The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport boasts the highest level of performance ever offered on a Range Rover, but it is also more family-oriented: For the first time ever on a Range Rover-badged vehicle, the Sport offers occasional-use third-row seating.
Previously, the Sport rode on a version of the Land Rover LR4's architecture, but the move to the new Range Rover platform helps stretch its wheelbase 7 inches, which mainly benefits rear seat passengers. As a result of the stretch, a pair of third row seats is available to give the new model seven passenger capacity.
Looking mostly like a scaled-down Range Rover, the Sport gains its big brother's new styling cues inside and out.
On its more luxurious new interior, the Sport features upgraded materials, a smaller diameter steering wheel and a vertical gear lever rather than the Jaguar-sourced knob on the big Range Rover. Nearly a dozen color "themes" are on offer inside.Â
Like other Land Rover models, the Sport features a 5-inch TFT screen in the center of the dashboard and a 12.3-inch high-resolution unit in the instrument cluster. Three Meridian audio systems are available, culminating in a 1,700-watt unit with 23 speakers.
A power tailgate is newly standard, replacing the manual two-piece unit used previously.
On and off road
Befitting its heritage, the 2014 Range Rover Sport is said to be even better both on and off the pavement.
For those few owners who will intentionally leave the tarmac, the Range Rover Sport boasts a new fully independent suspension with more than 10 inches of wheel travel and 21.5 inches of wheel articulation. An air suspension is standard all around and it now includes two off road heights - one that's 1.4 inches higher than standard and one that stretches up 2.6 inches higher for severe conditions. Overall, the Range Rover Sport includes 4.5 inches of overall height adjustment.
To handle better regardless of terrain, the Range Rover Sport now includes electric power steering with a faster overall ratio but a slower on-center position. Because of the electric steering system, the Range Rover Sport will offer park assist that automatically pulls the vehicle into parallel parking spots and park exit, which does just the opposite. In addition, a perpendicular park system will automatically reverse the Sport into a suitable perpendicular space where there is enough room to open doors on both sides.
Torque vectoring, which distributes torque quickly during cornering, is included to reduce understeer and improve handling.Â
Opt for the Supercharged V8-powered model and Range Rover Sport nets a Dynamic mode that gives the vehicle a firmer ride and more responsive, tighter steering.
Dynamic mode is part of the Range Rover Sport's Terrain Response 2 System. While other models won't include Dynamic, they'll offer a variety of off road and snow modes plus a locking rear differential that Land Rover says is faster than ever before.Â
Under its hood, Range Rover Sport now offers a choice of V6 or V8 engines.
A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque is standard, marking the first time a six-cylinder has powered the Range Rover Sport in the U.S. Meanwhile, power hedonists can opt for the 5.0-liter supercharged V8, which is rated at 510 horsepower. Fuel economy specifications have not been released, but both models will include a hefty 27.7 gallon tank.
Regardless of engine, all North American-market Range Rover Sports will include an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Pricing detailsÂ
Four Range Rover Sport grades will be available initially, and while Land Rover hasn't detailed optional equipment, the automaker has released list prices.
Opt for the V6 and you'll choose between the $63,495 SE and $68,495 HSE.Â
The Supercharged V8 comes as standard on the Range Rover Supercharged at $79,995 and the ultra-luxe $93,295 Autobiography. All prices listed include a $895 destination charge.Â
Live images by Mark Elias.
