When it comes to Land Rover models, the Range Rover Sport is the most versatile and well-rounded SUV you can buy. The Range Rover Sport has been around since 2005 and is currently in its third generation. For about $21,500 less than the flagship Range Rover, you get more tech and you don’t have to sacrifice anything much. Land Rovers are known for their off-road abilities, and the New Range Rover Sport can tackle almost any terrain. So, here's what makes it a Land Rover that offers maximum bang for your buck.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport

When you want a vehicle that offers both off-road capability and high-end luxury in addition to a status symbol, you should take a look at the flagship Range Rover. If your budget is slightly limited, the Range Rover Sport is an alternative that is nearly as good. Although the Sport has a more aggressive appearance than its flagship sibling, its smaller size does not prevent it from accomplishing the same thing. The Sport is available with three powertrains, including a hybrid inline-six, a plug-in hybrid inline-six, and a status-defining V-8 twin-turbo. Land Rover's most recent Pivi Pro infotainment system is included in the cabin along with driver-assistance features that assist with both on- and off-road driving. While this status does not come cheaply, the starting cost of the Range Rover Sport is higher than other luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Volvo XC90. It's true that the Sport is a rightful member of the Range Rover lineup for several reasons, including this one: it looks like money. The all-electric Range Rover Sport EV will be released as a 2024 model next year.

Range Rover Vs Range Rover Sport

The hybrid models of both, the Range Rover Sport, as well as the flagship Range Rover, have many similarities. They both offer up to 48 miles on all electric power alone and can wade through 35.4 inches of water safely. Both have the same three engines, but Range Rover Sport has one more smaller mill - the 3.0-liter offered in the SE model. The Range Rover Sport has a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds; nearly 500 pounds less than the top-of-the-line Range Rover SUV's 8,200-pound capacity. The larger Range Rover offers an extra inch of headroom in the rear and three extra inches of legroom over the Range Rover Sport. The Sport is just slightly smaller than the Range Rover in the standard wheelbase, but nothing that will be a deal-breaker for anyone. The Sport features a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds while the Range Rover will do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. It’s true there’s not a huge difference between the two Land Rover SUVs. The main benefit of getting the Range Rover Sport is if you are younger and like a sportier look, the Sport definitely looks better. It also will save you quite a bit of money; this is if $20,000 is a lot of money for you.

Other Non-Range Land Rovers

The Evoque has its place as the smallest Land Rover and their only crossover offering. It’s more capable than most other crossovers in its class, but it doesn’t compare to the Range Rover Sport. The Discovery Sport is the poor man’s Land Rover. It has the Land Rover badge, but it’s just another SUV with a 2.0-Liter engine. For $45,000 to $50,000 you could get a much better SUV without a Land Rover badge. The Land Rover Velar is another SUV that nobody asked for. It looks like a larger Range Rover Evoque. Kind of like the Nissan Juke and the Kicks. The Juke was so bad they had to stretch it and rename it.

Defender vs Range Rover Sport

The Defender is the most capable off-road vehicle offered by Land Rover today, and it has more configurations than ever before. If you are in the market for a Land Rover, the hardest decision is probably: do I buy the Defender or the Range Rover Sport? Defender is like the swiss army knife of SUVs. Three different sizes: 90, 110, and 130. You can seat up to eight passengers in the Defender 130 configuration, but would you want to get it? Similar to the Ranger Rover Sport vs Range Rover you are left with a preference of style. Range Rover Sport has a blend of classy and aggressive looks while Defender looks like a rugged off-roader and wouldn’t inspire confidence on a track or performance application. The Defender and Range Rover Sport offer roughly the exact same engine options although it must be said the Defender does offer more options than the Range Rover Sport. The wading depth is the same 35.4 inches. The Range Rover Sport offers a more luxurious interior including 22-way power seats.

Conclusion

If you want the Land Rover that has the most to offer, you definitely want the Range Rover Sport. It’s the most handsome and the sportiest-looking Land Rover. Obviously, when you buy a Range Rover Sport you are not trying to save on money, but you are saving money by not getting the big daddy Range Rover. Its biggest competition has to be the Land Rover Defender for those that may go off-road more than on them. Owning a Range Rover is all about class and making a statement to the world. It says, "I’m better than you and my SUV is better than yours."