The 2023 Range Rover Sport starts at $84,475 in the United States and at $101,750 in Canada.
Solid road manners, seductive design inside and out, great towing capacity.
Feels heavier than it is, irritating throttle delay and grabby brakes, high price.
The 2023 Range Rover Sport introduces an all-new generation of the midsize luxury crossover that, as before, blends off-road capabilities with a performance-focused character. This third generation rides on a new platform and boasts fresh new styling along with a more modern interior.
It’s available in P360 SE, P400 Dynamic SE, P440e Autobiography and P530 First Edition trim levels in the United States, while the Canadian market gets P400 Dynamic S, P400 Dynamic SE, P440e Dynamic HSE and P530 First Edition. The P360 mill is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with mild hybrid assist that develops 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the P400 is the same configuration, but with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet. The P440e plug-in hybrid 3.0L engine belts out 434 horsepower and 457 pound-feet, while its 38.2 kWh (31.8 kWh usable) battery pack provides an EV-only range of about 48 miles or 77 kilometres. The 2023 model-year-only First Edition gets the frisky P530 twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 523 horses and 553 pound-feet. Each one is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds power to all four wheels.
Our 2023 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE tester was equipped with the P400 powerplant, which provided plenty of giddyup and go, but with rather mundane engine sounds. That is, until we activate the Dynamic drive mode, but the simulated toned-up soundtrack feels, well simulated. Not a big deal. JLR claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, or 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Fuel economy isn’t bad at all for such a big luxury vehicle, as long as we choose a six-pot engine. During our test of the P400-equipped Range Rover Sport, we managed a decent 21 mpg or 11.1 L/100 km.
| Engine | City/highway/combined (mpg) | City/highway/combined (L/100 km) |
| MHEV P360 turbo 3.0L I6 | 19/26/22 | – |
| MHEV P400 turbo 3.0L I6 | 18/26/21 | 13.1/9.1/11.3 |
| PHEV P440e turbo 3.0L I6 | 19/24/21 | 12.4/10.0/11.3 |
| P530 twin-turbo 4.4L V8 | 16/21/18 | 15.1/11.1/13.3 |
Compared to the outgoing generation, the 2023 Range Rover Sport rides on a slightly longer wheelbase, while being longer and higher overall. While the vehicle looks wider than before, it’s actually an inch narrower with its mirrors folded, according to the spec sheet. Curb weight is up, too. However, aside from second-row headroom, interior dimensions have increased slightly, and so has cargo space. Max towing capacity remains set at 7,716 pounds or 3,500 kilograms when properly equipped, although PHEV units get a 6,614-pound or 3,000-kg rating.
In the U.S., pricing starts at $84,475 and climbs to $122,975 before options, while in Canada, the Range Rover Sport is listed between $101,750 and $133,650. Competition includes the Audi Q7 and Audi Q8, the BMW X5 and BMW X6, the Genesis GV80, the Lexus GX, the Lincoln Aviator, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe, the Porsche Cayenne and the Volvo XC90, among others.
Why You Should Buy a 2023 Range Rover Sport
- This crossover is all about luxury. The smell of the leather upholstery, the interior and exterior design, the performance and the refinement all translate into a sumptuous ownership experience.
- Thanks to hybrid tech, the Range Rover Sport’s six-cylinder engines are efficient, while its BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8 isn’t a guzzler. The Mercedes-Benz GLE’s consumption is slightly better, while the BMW X5/X6 is comparable to the RR Sport. The Audi Q7/Q8 and Porsche Cayenne are slightly less efficient, while the current-generation Lexus GX consumes a lot more fuel.
- The 2023 Range Rover Sport’s infotainment system is easy to use, thanks to its big touchscreen and straightforward menu layout. Full-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also a nice touch. In addition, we like the simplified steering wheel switchgear Land Rover decided to go for this time around.
- Of course, the vehicle is just as smooth on the road as it’s capable off the beaten path, although no one will likely hit the trails with our tester’s massive 23-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber. The Sport is also quite versatile with its decent cargo capacity and great towing capacity.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2023 Range Rover Sport
- Its overall reliability reputation isn’t good, as is the case with many luxury utility vehicles in its segment. Owners could have no troubles at all, while others could be making frequent trips to the dealership. It all depends on how well we’re treated by said dealership when glitches do arise. In a nutshell, Land Rover products are generally not as reliable as Lexus’.
- Although size and weight have increased only a little, the 2023 Range Rover Sport feels heavier than it is—especially the PHEV variant carrying a fairly big battery pack. It’s still an agile and capable vehicle, just less so in the way it drives.
- As with many new vehicles today with electronically controlled drivetrains, the Sport’s delayed throttle tip-in gets a little irritating. Our tester also exhibited grabby brakes as we creep to a halt, making the experience less refined in city driving situations.
- The Range Rover Sport’s price is quite high, and all of its aforementioned rivals undercut it by several thousand dollars. Land Rover may be trying to move the Sport upmarket by lining up its pricing with full-size vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS, but we think it still belongs in the midsize segment.
Final Word
The 2023 Range Rover Sport ushers in an all-new generation for the model line, which was overdue since the previous gen was introduced for the 2014 model year. It serves up style, luxury, performance and opulence in a comfortable, versatile package. However, it’s by no means a bargain.
