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2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Quality Review

March 15, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Electronics also are a bit nervous...interface doesn't do anything easily
AutoWeek

the Rover couldn't handle my kids' booster seats
MotherProof

shortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacity
Kelley Blue Book

Head clearance is adequate, but larger passengers lack wiggle room
ConsumerGuide

The small size of the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s cabin is compensated by its overall comfort.

ConsumerGuide says that the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 "doesn't suppress wind and road noise at highway speeds as well as its premium midsize rivals...around town, though, it fares better," while "the supercharger whines in fast acceleration, but it never annoys."

Materials and assembly seem decent, but "electronics also are a bit nervous—the touch screen combined with the hard-button interface doesn't do anything quite completely or easily," according to AutoWeek. ConsumerGuide remarks, "richly padded cabin surfaces are abundant, but some materials disappoint for the price and the metal-look trim should be aluminum, not painted plastic." They also note that one of their test vehicles "suffered from myriad squeaks and a small leak from the sunroof after a heavy rainfall."

Although the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's "shortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacity," Kelley Blue Book remarks, "snug but comfortable seating offers good thigh support in the front bucket seats and roomy rear seat." Unfortunately, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 isn't especially child-friendly; according to MotherProof, "the Rover couldn't handle...kids' booster seats." Cars.com reports that the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 has a "five-person interior"; ConsumerGuide says that "head clearance is adequate, but larger passengers lack wiggle room in the footwell, which is pinched by a wide center console and the low dashboard housing."

ConsumerGuide also notes "the two-step rear-seat folding process creates a relatively long and flat load floor," while a "double-tier glovebox and multiple console bins contribute to good small-item storage space." Cars.com reports "interior cargo room measures 33.8 cubic feet but grows to 71 cubic feet when the 65/35-split rear bench seat is folded."

Conclusion

Noise and cheap plastics are noticeable, and the cabin is a bit tight, but the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is nicely appointed.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Electronics also are a bit nervous...interface doesn't do anything easilyAutoWeekthe Rover couldn't handle my kids' booster seatsMotherProofshortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacityKelley Blue BookHead clearance is adequate, but larger passengers lack wiggle roomConsumerGuide The small size of the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport’s cabin is compensated by its overall comfort. ConsumerGuide says that the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 "doesn't suppress wind and road noise at highway speeds as well as its premium midsize rivals...around town, though, it fares better," while "the supercharger whines in fast acceleration, but it never annoys." Materials and assembly seem decent, but "electronics also are a bit nervous—the touch screen combined with the hard-button interface doesn't do anything quite completely or easily," according to AutoWeek. ConsumerGuide remarks, "richly padded cabin surfaces are abundant, but some materials disappoint for the price and the metal-look trim should be aluminum, not painted plastic." They also note that one of their test vehicles "suffered from myriad squeaks and a small leak from the sunroof after a heavy rainfall." Although the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's "shortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacity," Kelley Blue Book remarks, "snug but comfortable seating offers good thigh support in the front bucket seats and roomy rear seat." Unfortunately, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 isn't especially child-friendly; according to MotherProof, "the Rover couldn't handle...kids' booster seats." Cars.com reports that the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2009 has a "five-person interior"; ConsumerGuide says that "head clearance is adequate, but larger passengers lack wiggle room in the footwell, which is pinched by a wide center console and the low dashboard housing." ConsumerGuide also notes "the two-step rear-seat folding process creates a relatively long and flat load floor," while a "double-tier glovebox and multiple console bins contribute to good small-item storage space." Cars.com reports "interior cargo room measures 33.8 cubic feet but grows to 71 cubic feet when the 65/35-split rear bench seat is folded." ConclusionNoise and cheap plastics are noticeable, and the cabin is a bit tight, but the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is nicely appointed. 2009 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "trimmed with simulated metal pieces, but real wood trim is also available" Kelley Blue Book: "vehicle appears as if it is moving quickly, even when at rest" Edmunds: "Overall, it is an enjoyable and luxurious vehicle to ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Cadillac Escalade is a larger alternative to the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The Escalade offers more interior room than the Sport, and the 6.2-liter V-8 in the Cadillac helps the Escalade keep up with the Land Rover, even when equipped with the supercharged engine. But not many buyers need that ability to traverse mud bogs on the way to the country club, and the 2009 Infiniti FX50 and BMW's X6 pose a dilemma for the Range Rover Sport because these all-wheel-drive competitors focus entirely on road performance, which is what so many buyers are seeking. The choice of SUVs in this price range also includes the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. Both are athletic and aggressive but suffer from thick styling.

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See the Land Rover Range Rover Sport in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  tampa transmissions #1, Posted: 8/24/2009

    I love these cars! The have something about them.

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