2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Range Rover Sport has proven that sporty looks and luxury style can commingle in a single, perfected vehicle. In 2005, the Range Rover Sport was introduced in its first generation. Now, in 2023, the Range Rover Sport has entered its second generation and continues to rise above all other competition. In fact, the 2023 Range Rover Sport is spunky, luxurious, and bold in a way other luxury SUVs can't compete with. Its striking features and no-nonsense attitude facilitate a kind of boldness and confidence that transpires to drivers, as well. Let's take an in-depth look at what makes the 2023 Range Rover Sport so unique and desirable for purchase.

What's New for 2023?

In the 2023 model year of the Range Rover Sport you'll find a slew of new features and enhancements that weren't available in its 2022 version. New and improved cabin design elements, modern tech inclusions, and fresh style enhancements throughout give the 2023 version of this SUV new life. A contributing factor to this SUV's new design is its longer wheelbase that made its appearance in the Range Rover Sport's 2023 model.

Moving on to its powertrain, the 2023 Range Rover Sport now adds a plug-in hybrid and a V8 to its well-known V6 options. For those who are environmentally conscious, the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid runs off of a traditional V6 engine that is paired with an electric motor that produces zero emissions. Yet, for those who want more power, a new V8 engine that can produce up to 523hp is also an option in the newest Range Rover Sport.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2023 Range Rover Sport – The Pros

1. Promotion of Unmatched Ride Comfort

Sure, every vehicle wants to tout that it is a comfortable ride. Yet, the Range Rover Sport is one of the only models that actually delivers on this promise. Not only does it have exemplary wheel travel, which is known to the Land Rover brand, but it also includes purposeful cabin insulation to minimize road noise and top quality interior materials for comfortable seating.

Not only does the 2023 Range Rover Sport boast leather-trimmed seats with power adjustability as a standard amenity, but it ups the ante with heated and ventilated front seats with massaging features and a heated steering wheel in higher trim levels.

2. Super Storage Solutions

Many off-road SUV models are denounced for their lack of storage solutions and basic cargo stowage options. However, the 2023 Range Rover Sport sets itself apart from others easily. As soon as you slide into the front seat you'll be met with a refrigerated front center console that sits between you and your passenger. This is an enhancement we haven't yet seen in any other luxury SUV model.

This model year of the Range Rover Sport also includes a feature known as Intelligent Seat Fold, which allows owners to configure their seating arrangements any way they see fit to accommodate cargo and passengers. Simply select which seats you wish to fold and unfold in the second and third rows on your phone, and watch as the 2023 Range Rover Sport responds to your commands.

3. A Premium Signature Sound System

Of course, you would expect a luxury SUV to go all out when it comes to tech amenities. The 2023 Range Rover Sport doesn't disappoint in the sound system it includes as standard. A Meridian Signature Sound System sends playback through 29 in-cabin speakers and lets you experience what 1,430 Watts of amplifier power feel like. This setup creates a personal sound environment all your own that all drivers and passengers can appreciate.

4. Active Noise Cancellation Technology

Although we touched on this feature earlier, we think this is quite a unique amenity that should be discussed in-depth. The Active Noise Cancellation feature of the 2023 Range Rover Sport is a next-generation tech function that utilizes microphones within each wheel to detect noise levels. This information is then sent to a digital processor, which calculates the sound readings and removes undesired frequencies.

The sound, or lack thereof, is then transmitted through the speakers in the headrest and interior of the Range Rover Sport. This creates an environment for minimal sound intrusion and one of the quietest rides you'll experience in an SUV.

5. Cabin Air Purification System

Within the cabin of the 2023 Range Rover Sport you'll find fewer harmful, airborne particles than you would in comparable SUV models. The reason for this safer and cleaner environment is the built-in air purification system of the newest Range Rover Sport. Known as the Cabin Air Purification Pro System, this integration uses state-of-the-art PM2.5 filtration technology and signature nanoe X technology.

The duo system creates a cabin environment that is odor-free with reduced allergens and bacteria. It also aids in controlling CO2 levels to create a safe ride for all passengers. As a result, the in-cabin air purification system of the 2023 Range Rover Sport plays an integral role in reducing illness and increasing alertness of drivers and passengers within.

6. All Wheel Steering to Improve Your Ride

If you have a love for speed, you'll appreciate the all-wheel steering mechanism of the Range Rover Sport, which enhances the ride stability of this SUV while traveling at high speeds. Allowing the rear wheels to steer all the way up to 7.3 degrees, this feature conducts the rear wheels to steer in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds than ever before.

When traveling at lower speeds, though, this feature has the opposite effect. It improves maneuverability by directing the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This allows the Range Rover Sport to turn in a full circle in just 36 feet, which is something not even compact SUVs can accomplish.

7. A Well-Behaved Ride and Driving Experience

Thanks to a few ride enhancements for its 2023 model year, the Range Rover Sport boasts exemplary suspension and ride quality. For a sporty SUV, this is quite unique. Standard air suspension and a Terrain Response system are contributing factors to this luxury SUV's top-quality ride.

For years, the Terrain Response System has helped the Range Rover stand out among competitors. Now, the new and improved Terrain Response 2 System is taking it to another level with its automated sensing of road conditions and adjustment mechanisms that cater to travel on rock; grass, gravel, and snow; mud and ruts; and sand.

8. Responsible Vegan-Friendly Interior Fabric

This is a quality you won't find in many, if any, other SUVs. The 2023 Range Rover Sport incorporates vegan-friendly Ultrafabric in its cabin, which is ideal for individuals who desire an animal-free interior. While leather seating comes standard, an upgrade to this vegan-friendly material that has been carefully crafted by a sustainable brand is also available.

9. A Longer Wheelbase That Creates More Interior Space

In previous model years, the Range Rover Sport boasted third-row seating. However, the second and third rows were always cramped for any passenger who was larger than a child. So, this brand wisened up and eliminated the third-row option all while lengthening its wheelbase. This added an extra inch of legroom for second-row passengers, which is much appreciated.

10. Exterior Elements That All Contribute to a Sleek and Seamless Design

Many automakers claim their vehicles are sleek and seamless, but none take it to the level that the 2023 Range Rover Sport does. By implementing slim headlights, that are the skinniest this brand has ever manufactured, flush door handles, and flush-mounted glass, this SUV creates an aesthetic of luxury and class. While other SUV competitors use bold grills and gaping areas to grab attention, the 2023 Range Rover Sport does the opposite, and it pays off in this model's ingenious and attractive exterior design.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2023 Range Rover Sport – The Cons

1. Lack of Power in the Standard Engine

If you're looking for exemplary power in a new, luxury SUV purchase, you'll have to upgrade to a higher-level powertrain in the 2023 Range Rover Sport. While the standard V6 is powerful enough for everyday use, it leaves a little to be desired for off-road travel and high-speed excursions that some buyers enjoy.

2. Intense Vibration from Larger Wheel Size

Incorporating larger wheels into the design of the new Range Rover Sport adds to this SUV's luxurious look. Yet, they aren't as functional as they are aesthetic. In fact, these chunky wheels can interfere with ride quality, which some drivers may not appreciate.

3. Styling That Doesn't Fit Everyone's Taste

While this is not a substantial downfall of the 2023 Range Rover Sport, it is something to keep in mind. The styling of this upscale and luxurious SUV is extremely unique and fits into these niches. Not everyone can appreciate this type of design, but those who do tend to be Range Rover fans for life.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Of course, the 2023 Range Rover Sport isn't the only luxury SUV in its class. It has plenty of competition, which it manages to rise above time after time. Yet, some of its most common competitors include the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5.

2023 Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Audi Q7

At first glance, one can tell that these two luxury SUV competitors were made with different design goals in mind. While the 2023 Range Rover Sport is boxy and sleek, the 2022 Audi Q7 is more rounded and robust. Looks aren't everything, though. The Range Rover Sport rises above the Audi Q7 in its electrified powertrain offerings, and its gasoline models are more affordable in the Range Rover Sport than in the Audi Q7

Also, the third-row seat of the Audi Q7 is notoriously small and cramped. Yet, the Range Rover Sport eliminated this issue in its 2023 model by removing the third-row and adding wheelbase length for comfort maximization. For these reasons, the 2023 Range Rover Sport rises above the 2022 Audi Q7.

2023 Range Rover Sport vs 2022 BMW X5

The BMW brand is one of luxury and class, so the BMW X5 is a great competitive comparison against the 2023 Range Rover Sport. Their looks are more similar than other competitors. Yet, the cramped third-row seat is still an issue in the 2022 BMW X5, whereas the 2023 Range Rover Sport can't compare. Although the Range Rover Sport is priced higher than the BMW X5, it is more comfortable, capable, and includes more features. The 2023 Range Rover Sport also comes in all-wheel drive as standard, is more spacious throughout its cabin, and has more optional add-ons than the 2022 BMW X5.

Conclusion

The 2023 Range Rover Sport is an upscale SUV with a classy look and rugged abilities that is hard to beat. No matter how hard competitors try, they just can't keep up with all the features and amenities this luxury SUV model has to offer. While there are many reasons to love the 2023 Range Rover Sport, there are only a select few reasons not to. The 2023 Range Rover Sport is the top choice in our book, because of its diversity and individuality.