Land Rover’s venerable Range Rover can tackle tough off-road terrain that would foil less-capable SUVs, yet it still has the cachet to warrant a front-and-center parking space at an upscale hotel. Much of the Range Rover’s style and off-road-ready hardware has carried over to the automaker’s less expensive Range Rover Sport.
To be clear, the Range Rover is unrelated to the five-seat Range Rover Sport.
New for 2012 The Range Rover Sport can have a power liftgate with a selectable opening height, and the stereo systems gain more speakers with the count now reaching up to 17. There’s also hard drive music storage, improved iPod connectivity and Bluetooth streaming audio. The navigation system sees changes including updated voice activation. The rear entertainment system gains additional connectivity means.
Exterior The Range Rover Sport features a two-bar grille and a large air intake. Exterior features include:
Standard 19-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires
Standard skid plates
Standard rear spoiler
20-inch wheels optional
Optional adaptive headlights swivel to better illuminate turns
Interior A 5-inch LCD screen within the instrument cluster houses an information display. The Range Rover Sport’s five-person interior is trimmed with simulated metal pieces; real wood trim is also available. Heated leather seats and power-adjustable side bolsters for the front seats are optional. Interior features include:
Standard navigation system
Optional rear-seat entertainment system
Optional Alcantara seat inserts
Optional heated rear seats
Optional Harman Kardon premium stereo
Optional cooled box for drinks, etc.
Under the Hood Two 5.0-liter V-8 engines are offered. Mechanical features include:
Standard 375-horsepower V-8 makes 375 pounds-feet of torque
Available 510-hp, supercharged V-8 makes 461 pounds-feet of torque
Both engines drive a six-speed automatic transmission
Available active locking rear differential
Capable of fording up to 27.5 inches of water, according to Land Rover
Safety An available Vision Assist Package includes a surround camera system, which gives the driver a full view around the Range Rover Sport. Safety features include:
Standard antilock brakes
Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
Standard side curtain airbags
Standard electronic stability system with rollover mitigation technology
Standard front and rear parking sensors
Standard rear-seat child-safety seat anchors
Optional adaptive cruise control maintains a preset distance between the Range Rover Sport and a car in front of it
