Land Rover, the British manufacturer of predominantly four-wheel drive, off-road capable vehicles, is now owned by multinational car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover. Since 2008 it’s been a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors. Its vehicles often have a dual existence: They look great, boast handsome interiors and combine innovative design with high-tech advancements … but they rarely drive as well as their appearances. The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is an exception.
A midsize SUV available in several powertrains, the 2024 Range Rover, specifically the SE Dynamic Sport trim, is devoid of former dubious traits. Gone are the backseat bumpy ride and sluggish acceleration. The new Range Rover, despite the word sport in its title, isn’t particularly sporty—but it is versatile. Seating is well-padded, firm and easily adjustable, and the cabin is quiet for Range Rover’s SUV segment. Road and wind noise are minimal.
The reviewed trim features a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a mild hybrid system with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
It’s not cavernous, but the new Range Rover has enough cargo space for average-sized needs. It offers 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row; with the 40/20/40-split rear seats down, the area expands to 53 cubic feet. It’s a similar tally to several competitors, but Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the Range Rover’s top rivals, have larger cargo areas.
Two classy features: The air suspension can be lowered with the touch of a button in the hatch to make loading and unloading cargo easier. Likewise, folding or raising the seats—often a cumbersome task in many SUVs—is push-button easy.
Land Rover offers a generous standard features list. Even the base P360 SE features leather upholstery, adaptive air suspension and a 16-speaker Meridian sound system with a 13.1-inch curved center touchscreen. Safety features are plentiful, forward collision warning to parking sensors and lane keeping assistance to blind-spot warning and a surround-view camera system.
The sport trim includes most of the standard equipment for lower-level trim, but the black-on-black color schemes, including black calipers and black exterior trim and black lettering, add a unique appearance. It’s a luxury SUV with an attitude.
Standard driving features also include adaptive cruise control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have wireless connectivity. For multitaskers, there’s a plentiful supply of USB-C and USB-A ports throughout both rows and a wireless charging pad.
Land Rover built its enduring off-road legacy on safaris and in military use. For daily drivers, the carmaker’s strengths are still in place via its ample supply of available “packs.” The Cold Climate Pack ($450) includes a heated windscreen and heated headlight with washer jets. The Hot Climate Pack ($1,805) features two-piece sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, a front center console refrigerator compartment, four-zone climate control and a cabin air purification system.
Like its siblings, the new Land Rover is a luxury SUV with a confident presence. It’s a status symbol with curbside appeal and a legacy to uphold. It’s handsome inside and outside. And finally, the package is complete. The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport drives like a luxury SUV should.
Facts & figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.8 seconds
Airbags: 5
Gas mileage: 19 mpg city, 26 mpg hwy
Horsepower: 395
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $90,700
Price as tested: $104,655
Manufacturer’s website: landrover.com
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Drivetrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Federal emissions, 8 years/80,000 miles
