2018 Range Rover Sport Review

The Range Rover Sport is a short-wheelbase version of the Range Rover that has gained significant popularity in the Kenyan market due to its sporty and aesthetic looks, not to mention the availability of a fuel-efficient diesel engine, which is a key consideration when deciding which car to buy. Its competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLE Cadillac Escalade, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350, and Porsche Cayenne. 

Detailed Review

2018 Range Rover Sport front view

From 2005 to 2013, the first generation Range Rover Sport designated L320, was manufactured. The chassis is based on the integrated body frame, semi-monocoque, independently suspended design of the Discovery 3, which debuted in 2004. This is said to deliver the refinement and structural rigidity benefits of a monocoque chassis while yet providing the robustness of a separate chassis design for off-road applications in the Range Rover Sport.

This midsize SUV comes standard with air suspension, allowing the driver three ride height options, which is quite beneficial when driving off-road. Terrain Response, which debuted on the Discovery 3, is now standard on all models. Terrain Response on the L320 allows the driver to pick each of the five additional settings by pressing a switch left or right.

The Dynamic Response system includes electrohydraulic active anti-roll bars that react to cornering forces and activate and deactivate as needed, resulting in excellent on-road performance.

The second generation Range Rover Sport codenamed L494, went into production in 2013 and lasted all the way to 2022. The new Range Rover Sport builds on the Evoque design and the full-size 2013 Range Rover. In contrast to the previous generation’s integrated body-frame chassis, the L494 Range Rover Sport has an all-aluminum monocoque body.

The third generation Range Rover Sport codenamed L461, debuted in 2022 and is still in production today.

The 2018 Range Rover Sport comes with three engine options; a 3.0 L (Diesel), a 3.0 L (Petrol), and a 5.0 L (Petrol), all of which are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Range Rover Sport Grades

  1. 3.0 L Supercharged SE- This entry grade comes with adaptive cruise control, Lane keep assist, driver monitor condition, and traffic sign recognition.
  2. SVR- This grade boasts a blind spot monitor, high beam assist, soft door close, configurable mood lighting, and surround camera system.
  3. SE- This grade has heated front & rear seats, adaptive cruise control, driver condition monitor, intelligent emergency braking, and blind spot monitor.
  4. SE Td6- This grade is fitted with a TFT instrument panel, customer-configurable mood lighting, Auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and a split folding rear seat.
  5. HSE- 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. HSE Td6- This grade boasts a front center console cooler box, heated & cooled climate rear seat, and auxiliary rear air ducting to third-row seats.
  7. HSE Dynamic- This grade is fitted with intelligent emergency braking, driver monitor condition, Bluetooth connectivity & Audio streaming, lane keep assist, and a blind spot monitor.
  8. 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. 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

The 2018 Range Rover Sport dominates the interior cabin supremacy contest due to its exceptional quality.

The first row provides plenty of legroom and headroom, with seats that tuck you in snugly. The second row is very impressive. Because of the ample headroom and legroom afforded by its reclining seats, a person can stretch out comfortably.

2018 Range Rover Sport first row

2018 Range Rover Sport second row

2018 Range Rover Sport sunroof

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Range Rover Sport boasts a center console, two cupholders, a glovebox compartment, and door pockets in the first row. Two cupholders, door pockets, and jacket pockets are provided in the second row.

Boot Space

The 2018 Range Rover Sport offers a boot space of 24.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are in use and 56.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded.

Exterior

The front- fascia of the 2018 Range Rover Sport features LED headlamps and fog lights. The Land Rover emblem is attached to a blacked-horizontal grille with a honeycomb-like look, giving this midsize SUV a sporty appeal.

Automated running boards make it easier for passengers to exit and board the vehicle. The taillights and turn signals are LED, and dual exhausts are positioned at the bottom of the bumper. To add to the aesthetic appeal, the back end has an angular design with a lip spoiler.

2018 Range Rover Sport front view

2018 Range Rover Sport side and front view

2018 Range Rover Sport side and rear view

2018 Range Rover Sport rear view

2018 Range Rover Sport Safety Features

The 2018 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.

2018 Range Rover Sport Fuel Consumption

2018 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L petrol engine consumption- 9.7 km/l on average

2018 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L diesel engine consumption- 10.8 km/l on average

2018 Range Rover Sport 5.0 L petrol engine consumption-7.9 km/l on average

2018 Range Rover Sport Acceleration

2018 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.7 secs

2018 Range Rover Sport 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.4 secs

2018 Range Rover Sport 5.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2 secs

2018 Range Rover Sport Fuel Tank Capacity: 104 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 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

The 2018 Range Rover Sport offers a smooth and stable ride. It has a unibody frame like a crossover, which results in a far smoother ride than SUVs with a body-on-frame chassis. Its steering wheel is extremely responsive and even at high speeds, it can adapt to road curvature.

This midsize SUV has a powerful engine combination that works in tandem with the transmission to deliver a smooth start and good acceleration.

This Vehicle incorporates an extensive range of off-road features as standard, such as full-time four-wheel drive, four preset terrain modes, and cutting-edge features like hill descent control and low traction.

2018 Range Rover Sport steering wheel

2018 Range Rover Sport automatic gear shift

2018 Range Rover Sport wheel

Reliability

The 2018 Range Rover Sport is known for its dependability, but it must be serviced on a regular basis in order to function properly. The technological aspects of the Range Rover Sport are well-known. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.

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 2018 Range Rover Sport

Sporty handling and acceleration

Fuel-efficient diesel engine

Comfortable and a well-equipped interior

What we dont

Gasoline engines are very thirsty

Some variants are very costly

Conclusion

The 2018 Range Rover Sport provides a practical blend of on-road performance, luxury, comfort, style, and off-road capability.

2018 Range Rover Sport side view

Get More With TopCar


If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.

If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.

If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.

Import This Car

    [dynamictext* your-subject "CF7_get_post_var key='title'"]


    Where To Buy?
    You can import or buy local from our marketplace.
    Budget In (KSH):
    Price varies between sellers: