The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid are elegant SUVs with a degree of all-electric driving range. Brilliantly engineered and with respected pedigrees, these two vehicles represent the best of each automaker’s SUV know-how.
Range Rover, one of Land Rover’s three subbrands, first burst onto the scene in 1970. The Range Rover Sport cashes in on the Range Rover’s reputation but in a more affordable and arguably more practical package while retaining impressive off-road capabilities.
Porsche honed its image in the world of racing, not to mention building sports cars like the legendary rear-engine 911. When the first Cayenne arrived in 2003, it completely reset the standard of speed and comfort expected from a high-end SUV.
Let’s examine the highlights of the Range Rover Sport PHEV and Cayenne E-Hybrid to compare them.
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV
The 2024 Range Rover Sport PHEV is motivated by a 542-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter gas-electric inline-6 cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard.
This model year brings a boost in power and electric driving range, not to mention a change of drivetrain name from P440e to P550e. Since the plug-in hybrid powertrain only comes in the top Autobiography trim, it has a lofty starting price of $119,675, including a $1,475 factory-to-dealer delivery fee.
Having spent many miles behind the wheel of the Range Rover Sport, what impresses us most is the superb ride quality provided by the standard air suspension. The similarly standard 4-wheel steering helps to make this sizable SUV more maneuverable in tight spots.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV Highlights
Electric driving range: At the time of writing, there are no EPA-rated fuel mileage estimates for the Ranger Rover PHEV or the Cayenne E-Hybrid. What we do know is that the Range Rover Sport claims the PHEV model is capable of traveling 53 miles on battery power alone, making it one of the longest-running PHEVs on the market.
Luxurious interior: The Range Rover Sport comes with a prodigious price, even compared to the Cayenne. Yet once you get behind the wheel, you understand it was money well spent. Rich leather upholstery, along with metal and wood trim, create an ambiance that’s parts stately mansion, private jet, and all Range Rover. In other words, life is good.
Pivi Pro system: This high-tech luxury SUV has a 13.1-inch curved infotainment touchscreen and an even bigger 13.7-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, and Amazon’s Alexa is a nice extra touch.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Range Rover Sport PHEV models near you.
2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne receives significant updates for this model year. First and foremost, the exterior is refreshed, and matrix LED headlights are now standard. There are also more exterior color choices and alloy wheel designs. Inside, Porsche has also made a number of improvements (of which we’ll discuss in just a moment).
The 463-hp turbocharged gas-electric V6 has no trouble getting the Cayenne down the road swiftly; the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes about 4.6 seconds. There is space aplenty in either the first or second rows, and the cabin has an elegant design that feels sportier than the lounge-like environs of the Range Rover Sport. Pricing starts at $99,195, factoring in a sizable $1,995 delivery fee.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Highlights
Poise and agility: Someone didn’t tell Porsche’s engineering team that an SUV shouldn’t be capable of cornering as quickly and providing such compelling steering feedback. The Cayenne drives like a rapid sport sedan; it darts around corners and never feels unwieldy. We’re sure it could traverse some moderately rough terrain, but this SUV feels like it can be equally enjoyed on a racetrack.
Touchscreens for everyone: We hinted at the interior improvements, and now we’re ready to spill the beans. The biggest interior improvement is the addition of a 12.6-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is also the option to add a 10.9-inch touchscreen ahead of the front passenger – cleverly, this screen is invisible to the driver. It’s a sleek and futuristic setup, though you might need to keep microfiber cloths handy,
Porsche 911 steering wheel: Just because it’s Porsche’s largest SUV doesn’t mean it ignores the brand’s sports car heritage. Look closely, and you’ll notice the steering wheel in the Cayenne is the same as what you’ll find in the current 911 sports car.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Cayenne models near you.
Similarities
These luxury-lined hybrid SUVs are standard bearers in terms of how they get down the road in complete serenity. Of the two, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is more posh and white-glove treatment since it only comes in the top trim. Meanwhile, the Porsche urges you to go faster and faster when the road ahead is curvy.
Conclusion
Is there an outright winner here? A lot depends on what you’re looking for in an ultra-luxurious SUV. The Range Rover Sport PHEV has an impeccable ride, and a cabin that you might decide could double as a weekend getaway; it really is that roomy and decadent.
With the Porsche, you have an SUV that feels more like a sports car on stilts. Quick steering and relentless acceleration make it a blast to drive in all sorts of situations. Because we’re still waiting to learn the official EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for both the Range Rover Sport PHEV and Cayenne E-Hybrid, we can’t ultimately say which pulls of the hybrid act best.
When it comes to making an entrance, the Range Rover’s regal-feeling advantage is hard to argue against.
| 2024 Land Rover Range Rover PHEV | 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid | |
| Starting Price | $119,675 | $99,195 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.0-liter gas-electric inline-6 | Turbocharged 3.0-liter gas-electric V6 |
| Horsepower | 542 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm | 463 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft @ 2,000-5,000 | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 118.0 inches | 114.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.0 inches | 194.1 inches |
| Width | 80.6 inches | 78.1 inches |
| Height | 71.7 inches | 66.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.9 feet | 40.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.8 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 40.3 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.8 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 59.1 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 40.7 cubic feet | 22.1 cubic feet |
