Used 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Slightly smaller than the larger and more expensive Range Rover, the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offers the former’s engine options as well as many of its luxury features. Designed to be a driver’s SUV, the Range Rover Sport features a stiff suspension and big wheel-and-tire combo that, to our surprise and delight, is amazingly competent both on and off road. Permanent 4-wheel drive and a sophisticated electronic terrain management system deserve most of the credit for the Sport’s off-road prowess, but you can just tell your friends it’s your impressive driving skills and no one will be the wiser. If you don’t mind scratches and dents on your $70,000 investment, the Range Rover Sport makes for one impressive partner to take off-road adventuring.

One may not believe a vehicle that’s this capable in the rough could be smooth on the road, but the same suspension that soaks up ruts makes the Range Rover Sport very compliant on the highway and around town. With the naturally-aspirated V8, the Range Rover Sport is quick for an SUV, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. With the supercharged variant, the Range Rover is even quicker, making the same trip in 5.9 seconds. Those times are even more impressive considering this vehicle weighs nearly three tons. Those who choose to put the 2013 Range Rover’s off-road chops to the test won’t be disappointed. You’ll be amazed at this vehicle’s capability and composure on just about any off-road surface, from grass to gravel, snow to sand. With the twist of a knob, the Range Rover’s terrain response system can be set to take on any of these challenges. Supercharged models also have a Dynamic setting, which tailors the vehicle for on-road performance.

As befitting a vehicle wearing the Range Rover name, the 2013 Sport’s cabin is sumptuous. It is as far removed from those of old-time 4x4s as the Rover’s electronic terrain management system is from hubs that had to be manually locked from outside. Leather and plush materials cradle the occupants in luxurious comfort and the driver’s seat offers a commanding view. Though shorter than the Range Rover by more than half a foot in length, the Range Rover Sport actually provides more legroom for both front and rear occupants while sacrificing little in rear cargo space.

No surprise here: The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport still looks like a Range Rover, meaning big and boxy, yet still beautiful in its own way. Make that bold and beautiful, with tall sides, big windows and the smallest wheels being 19 inches. This is not a vehicle for those seeking anonymity.

SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
The available supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine produces an astounding 510 horsepower and an even more impressive 461 lb-ft of torque. Power to tow, pass and just flat-out haul is provided without hesitation.

HARMAN/KARDON PREMIUM AUDIO
With 17 speaker backed by 825 watts, what audiophile would ever want to leave the comforts of the Range Rover Sport’s interior?

Standard on the 2013 Range Rover Sport HSE is a leather interior, three-position memory driver’s seat with electronic lumbar support, parking aids front and back and a rear-view camera that helps the driver while maneuvering. All Range Rover Sport models also come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, push-button start/stop, ambient lighting, harman-kardon audio system, 4-corner air suspension, navigation system and LCD instrument panels in front of the driver in place of traditional analog gauges. For those desiring to test the Range Rover Sport, the SUV boasts the ability to wade streams up to 39.4 inches deep. The vehicle’s belt drives, alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor are all waterproofed.

The biggest boost you can give your Range Rover Sport is under the hood in the form of a supercharger. That option costs over $15,000 and amounts to a total of 510 horsepower. Other ways to make this Range Rover your own include the Vision Assist Package that includes a surround-view camera, heated rear seats, active rear-locking differential and a premium harman-kardon audio system that pumps 825 watts through 17 speakers. At the top of the range, the Autobiography Range Rover Sport offers exclusive interior colors, a special front grille and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The 2013 Range Rover Sport retains the same powerplants introduced in 2010: A naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 or a supercharged version of the same engine. Even the base engine provides enough power to tow more than 7,700 pounds, but both require premium unleaded fuel and, with EPA highway mileage figures of 18 mpg and 17 mpg, respectively, lots of it. The transmission is a ZF 6-speed automatic with CommandShift modes of Normal, Sport and Manual.

5.0-liter V8
375 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
375 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8
510 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17 mpg