The 2014 Range Rover Sport is all-new for this model year. Â It has a new chassis, exterior, interior, engine, and transmission. Â The test model you see here is equipped with the 3.0L supercharged V6 and the 8-speed automatic transmission. Â Can it really do it all?
Can it back up the “Sport” part of its name? Â The supercharged V6 is new to the Range Rover Sport for this year and it makes 340 horsepower @6,500 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque @3,500 rpm. Â The previous generation started out with a more powerful normally aspirated 5.0L V8. Â However, consider the fact that the 2014 model weighs 813 pounds less! Â That is a big weight loss and you can feel it. Â The smaller V6 revs quickly and the 8-speed automatic matches in refinement and quickness. Â This roomy SUV is capable of low 7 second 0-60 MPH runs at a mile above sea level. Â This is about as quick as a small performance luxury sedans, such as: 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T or 2013 Volvo S60 2.5T.
The adjustable air suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. Â The Sport feels very confident in corners. Â So, it can back up its name.
Is it luxurious? Â The interior of this $73,000 SUV feels special. Â The dash is wrapped is soft leather. Â The wood trim is superb and the seats are comfortable. Â Nothing to complain about there.
There is more. Â This vehicle can raise itself, select low-range gearing, lock the differential, and crawl over gnarly terrain with the best of them. Â It has good approach and departure angles to confidently go way off the beaten path. Â Many other performance luxury SUVs cannot do the same.
There is still more. Â The Range Rover Sport is rated to tow 7,716 pounds. Â Please come back in a couple of days for a full towing report, as we test with Range Rover with a 5,740 pound trailer.
Oh, almost forgot. Â The 2014 Sport is EPA rated at 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. Â I averaged 22.1 MPG after a mixed driving loop with about 75% on the highway. Â This is a significant improvement over last year.
