*

There’s also a third option for 2016. The Range Rover Sport can now be had with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, giving it improved fuel economy. The diesel produces 254 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque and, like the gasoline engines, it’s mated to an eight-speed automatic. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph, it’s no slouch, and the EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) is impressive for a big SUV.*

And while the Sport is more focused on pavement driving than any other Land Rover, it can still play in the mud. There’s an extension list of features that will help just about any driver feel comfortable off-road. That includes a full-time four-wheel drive system with low range, electronic aids like Hill Start Assist and Gradient Release Control, and the Land Rover Terrain Response 2 system.

This system automatically adjusts different vehicle parameters for different types of terrain. There are five settings: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl, plus an Auto mode that toggles between the different setups on its own. And if you run out of ground, there’s even a Wade Sensing feature to help ford water.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a five-door, five-seat SUV. It’s available in four trim levels, priced starting from $64,950.**

In addition to being a capable performer both on road and off, the Range Rover Sport also helps fulfill the automaker's modern role as a luxury brand. Even the base SE model comes with tons of standard equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch central display screen 250-watt eight-speaker audio system, and Land Rover InControl™ Apps and InControl™ Remote connectivity features.

One step up from the base model, the Range Rover Sport HSE includes those features, as well as a leather interior, heated front seats, fog lamps, and a fixed panoramic roof with power blind. The SE and HSE models are both offered only with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6.

To get the 5.0-liter supercharged V8, you need to upgrade to the Supercharged model. In addition to the bigger engine, this model adds the Terrain Response® 2 system with Auto mode, paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission, and brake-controlled torque vectoring, which makes for sharper handling.

From there, the Range Rover Sport lineup climbs to even higher levels of luxury. Increasing the luxury quotient is the Autobiography, the top Range Rover Sport model. It adds 16-way power adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel and rear seats, three-zone automatic climate control, 21-inch alloy wheels, a 19-speaker Meridian® audio system, and more.

Design

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has a suitably sporty exterior. The styling ties the smaller Sport to the full-size Range Rover, but gives it a more extroverted appearance. The tall, boxy profile is classic SUV, but the low roofline, steeply raked rear window, and massive wheel arches add a sporty character that’s unexpected in a vehicle like this.

On the inside, the Range Rover Sport is a true luxury car. Every surface has a high-quality feel, and is beautifully detailed with available leather, wood, and aluminum trim. But even here, Land Rover didn’t forget its mission of sportiness. The cockpit features an inclined center console, which not only makes it easier to reach controls, but also creates a snug feel that’s more sports car than sport-utility vehicle.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, side, seat-mounted, thorax, and pelvis airbags. Optional features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround camera system, front parking aid, and rear parking sensors.

Bottom Line

With its off-road ability, on-road sportiness, and luxurious interior, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport truly does it all.

Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.

*Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes $995 destination/handling charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.

Image: Land Rover