Range Rover Sport review: Attractive and luxuriously exclusive SUV

The Range Rover Sport is like an icon. The original model caused a real stir, and the second generation has established itself as a desirable alternative to the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. With this third generation model, Land Rover has taken ‘RRS’ to a whole new level.

Built on the same all-aluminium architecture as the latest ‘OG’ Range Rover, it boasts the same kind of advanced technology offered in the British firm’s range-topper, but available at a more accessible price. As the name suggests, the focus on a more sporting drive is also in line with what many consumers want – look for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to topple the luxury SUV market, leaving the Range Rover behind.

Although it is derived from the Range Rover, sharing its lavish interior, the Range Rover Sport has a more focused look. Its profile is sleeker and at the rear, it has stance-enhancing horizontal tail lamps instead of the more prominent vertically-stacked lights of the full-size Range Rover.

There are three trims – SE, Dynamic SE and Autobiography – in a deliberately more focused choice than the Range Rover. There are also two plug-in hybrid powertrain options, either the P460e or P550e, whose numbers indicate power output. Of course, there’s a generous options list for those who want to go even further.

The Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid is impeccable to drive. It is both refined and luxurious, yet sporty and sharp. The duality of it all comes down to something, and it’s easy to see why these machines are so in-demand – and why, for many customers, all they need is a test drive.

As for the plug-in hybrid technology, a larger battery gives a generous EV range, as well as ultra-low CO2 emissions that will delight company car drivers. The Range Rover Sport is actually several steps ahead of its key rivals in this regard, which helps explain why it’s so popular.

I think it’s absolutely brilliant. Read on to find out why.

How we tested

I spent a week with the Range Rover Sport, which included a day of testing at the British firm’s off-road facility at Eastnor Castle. Far away from proper roads, its capability was astonishing – and the scenic drive back on the highway was also memorable.

Independent Rating: 9/10

range rover sport specs

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

The Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid has a very impressive 31.8kWh battery. This is larger than the battery found in pure electric dacia springIt delivers an EV range of up to 76 miles, with CO2 emissions of just 15 g/km, giving a remarkably attractive company car profit-tax rate of just six per cent for 2025-26, This makes it easy to see why the Range Rover Sport PHEV is so desirable,

The battery and 215hp electric motor are paired with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine, offering two different overall power outputs – either 460hp or 550hp. It is capable of delivering 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds and 4.9 seconds respectively. Notably, the electric motor is powerful enough to deliver a 0-62 mph performance of 10.9 seconds even when driving in pure electric mode, with the EV having a top speed of 87 mph. This means you can actually drive the RRS on battery power alone for up to an engine-off range of around 70 miles.

Intelligent all-wheel drive is also standard, which I experienced in the Eastener and can confirm helps the Range Rover Sport achieve remarkable feats off-road. When it snows, you’ll be the one carrying on while others fall by the wayside.

The standard air suspension gives a beautifully smooth and comfortable ride, while the Range Rover Sport’s switchable-valve air springs also make it dynamic and agile through corners. The precise steering and stable feel mean it feels remarkably light and agile – and also helps drivers manage its two-metre-wide dimensions.

The P550e is even more agile, as it has four-wheel steering as standard. It can be fitted as an option to the P460e.

Due to its smooth and vibration-free nature, you probably won’t notice the engine even when the battery discharges. Land Rover also believes that, overall, Range Rover Sport customers are likely to drive in EV mode 75 percent of the time, which indicates that you’ll be able to achieve that amount of low-speed electric running. Charge from home at a cheaper overnight tariff and your travel costs could be significantly lower than non-hybrid.

Interior, practicality and boot space

The Range Rover Sport is a pleasure to sit in. The regal, high-set driving position gives a wonderful view, and the seats are luxurious. The driving position is multi-adjustable and I like how close you can get to the steering wheel. Although this is a tall machine, the door frames are designed to make getting in and out as easy as possible, which smaller drivers will really appreciate.

The cabin is gorgeous. Obviously, being a luxury car, there is an endless choice of color and trim options. But the basics are shared across all models, including the large-format touchscreen, digital driver display and right-sized steering wheel. 20-way electric heated front seats are standard, with ventilated seats a £500 option.

Those behind are also well taken care of. A £500 front seat option includes heated, electrically reclining rear seats, and for £1,000, the rear seats can also be ventilated. Your passengers will love you for it; Needless to say, there’s also a majestic amount of space and comfort.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV also has a massive 647-litre boot, which expands to 1,491 liters when the rear seats are folded. It is no smaller than the regular RRS due to the battery being located under the floor.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

The Range Rover Sport features a 13.1-inch center touchscreen, combined with a 13.7-inch driver display. The infotainment is a large-format display that runs Land Rover’s excellent Pivo Pro operating system. It’s a pleasure to use, with crisp, gorgeous graphics, a flat, logical menu structure, and a helpful haptic click to confirm each tap and press. Some other car companies could learn a lot from this.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but you’ll prefer using the built-in system, because it’s so much fun. The sat nav mapping is ultra-accurate and it’s even tempting to use the air quality sensor. Land Rover connects it to your smartphone via a dedicated app.

The stereo is also excellent. Meridian technology features throughout the range, with the entry-level setup featuring a 400W 15-speaker system. For £1,200, you can choose a 3D surround system with 800W and 19 speakers, while the £5,500 Signature Sound System offers 1,430W and a remarkable 29 speakers. Needless to say, the sound quality is breathtaking.

One clever piece of plug-in hybrid-relevant tech is Predictive Energy Optimization, which uses geofencing to service EV-driving only where appropriate. If you set the sat nav, it will use electric where it is most effective, helping to maximize range and reduce overall fuel consumption.

Prices and operating costs

Prices for the Range Rover Sport start at around £90,000. It’s reassuringly luxury-grade, but still around £25k cheaper than the most affordable Range Rover plug-in hybrid. For some people, this will make the game a profitable deal. You don’t have to try too hard to take the price into six figures, mind you, the top-spec P550e Autobiography costs £114k, plus extra options and customisations.

That big battery is the key to why running a Range Rover Sport can be cheaper than you might think. Many owners are likely to have a driveway, enabling them to keep it charged regularly, which would provide pure electric motoring rather than expensive petrol consumption.

As mentioned, Land Rover expects Range Rover Sport owners to spend 75 percent of the time driving in EV mode. This will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, the time spent at the pumps.

No doubt insurance is going to be expensive. Land Rover believes it has dealt with the theft issues that have plagued the Range Rover brand in recent years, but it will take time for it to catch up to the car insurance industry. Car insurance prices will start falling only when claims data shows improvement.

range rover sport rival

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge?

The Range Rover Sport can use a plug-in hybrid DC rapid charger, which takes the larger 31.8kWh battery from empty to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

The Range Rover Sport is expensive, but not as expensive as a full-fat Range Rover. The Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid line-up starts at around £90k, which is £25k less than the cheapest plug-in Range Rover.

Does Land Rover replace batteries for free?

The Range Rover Sport has a six-year, 60,000 mile plug-in hybrid battery warranty. This seems a bit poor compared to the eight years and 100,000 miles offered by many rivals.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Decision

The Range Rover Sport is my ideal Rangegie. It has all the luxuries of the range-topping model, plus a little more dynamics and, importantly, more accessible prices. Sharing the same plug-in hybrid technology means its EV range is generous, helping to reduce emissions while also boosting everyday fuel consumption.