Car Review: The 2014 Range Rover Sport

by Ian Harwood on Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

After seeing many old Range Rovers around, navigating the back roads and how bulky and cumbersome they look as they spin out rocks, attempting a hill climb, or how the passengers seem to be bouncing around uncontrollably on what appears to be a very basic interior, I found myself thinking there must be some kind of special group of people that are attracted to this vehicle.

Well, fast forward to today’s version of the Range Rover and you will find an outstanding front end that is easily recognized with the signature grille and projector style headlights.

The trend-setting side vents on the front fenders that’s is found on other vehicles and copied by the aftermarket. The large rear glass panels that extend up into the roof line making the overall appearance very clean looking and unique.

The engine is a 510 horsepower, supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that puts out 461 lb-ft of torque @2500 RPM with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features Command Shift that actively responds to your driving habits and road conditions by reconfiguring the shift patterns for optimum drivability in all situations and is mated with a 2-speed electronically controlled transfer case.

Four wheel electronic traction control, hill descent control, and four corner air suspension with terrain response not only makes this vehicle maneuver well on the road but can take you on some of the roughest back roads British Columbia has to offer.

The terrain response system gives the Range Rover outstanding off-road capabilities, it adapts the response of the vehicles engine, transmission, centre coupling and chassis system to the terrain you’re driving on. It also maintains driver comfort as well as maximizing traction. Terrain response works continuously, but the driver can change the setting depending on the terrain conditions, for example: mud and ruts, snow, or sand. Hill descent control automatically controls and restricts the speed downhill, using anti-lock brake system, and improves driver control on slippery descents.

My first impression after climbing into the cab was of disbelief… I did not expect that level of comfort.

The sight lines are amazing and the blind spot was almost non-existent. The rear seats had plenty of room for adults and the cargo area was adequate. The heated leather wrapped steering wheel featured all the controls one needed to operate the equipment without distraction. The front and rear seats are heated. Power tilt/slide front sunroof and a large glass roof over the rear seats allow plenty of natural light in.

It is top shelf quality thru and thru.

Range Rover has a long history of making safe vehicles, and the Sport model is no exception. Driver and passenger front airbags are designed to provide head and chest protection, and the front seat side airbags protect against side impacts. There is also a full length curtain airbag to help reduce potential of head injury and roll over ejection for front and rear passengers. Inflatable knee bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column.

Fuel economy is 16.2/10.4 L/100km (City/highway)

Warranty 4 year/ 80,000 km

Price as tested $125,575

Email: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca