2023 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

RANGE ROVER SPORT EASES 

INTO THIRD GENERATION WITH 2023 MODEL

Offered in four trims including the limited production First Edition model, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a slightly smaller version of the company’s flagship Range Rover full-size SUV with a slightly more economical price tag.

And it still has that sophisticated British air that gives you a feeling of driving not just a fully off-road capable SUV but a piece of history as well as an urge to stop in somewhere for a cuppa and scones.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover comes in P360 SE (mild hybrid 3.0 turbocharged inline-6), P400 SE Dynamic (upgraded mild hybrid turbo 3.0L inline-6), P440e plugin hybrid along with the P530 First Edition (4.4L twin-turbo V8). This review is based on the 2023 Range Rover Sport First Edition.

No matter the engine, all 2023 Range Rover Sport models get an 8-speed automatic transmission and, of course, are all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case.

The V8 in the First Edition trim is rated at 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque which is quite a jump from the 335/369 in the base model and 395/406 in the upgraded inline-6 in the P400 SE trim. The plugin version falls short in horsepower (434) but offers a significant boost in torque to 619 lb.-ft.

Not surprisingly, the V8 engine is the thirstiest of the bunch with mileage ratings of 16 miles-per-gallon city, 21 highway, and 18 combined using premium fuel to the 19/24/21 ratings for the V6s.

Standard equipment on the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport First Edition includes comfort and convenience features like a power rear liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, four-zone climate control, a sliding panoramic moonroof with power sun blind, heated and ventilated front seats with power massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, keyless entry with push-button start, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlan and Android Auto, and a Meridian surround sound system.

My test vehicle also included a Meridian Signature Sound System as a $4,550 option, which to me is a bit of an overkill. You must really like your tunes to put out that much. A full non-leather upgrade also was among options.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport First Edition rides on 23-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare is available for $560.

The starting MSRP for the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover First Edition is $121,000. Tack on $1,475 for destination and delivery and the options and final MSRP for my test vehicle came to $132,575.

The base P360 SE lists at $83,000 before extras. Tea and crumpets are not offered.

What I liked about the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: It is very roomy and comfortable with lots of features, including heated and ventilated seats with a massage function for the front. The cabin has a high premium feel, and visibility is excellent. The front cupholders can be removed to reveal a hidden stowage compartment in the console. Several powertrain choices are offered, and an all-electric version is coming in 2024.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Rover Range Rover Sport: The infotainment system is slow to respond to commands both voice and touch. The system overall takes some getting used to. With the V8, you have to ease into pressuring the accelerator to avoid a jerky throttle response. 

Would I buy the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport? Definitely would consider it if it were within my budget. The thing is, though less expensive than the larger Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport still checks in at the high end of the luxury midsize SUV segment.