Buying a used Range Rover: sports or large?

The Range Rover is the quintessential luxury SUV. It has the power and durability of a pickup truck, but the sleek, sophisticated control of a smaller vehicle, making it the best of both worlds. At first glance, the Sport and full-size models look pretty identical. So how can you determine which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at the similar and different features of a used Range Rover Sport compared to a full-size version.

similarities

Each base model consists of a 340-horsepower V6 engine. Supercharged models get a 510-horsepower V8 engine. The V6 version gets 17/23 miles per gallon (city/highway) and the V8 gets 14/19 miles per gallon. The custom 8-speed automatic transmission with 4-wheel drive lets the vehicle conquer any terrain, as do its traction control tires for sleet, snow, ice and rain. Both models are universally known for their extreme off-road capabilities and 3,500kg towing limits, and both have been reported to hit 60 miles per hour in five seconds.

Other standard features include dual power front seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, laminated side windows, a panoramic glass roof, and a rear-passenger entertainment system integrated into the headrests. Safety features include top-of-the-line voice navigation, automatic xenon headlights, parking assist, a backup camera, anti-lock brakes, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and satellite navigation. Each vehicle also comes equipped with front side, curtain, and rear side airbags.

differences

The used Range Rover Sport may be smaller than its full-size counterpart, but it still packs 3-row seating. It has a “sportier feel” inside with more curves and a taller center console. The modified body kit gives the exterior the same sporty and elegant look. It is considered to be louder than the full-size Range Rover and drives “harder” due to the suspension required to improve fast cornering while driving. It also has 8 speakers instead of the full 13. Given its smaller size overall and many of the full-size version’s standard features being initially available as add-on options, it’s no wonder the Range Rover Sport comes in at $20,000 cheaper.

From its name alone, it’s obvious that the full-size Range Rover is bigger than the Range Rover Sport. However, this model only contains two rows of seats, although it has a more spacious appearance. As mentioned above, most of the full-size model’s standard features are only options on the Sport. These features combined with its larger size are why the starting price is around $84,000. These features include tri-zone automatic climate control, 3D surround sound technology, surround view camera, rear cross-traffic alert system, forward collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, and automated parallel parking. The full-size model even contains heated seats, heated mirrors, and a heated steering wheel, all of which come standard.

Bottom line, if you want to spend about $20,000 less, need the extra third row of space, and can live without the fancy features, buy a used Range Rover Sport. Otherwise, stick with the full-size Range Rover.