Used 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury midsize SUV. It’s one step down (both in size and price) from the magnificent Range Rover, but still has a lot of that vehicle’s authoritative presence, gorgeous interior, impeccable road manners, and serious off-road ability. It does come from the Land Rover company, after all.

As well as its high-class British pedigree and ability to tackle virtually any surface, the 2021 Range Rover Sport distinguishes itself from rivals like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with its many and varied powertrains — including a supercharged V8, turbodiesel V6, and a plug-in hybrid.

The Sport is also the only model in the Range Rover portfolio to offer 3-row/7-occupant seating, although the last row is cramped.

Around town, the Range Rover Sport impresses with its sophistication, responsive drivetrains, and deeply comfortable interior. It can tackle Rodeo Drive or Park Avenue like it was made for them. And it kind of is. Freeway speeds are handled with complete stability and calm.

Yet for all its uptown qualities, the Range Rover Sport can still get down and dirty. All-wheel drive hardware and terrain response systems don’t just pull the Range Rover Sport through deep bogs and back-road ruts, they allow the vehicle to conquer them. And wade through water deep enough to reach the door handles.

Powertrain choices also play a role in the Range Rover Sport’s attributes. Those with the inline-6 engine will be the best choice for the most buyers. Check out the diesel for mighty low-end thrust, towing, and efficiency. Those wanting the best of both worlds — high performance as well as off-road talent — should try the supercharged V8 versions.

All those centuries of catering to royals and aristocrats have created something special about a British luxury conveyance that’s missing from European and Asian rivals — a certain flair and style to the high levels of craftsmanship. Even in a truly modern vehicle like the 2021 Range Rover Sport, there’s evidence of that flair in the shapes and the quality of materials, and how they all work together.

The driver’s seat is supportive and brings the commanding view for which Range Rovers are known. The twin-screen infotainment system looks slick, but can sometimes be frustrating to use because of its reliance on touch controls.

There might be a good reason for buying a 2021 Range Rover Sport with the optional third seating row making accommodation for seven. But even Range Rover admits those two rearmost seats are for “occasional use only.” They also take up most of the cargo space, leaving a mere 5.7 cubic feet.

Like the flagship Range Rover, this Sport model has an imposing, almost monumental look. It’s always easy to tell when there’s a Range Rover in the rearview mirror because of that distinctive LED headlight signature. About five inches shorter than its imperious stablemate, the Range Rover Sport also has a slightly tapered roof and rising beltline where the doors meet the windows, giving it a slightly athletic air.

Different trims bring different elements. The high-end Autobiography model, for example, has many chrome details, whereas the 575-horsepower SVR is more about the serious business of going fast. Some paint options can cost thousands of dollars, but it’s also the little things — like the Range Rover Sport-shaped approach lighting beam — that contribute to making this luxury SUV so special.

LAND ROVER ACTIVITY KEY
This rugged, waterproof bracelet acts as the key, enabling owners to run, swim, surf, or just stroll the boardwalk while leaving the key fob safe in the vehicle. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy various activities without worrying about where to put the car keys.

TURBODIESEL
These days, diesel engines are about as popular as a fly in an ice cream. But they still have their strengths. The Range Rover Sport’s diesel offering has masses of torque, smooth responses, and excellent fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Range Rover Sport lineup spans five trims. All are well equipped — as they should be for an SUV that starts above $70,000. The entry-level Range Rover Sport SE includes all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, twin-screen touch-based infotainment system, navigation, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and an 8-speaker/250-watt audio system.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors at both ends.

For $9,000 more, the HSE Silver Edition adds heated/ventilated/16-way power-adjustable front seats, hands-free tailgate operation, 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, 19-speaker/825-watt Meridian surround-sound system, plus enhanced active safety features like high-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera system, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. This trim is also eligible for the diesel engine.

HST trim brings a more powerful 6-cylinder engine, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, black roof, and red brake calipers.

HSE Dynamic is where the supercharged V8 kicks in, along with satin chrome shift paddles and most of the features of the HSE Silver Edition. The standard audio system is an 11-speaker/380-watt Meridian setup, however.

Autobiography has either the supercharged V8 or the plug-in hybrid powertrain (also available in HSE Silver), and even plusher appointments like 22-way climate-controlled front seats, wood veneers, and soft-closing doors.

The Range Rover Sport SVR has the 575-horsepower V8 and a wealth of other performance hardware to complement that extra power. An SVR Carbon Edition is new for 2021, featuring many carbon fiber details and 22-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black.

Other options vary with trims and include parking assistance, off-road package with 2-speed transfer case, heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a refrigerated compartment in the front console.

A glove-box-mounted CD/DVD player is also available, as well as a 23-speaker Meridian audio system. Incidentally, Meridian is a well-respected company among audiophiles.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offers six powertrain choices, with half of those electrified in some manner. There are two mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), each using a 48-volt system and an electric supercharger along with a regular turbocharger.

The base inline-6 engine, coded P360, makes 355 horsepower; the P400 is the same engine boosted for 395 horsepower. These are the mild hybrids.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine is optional in the HSE Silver Edition, generating 254 horsepower and a considerable 443 lb-ft of torque.

The P400e plug-in hybrid drivetrain uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Maximum range on battery power alone is 19 miles.

The supercharged V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography versions produces 518 horsepower. The Range Rover Sport SVR, the most muscular variant, boosts that to 575 horsepower.

All 2021 Range Rover Sports have an 8-speed automatic transmission and a permanent 4-wheel drive system. Most versions can tow up to 7,716 pounds. The SVR is rated at 6,613 pounds, and the plug-in hybrid can still pull a respectable 5,511 pounds.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (P360, SE & HSE Silver Edition)
355 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
365 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (P400, HST)
395 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
254 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 + 105 kW electric motor (P400e, HSE Silver Edition & Autobiography)
398 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm (combined)
472 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm (combined)
Combined EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19 mpg (42 MPGe inc. battery range)

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (HSE Dynamic, Autobiography)
518 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/22 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (SVR)
575 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg