2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Quality Review

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Inside the cabin of the Range Rover Sport, things are a bit snugger than you'd expect from a large SUV, though up front the cockpit-like feel is intentional, helping to immerse the driver in the experience. A revised interior does away with the cheaper-seeming elements that had found their way into the previous Sport, and visibility is good thanks to ample windows. High-quality leather, wood, and wool carpeting complete the luxury experience of the Range Rover Sport.

Noise is fairly well-controlled in the cabin. ConsumerGuide does note "wind and road noise at highway speeds," however, and the "supercharger whines in fast acceleration, but it never annoys." Car and Driver looks past the noise to the materials and comfort, saying the 2010 Range Rover Sport's interior is "its best and most unique feature," and even going so far as to say it is "on the same level as an Aston Martin or Rolls-Royce interior." Usability of the high-tech features is also improved this year, as ConsumerGuide points out, "[m]ost major controls use well-identified buttons and knobs that are easy to locate and operate."

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's "shortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacity," according to Kelley Blue Book. The Range Rover Sport also comes up short on child-friendly features, warns MotherProof, remarking "the Rover couldn't handle...kids' booster seats." 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." Improvements to the seating for 2010 mean "[o]ptional adjustable side bolsters help the front seats fit drivers of all sizes and the seats are more comfortable to boot," reports Automobile. ConsumerGuide agrees, noting that the "firm and astutely contoured seats provide excellent support and the drive position is fine."

Storage and cargo space aren't all bad, however. ConsumerGuide notes that "the two-step rear-seat folding process creates a relatively long and flat load floor," and the unique two-tier glove box and various small bins "contribute to good small-item storage space." As 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." Edmunds remarks, however, that "the sloping rear window can hamper the loading of large and bulky items."