Land Rover’s popular Range Rover Sport is getting some attention for the 2017 model year. Small changes to the exterior pale in comparison to the new technologies integrated into the interior. From advanced driving aids and upgrades to the Terrain Response 2 system to an innovative trailer towing app and a new 10.2-inch infotainment screen, the 2017 updates bring big new for technophiles.

The Range Rover Sport’s drivetrain remains unchanged, including its 550-horspower output and legendary 4WD system. Changes to the exterior basically denote the new model year and the updates hidden inside the leather-lined cabin.

These changes are the first big updates for the Range Rover Sport since the second-generation’s introduction in 2013. Before that, the first generation Rover saw action from 2005 to 2012 with a facelift in 2009. Continuing with its aluminum-intensive structure and powerful V-8, the 2017 Range Rover Sport should provide all the same driving pleasure as before, but with added conveniences and technology that make ownership fun.

Let’s dive into the 2017 updates.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 340
  • Torque: 332
  • Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior updates for 2017 are so minimal, Range Rover only used one sentence in its press release to notate their existence. One sentence. Range Rover did devote a paragraph to the enlarged color options courtesy of JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations. There are 19 new colors that “range from contemporary pearlescent whites to sophisticated greys, as well as luxurious high-gloss and satin finishes.”

Compared to the 2016 model, the press images show updated front fog lights and lower fascia, along with black-colored Range Rover lettering on the hood. The wheel choices are new as well.

Interior

The interior might be slightly revised for 2017, but Land Rover is apparently keeping things a secret until a later date. No photos were included in the press materials. Still, we’ve got a pretty good idea of how the Range Rover Sport’s interior will look thanks to this spy photo above.

The dash now holds JLR’s new 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system. It no longer uses hard-key buttons, but has integrated these functions into soft keys within the graphic interface. Land Rover says this gives the dash a cleaner look without impacting functionality.

Beyond the new infotainment system’s size and lack of hard buttons, the software is new as well. It also incorporates some new geeky tech sure to make Range Rover buyers happy. These include a bevy of new driver aid systems and safety features. Let’s dive into them below.

Technology

The 2017 Range Rover Sport still offers the same driver aid functions as before, but adds several key items. This includes Blind Spot Assist, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Low Traction Launch, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Advanced Tow Assist.

Blind Spot Assist goes one step further than a conventional blind spot warning system. If a lane change is attempted and the Range Rover detects a vehicle in its blind spot, it will nudge itself back into the lane, almost like Lane Departure Assist. Intelligent Speed Limiter uses Range Rover’s Traffic Sign Detection system to read speed limit signs and to automatically set its speed accordingly. This works in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control.

Low Traction Launch is a new program within the Terrain Response 2 system. When set to the Grass/Gravel/Snow mode, the Low Traction Launch system limits torque output to help limit wheel spin and maximize traction, getting the vehicle rolling in adverse conditions. It works up to 19 mph and can be used to climb muddy banks.

Perhaps the most impressive is the Advanced Tow Assist system. It works much like the Ford F-150’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature in that the steering is controlled via a dash-mounted knob turned in the direction the driver intends the trailer to turn. In the Range Rover’s case, when the system is active, it uses the Terrain Response knob to control steering while the driver watches the 360-degree camera system and rearview mirrors as the trailer is backed up. This is supposed to eliminate the counter intuitive steering needed to back a trailer.

Returning unchanged is Rear Park Distance Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning.

JLR’s new 10.2-inch touch screen is now called the InControl Touch Pro system. It’s not only larger than last year’s eight-inch screen, but offers gesture controls like pinch to zoom and swiping functions, familiar to smartphone and tablet users.

Drivetrain

The biggest news for the Range Rover Sport, at lease those sold outside the U.S., is the addition of JLR’s new 2.0-liter Ingenium four-cylinder turbodiesel. It’s said to be more efficient than the outgoing 3.0-liter TDV6 yet still deliver similar power and driving characteristics. It makes 240 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while achieving an impressive 45.6 mpg on the European test loop.

Here in the States, the Range Rover Sport’s powertrain options remain the same. That means the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 comes standard. Optional is the aforementioned 3.0-liter Td6 turbodiesel. Those wanting more power can choose the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. It comes in two output levels – the “base” configuration makes 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the SVR version, and it makes a full 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.

Displacement

Cylinder configuration

Forced Induction

Horsepower

Torque

3.0-liter

V-6

Supercharged

340

332

3.0-liter

V-6

turbodiesel

254

443

5.0-liter

V-8

Supercharged

510

461

5.0-liter

V-8

Supercharged

550

502


Prices

The 2017 Range Rover Sport will carry a starting price of $66,645, an $800 increase over 2016’s starting price. There is also a $995 destinations charge. The Range Rover Sport will be available in the last quarter of 2016.

Competition

Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne is one of Porsche’s hottest selling vehicles these days, going against the performance brand’s heritage of sports cars. Still, that heritage is found aplenty in the Cayenne, making it one of the more sporty SUVs on the market. A long list of engine options, including hybrid and diesel options, make the Cayenne a well-rounded machine.

Prices for the Porsche start around $60,000 and swell to nearly $100,000 with all the option boxes checked on the range-topping model.

Read our full review on the Porsche Cayenne here.

BMW X5

Like the Porsche, the BMW X5 comes from a brand historically known for its sports cars. The same story continues here too, as the sporty nature of BMW’s heritage rubs off on the SUV, making it a competent handler. The X5 is offered with an equally long list of powertrain options, giving customers plenty of choices and price points from which to shop.

Those prices all start at $55,500. Check all the option boxes and you’ll be wrighting a check for more than $75,000.

Read our full review on the BMW X5 here.

Conclusion

The Range Rover Sport has been a great seller for the brand, appealing to those waning a midsize high-end luxury offering with some competent off-road chops on the side. The Sport offers a jack-of-all-trades type attitude, with a full list of potent engine options, standard 4WD, a smart terrain management system, and the pedigree to match.

In fact, the Range Rover name goes a long way for many buyers – those looking for the cache of such an iconic brand. Those same buyers will be happy to see the new technology lining the dashboard of the 2017 model. The new safety features, Low Traction Launch, Tow Assist, and larger infotainment system should surely help boost sales.

Spy Shots

May 18, 2016 - First testing session