Used 2012 Landrover Range Rover Sport SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

Zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds is enough to get most people excited about the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Finally, an SUV that can move! In a market full of four and six-cylinder engines, catered towards consumers with fuel-economy as a priority, it is refreshing to find a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired up with a six-speed automatic. This thoughtful combination delivers 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough power for anyone. It even tows as much as its longer big brother at 7,716-pound capacity.

As for the ride, it is a little stiffer than the full-length version, but being a sportier suspension, it is to be expected. On dry pavement, this SUV handles as nicely as a sedan. The steering tracks well and there is minimal body roll.

Off-road capabilities are phenomenal. This full-time four-wheel drive has a Terrain Response system to adapt to conditions like mud and snow. As you would expect though, gas mileage stinks at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

Technology

• Sound System: Harmon/Karden 380-watt system with 11 speakers, in-dash CD slot and a 10-disc virtual CD storage.
• Navigation: The hard disk drive navigation system is beautiful to look at and very thorough. However, some feel that it overwhelms with a little too much information, and it can be a little slow at times.
• Bluetooth: Never take your hands off the wheel again to send, receive and end calls.
• Universal Remote: This transmitter in the Sport allows you to program up to three things, such as your garage door and home security system to eliminate the need for separate remotes.

Safety

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has yet to be crash tested and probably never will with its high sticker price. A driver knee air bag keeps the driver from submarining under the dash in the event of a collision. This of course complements front and rear head airbags and side-mounted airbags. Just some of the long list of safety features includes:

• Electronic stability system
• Surround and rearview cameras
• Child seat anchors
• Electronic braking assist
• Trailer stability assist
• Antilock brakes
• Engine immobilizer
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Parking sensors
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Emergency braking preparation
• Post-collision safety system
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pretensioners

Appearance

Although Land Rover likes to say Sport has a contemporary appearance, it is really just as boxy as the rest of their vehicles. A rear roof-mounted spoiler and dark atlas front grille do manage to spice things up a little though. Body color mirror caps and privacy glass add the finishing touches.

Comfort

When you slip behind the wheel you immediately notice that the seat offers a great command of the road. Cabin materials are quite close to the longer version with upholstery stitching, real wood and soft leather. You will also notice that the navigation system and all buttons are at your fingertips and easy to identify.

Passengers in the rear have ample leg and head room, and the seats offer a solid amount of thigh support. If you haul a adults in your backseat frequently, they will be more than comfortable in this vehicle.

Cargo

Although the Sport does allow for a total of 71 cubic feet of cargo space, you have to work for it. To fold the backseat down you need to tilt the bottom of the cushion forward first, which is a little awkward.