2017 Range Rover Sport Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Range Rover Sport designated L320, was produced from 2005 to 2013. The chassis is based on the Discovery 3’s integrated body frame, semi-monocoque, independent suspension design, which debuted in 2004. This is said to provide the Range Rover Sport with the refinement and structural rigidity benefits of a monocoque chassis while still providing the toughness of a distinct chassis design for off-road applications.  Because of its smaller size and raked roofline, it cannot accommodate third-row passengers like the Discovery 3, but being a sports tourer, it was never designed to be a seven-seater.

Air suspension is standard in this midsize SUV, giving the driver three ride height options, which is very useful when driving off-road terrain. The unique Terrain Response feature, first seen on the Discovery 3, is now standard on all models. Terrain Response on the L320 enables the driver to select each of the 5 extra settings by pressing left or right on a switch.

Dynamic Response features electrohydraulic active anti-roll bars that react to cornering forces and activate and deactivate as needed, resulting in superb on-road performance. Off-road performance is also improved with Dynamic Response, which decouples the anti-sway bars to allow for maximum wheel articulation. The L320 had a facelift in 2012. The interior remained mostly unchanged, but innovations like an electronic power tailgate and a new media interface with Bluetooth audio streaming were included. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and accompanying rotary wheel gear selector were also included.

The second version of the Range Rover Sport codenamed L494, began production in 2013 and will continue until 2022. The new Range Rover Sport follows in the footsteps of the Evoque style and the full-size 2013 Range Rover. The L494 Range Rover Sport has an all-aluminum monocoque body, as opposed to the previous generation’s integrated body-frame chassis.

The L494 had a significant renovation in 2018. The new Sport has new headlights and an updated cabin with the touch duo system. The main differences between the facelift and the 2018 Range Rover Velar are redesigned front and rear bumpers, new exhausts (two black pipes on S and SE variants, twin silver pipes on HSE, HSE Dynamic, and Autobiography with Dynamic Pack, and quad exhausts on the SVR variant), and upgraded touch duo infotainment. The L494 Terrain Response 2’s rotary knob on the center console allows the driver to change the chassis and gearbox settings (5 Five settings) to fit the terrain being crossed.

The third version of the Range Rover Sport codenamed L461, went into production in 2022 and is still in production today. The typical Range Rover’s chopped-roof sibling receives a simple style inside and out, as well as powertrain options.

The 2017 Range Rover Sport is available with three engine options; a 3.0 L (Diesel), 3.0 L (Petrol), and a 5.0 L (Petrol) which are coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Range Rover Sport Grades

1. 5.0 L Supercharged SVR- This entry grade comes with adaptive cruise control, Lane keep assist, driver monitor condition, and traffic sign recognition.
2. 3.0 L Supercharged SE- This grade boasts a blind spot monitor, high beam assist, soft door close, configurable mood lighting, and surround camera system.
3. 3.0 L Turbocharged Diesel SE Td6- This grade has heated front & rear seats, adaptive cruise control, driver condition monitor, intelligent emergency braking, and blind spot monitor.
4. 3.0 L Supercharged HSE- This grade is fitted with a TFT instrument panel, customer-configurable mood lighting, Auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and a split folding rear seat.
5. 3.0 L Turbocharged Diesel HSE Td6- This grade is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, 8 speakers, an automatic equalizer, 2 LCD monitors in the front, a digital signal processor, and a Real-Time traffic display.
6. 3.0 L Supercharged HSE Dynamic- This grade boasts a front center console cooler box, heated & cooled climate rear seat, and auxiliary rear air ducting to third-row seats.
7. 5.0 L Supercharged- This grade is fitted with intelligence emergency braking, driver monitor condition, Bluetooth connectivity & Audio streaming, lane keep assist, and a blind spot monitor.
8. 5.0 L Supercharged Dynamic- This grade has a customer configurable mood lighting, soft door close, surround camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Real-Time traffic display.
9. 5.0 L Supercharged Autobiography- This entry grade comes with a Satin black exterior trim, 4-zone climate control, queue assist, front center console cooler box, Traffic sign recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity.
10. Supercharged- This grade has an intelligent speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, heated front & rear seats, lane keep assist, driver condition monitor, and Auto dimming exterior mirrors.

Interior

Legroom & Space

One of the most enticing features of the 2017 Range Rover Sport is the leather-lined interior.

The front and second-row seats are highly supportive, with adequate legroom and headroom to accommodate relaxing. The optional third row is useful if you need to transport more than five passengers on occasion, but it’s actually only ideal for children.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Range Rover Sport has a center console that can actually act as a refrigerator, two cupholders, a glovebox compartment, and door pockets in the first row. The second row incorporates two cupholders, door pockets, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

The 2017 Range Rover Sport offers 27.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats, and 62.2 cubic feet with the rear and middle seats folded.

This midsize SUV comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate which makes loading stuff much easier when your arms are full.

Exterior

The 2017 Range Rover Sport has LED headlamps and fog lights at the front. The Land Rover insignia is fastened to a blacked-horizontal grille with a honeycomb-like appearance, adding sportiness to this midsize SUV. Sweeping lines on the hood and over the side profile give it a distinct appearance.

Automated running boards aid passengers to exit or board the vehicle easily. The rear end features LED taillights and turn signals, as well as twin exhausts located at the bottom of the bumper. The back end also depicts an angular shape with a lip spoiler to add to its aesthetic appeal.

2017 Range Rover Sport Safety Features

The 2017 Range Rover Sport features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2017 Range Rover Sport Fuel Consumption

2017 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L petrol engine consumption- 9.7 km/l on average

2017 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L diesel engine consumption- 10.7 km/l on average

2017 Range Rover Sport 5.0 L petrol engine consumption-7.8 km/l on average

2017 Range Rover Sport Acceleration

2017 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.9 secs

2017 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.6 secs

2017 Range Rover Sport 5.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8 secs

2017 Range Rover Sport Fuel Tank Capacity: 104 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Range Rover Sport has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

Even while driving on uneven pavement, the 2017 Range Rover Sport provides a comfortable and solid ride. It has a unibody frame, similar to that of a car or crossover, which results in a significantly smoother ride than SUVs with a body-on-frame chassis. There’s a lot of hidden technology that improves handling in higher-level models.

This midsize SUV comes equipped with a powerful combination of engines that work in tandem with the transmission to provide a smooth start and good acceleration.

Every variant of the 2017 Range Rover Sport comes standard with a slew of off-road features, such as full-time four-wheel drive, four preset terrain modes, and advanced technologies like hill descent control and low traction launch that make novices look like experts. The Range Rover Sport has electronic air suspension technology which allows it to be raised from its standard ground clearance to a higher one.

Reliability

The 2017 Range Rover Sport is recognized as a dependable vehicle, but it must be serviced on a regular basis in order to perform to its full potential. The Range Rover Sport is well-known for its cutting-edge technological features. Some owners, however, have claimed problems with the vehicle’s electrical system. Electrical problems can be caused by a number of things, including faulty wiring, malfunctioning sensors, and software bugs.

Refer to the Ranger Rover Sport buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Range Rover Sport Competitors: Mercedes Benz GLE Cadillac Escalade, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350, and Porsche Cayenne.

What we like about the 2017 Range Rover Sport

Stylish appearance

Fuel-efficient diesel option

Sumptuous interior

Smooth ride

What we don’t

Third-row seats are very crampy

Unimpressive economy with gasoline engines

Conclusion

The 2017 Range Rover Sport offers luxury, style, on-road performance, and off-road capability. This midsize SUV is a fantastic choice for both daily commuters and drivers who want to test their talents on difficult terrain. Individuals with little financial resources may find it challenging to run and maintain this vehicle.