2023 Range Rover Sport SE: 6 Key Insights

author: FutureCar Staff    

The new-for-2023 Range Rover Sport plays a similar role as before in the Range Rover lineup, offering a smaller, more affordable, and sportier alternative to the full-fat Range Rover. While it may look the part, it's not a corner-carving track-capable SUV like the upcoming Range Rover Sport SV. Instead, this model focuses on on-road refinement and occasional off-road adventures.

I had the opportunity to drive the base SE trim of the Range Rover Sport, which is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. With a price tag of $90,245 after options, it's significantly cheaper than the base Range Rover P400. But does it provide a true Range Rover experience?

Here are six thoughts on the Range Rover Sport SE:

1. The interior is truly gorgeous. The Range Rover Sport excels in minimalism and discrete luxury. Its cabin features slab-sided paneling, artful control design, and a simple yet elegant dashboard. The floating touchscreen is instantly accessible and serves as the control panel for the car. The Range Rover Sport opts for a classy and timeless approach, with no overwhelming displays of wealth or excessive tech.

2. The 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six engine is impressive. Producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, it offers plenty of power to outperform others on the road. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and quick shifts. Additionally, the inline-six engine is the base engine for the Range Rover Sport, making it a cost-effective option. It also provides better fuel economy compared to the V8 engine.

3. The infotainment system is no longer a weakness. Land Rover has finally improved its infotainment system with Pivi Pro. Paired with the Range Rover Sport's beautiful screen hardware, including a 13.1-inch central screen and 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster, the system is a delight to use. It now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly, and Land Rover's system is now highly competitive with other top systems in the market.

4. The Range Rover Sport SE may not be as sporty to drive as its name suggests. While it offers a comfortable ride thanks to the "dynamic" air suspension, the handling leaves much to be desired. The steering is slow, there's noticeable body roll, and the vehicle doesn't encourage aggressive driving. However, Land Rover offers performance options like rear-wheel steering and a 48-volt electronic active roll system to improve the driving experience.

5. The design of the Range Rover Sport is captivating. The test vehicle's Giola Green paint color highlights the SUV's clean design. It manages to look both new and timeless, combining the traditional SUV shape with a sleek and modern appearance. The seamless body, flush door handles, and gorgeous taillights contribute to its overall appeal.

6. The off-road capabilities of the Range Rover Sport are still impressive. While I mainly drove it on paved roads, the SUV is equipped with various off-road technologies. The air suspension can be raised for greater ground clearance, and it comes with all-wheel drive as standard. Additionally, it features wade-sensing software, off-road cameras, an electronic active differential, and the latest "Terrain Response" system from Land Rover. For more challenging off-road adventures, the low-speed off-road cruise control is available.

In conclusion, the new Range Rover Sport is an exceptional on-road luxury vehicle. It may not offer the dynamic performance of some competitors, but it excels in styling, interior luxury, and the occasional off-road adventure. It's a great choice for those who prioritize panache and timeless design.

FutureCar Staff