WASHINGTON — A few years ago I would have laughed if you said they were putting a V6 in a Range Rover because the old Range Rover Sport was no lightweight. But after a redesign last year, the Range Rover Sport was put on an aluminum diet — dropping a lot of weight and making the supercharged V6 the new base engine — helping with fuel economy.
I drove the Range Rover Sport earlier with the big supercharged V8 and was blown away by the performance it provides. The base engine is good for 340hp and it does a fine job of moving the SUV and it can even pull over 7,000 lbs. with the tow package.
The Range Rover Sport V6 has a starting price around $63,000. Options can quickly add up — my tester stickered at $80,577 after four packages and five single options were added. The big one was the HSE package that adds nicer leather, a large panoramic roof, some classy wood trim and larger wheels. That’s just the first $5,100 in options. The interior benefits from the nice leather and the $2,350 Front Climate & Visibility package which includes 16-way power front heated/cooled seats plus heated rear seats, steering wheel and windshield which would be helpful in the winter. There is also a cooler in the center console — a nice touch for families.
The front seats are comfortable and the back seats are good but the Sport doesn’t give you the most leg room in its class. The wood and other trim pieces are high class and the materials feel very nice to the touch. It’s a good balance of British understated style and modern luxury. The only complaint is that the NAV graphics may not be as sharp as others, but it was better at getting me places. You can even add a third row of seats to the Range Rover Sport, but mine was the standard five-seater.
The Range Rover Sport’s exterior looks really good. The lower roof line and the optional 22-inch wheels help give it a sportier look. But with one glance you know it’s a Range Rover — just with a modern touch.
The Range Rover Sport also feels a little more edgy to drive. You’ll notice you go a little faster than in the big Range Rover, you hear a little more of the engine and it feels lighter and more willing to take turns. The big 22-inch wheels probably don’t give as good of a ride compared to the smaller 19-inch wheels — but it just looks better! I recommend trying both versions on your test drive. I was pleased that the supercharged V6 had plenty of power but it doesn’t sound as good as the V8. You do get better fuel economy — 20 mpg over 300 miles is good for a Range Rover Sport.
The Range Rover Sport with the base supercharged V6 sounds a little strange at first but it’s more than enough for most people that don’t need a big V8. With a starting price under $64,000, the Range Rover Sport is a go anywhere, luxury SUV that looks good and doesn’t beat you up at the gas pump.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
