Want the prestige of a Range Rover without the sheer size, ultra-luxury feel, or sky-high price tag? That’s exactly where the 2025 Range Rover Sport comes in. First introduced in 2005, the Range Rover Sport originally shared its bones with the Discovery, but wore sleeker styling to echo its big brother. Now in its third generation, launched in 2022, the Sport has grown into a true sibling to the full-size Range Rover—sharing its platform and much of its technology.
Powertrain options are just as robust, including six- and eight-cylinder engines, a plug-in hybrid variant, and a fully electric model on the horizon. It’s the Range Rover experience—refined, capable, and unmistakably premium—but in a leaner, sportier, and slightly more approachable package.
Pros
- Smooth lineup of engines
- Attractive modern styling
- More off-road ability than most will need
Cons
- Lack of buttons is annoying
- Interior looks similar to lesser models
- High price makes it a poor value
Now in its third model year, the current-generation Range Rover Sport is likely due for a mid-cycle refresh soon. For 2025, the updates are relatively minor but still noteworthy: a new Stealth Appearance Package, a less powerful plug-in hybrid variant, the addition of a limited-run SV Edition Two trim, and expanded interior customization options. While none of these changes are likely to compel current owners to make an early switch, they could be appealing for those nearing the end of a lease.
To see how it stacks up, DrivingOnRoad reviewed the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography—the most luxurious trim in the lineup—to determine whether it still holds the crown as the premier mid-size luxury SUV.
Exterior Looks: Smoothed The Edges
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
|
With each generation, the Range Rover Sport has evolved to become sleeker and more sculpted—and the third-generation model continues that trend. Gone are the sharp creases and muscular haunches of the previous version; in their place is a smoother, more minimalist design language inspired by the latest full-size Range Rover. Yet the Sport still carves out its own identity: it wears slimmer headlights, a more aggressive front fascia, and conventional horizontal taillights that set it apart from its larger sibling’s vertical light signature. The result is a look that’s clean, modern, and unmistakably performance-focused.
Fuji White is the only no-cost paint option on the 2025 Range Rover Sport. From there, things get pricey quickly. Metallic colors like our tester’s Firenze Red add $710, while three premium metallics will set you back $1,750. Want to truly stand out? Land Rover offers 12 SV Ultra Metallic finishes—including eye-catching hues like Velocity Blue and British Racing Green—for a steep $8,450. For those seeking an even bolder statement, nine of those can be had with a matte satin finish at an eye-watering $10,450.
A contrasting black roof adds $1,000 on lower trims, but comes standard on upper models. 21-inch wheels are included by default, though buyers can upgrade to larger 22- or 23-inch designs to further dial in the Sport’s road presence.
The Range Rover Sport measures 195 inches in length, making it nearly four inches shorter than the standard full-size Range Rover. Despite the difference in overall length, both models share the same 118-inch wheelbase, giving them similar proportions and interior space. However, the full-size Range Rover is also available in a long-wheelbase configuration for those who prioritize maximum rear-seat legroom.
Interior & On-Board Technology: Russian Nesting Rover
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
|
When this generation of Range Rover Sport debuted, it struck a smart balance between modern tech and tactile usability with a large touchscreen paired to a small cluster of physical buttons and knobs underneath. But by the 2024 model year, Land Rover abandoned that approach, opting for a fully digital, Tesla-like interface that eliminates physical controls altogether. The result? A cabin that feels visually cleaner—but also plain and oddly generic.
In place of the former controls, you now get a slightly larger storage bin with a wireless charger, but it hardly compensates for the loss. The tactile buttons not only offered more intuitive operation, especially while driving, but also gave the interior a more premium, bespoke character.
To be clear, this is still a luxurious space, with upscale materials and a long list of features. But visually, it’s starting to blur into the rest of the Range Rover lineup, including the more affordable Velar and Evoque. It’s a classic case of the “Russian nesting doll” problem in automotive design—where every model looks too similar, leading to a lack of distinct identity, especially inside.
2025 Range Rover Sport Interior Dimensions |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seater | ||
| 1st Row | 2nd Row | ||
| Headroom | 38.8 inches | 39 inches | |
| Legroom | 40 inches | 38 inches | |
| Behind 1st Row | Behind 2nd Row | ||
| Cargo Volume | 38.2 ft³ | 72 ft³
|
|
Every Range Rover Sport comes well-appointed from the start, with heated and ventilated front seats featuring 20-way power adjustment wrapped in supple Windsor leather. Step up to the Autobiography trim, and the experience gets even more indulgent: 22-way massaging front seats are trimmed in ultra-premium semi-aniline leather, offering near-first-class comfort.
Rear passengers aren’t left out, either. The Autobiography adds power-reclining rear seats with heating and ventilation, and they can be folded or raised with ease via either the touchscreen or buttons in the trunk. One particularly clever feature is Front Seat Clash Avoidance, which automatically adjusts the front seats if it senses the rears are about to collide during folding. It’s a subtle, thoughtful touch—exactly the kind of detail that elevates the Range Rover Sport from good to exceptional.
Infotainment: All Screen, Few Surprises
As noted earlier, the Range Rover Sport has largely abandoned physical buttons in favor of a streamlined, screen-centric design. At the center of it all is the 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system, which handles nearly every major function. To its credit, the interface has been thoughtfully optimized—volume and climate controls remain anchored on dedicated edges of the screen, making quick adjustments easy and intuitive.
However, deeper functions like fan speed or seat controls still require diving into submenus, adding a few extra taps that may distract from the driving experience. Our biggest critique isn’t the usability, though—it’s the visual impact. With so few physical controls, the center console feels a bit too plain, especially for a luxury SUV at this price point.
On the audio front, base trims come with a 15-speaker Meridian sound system, which sounds solid. But if you spring for the Autobiography trim, you’re treated to a 19-speaker Meridian 3D surround sound setup—a truly immersive system that transforms the cabin into a private concert hall.
Performance: Borrowed But Brilliant
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
|
Buyers of the Range Rover Sport have a broad range of powertrains to choose from—each designated with a “P” badge followed by a number. The lineup includes two turbocharged inline-six engines, two plug-in hybrid options, and two twin-turbocharged V8s. Even the non-hybrid variants come with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, which enables smooth engine stop-start functionality and improved efficiency.
The entry-level P360 inline-six is exclusive to the SE trim, while the Dynamic SE offers three upgrade options: the more powerful P400 inline-six, the plug-in P460e hybrid, or the P535 V8—which powered our test vehicle. This V8 is also available on the Autobiography, though that trim comes standard with the high-output P550e plug-in hybrid, delivering strong performance with added efficiency.
At the top of the performance pyramid is the P635 twin-turbo V8, reserved exclusively for the SV Edition Two. With such variety, the Range Rover Sport offers something for nearly every luxury SUV buyer—whether you prioritize fuel economy, long-range cruising, or sheer horsepower.
2025 Range Rover Sport Engine Options |
||||||
| P360 | P400 | P460e | P550e | P535 | P635 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six | 3.0-liter inline-six PHEV | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 | |||
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | |||||
| Drivetrain | All-wheel-drive | |||||
| Power | 355 hp | 395 hp | 454 hp | 543 hp | 523 hp | 626 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 454 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 5.7 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 5.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 4.3 seconds | 3.7 seconds
|
Performance Impressions
DrivingOnRoad tested the Range Rover Sport Autobiography equipped with the twin-turbo V8, a BMW-sourced engine that replaces Land Rover’s former 5.0-liter supercharged unit. While it lacks the old engine’s signature growl and character, the new V8 makes up for it with remarkable smoothness, quiet operation, and refined power delivery. A seamless “Dynamic Launch” mode helped us achieve a 0–60 mph time of 4.35 seconds, just a hair off Land Rover’s 4.3-second estimate—impressive for a nearly 5,500-pound SUV.
Paired with a well-tuned 8-speed automatic and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that smooths out stop-start behavior, the powertrain feels effortless in daily driving and responsive under pressure. Frankly, we have few complaints about this setup.
That said, we’ve also had positive experiences with the brand’s in-house inline-six, which delivers strong performance with a lighter footprint. And we’re eager to sample the available plug-in hybrid (P550e), which boasts an EPA-estimated 53 miles of electric-only range—among the highest of any PHEV on sale today. For buyers prioritizing both luxury and efficiency, it could be the sweet spot of the lineup.
Ride and Handling: Composed, Not Sporty
We’ve previously criticized the full-size Range Rover for being almost too comfortable—its ride so soft it can feel floaty and disconnected. Thankfully, the Range Rover Sport strikes a better balance. It still glides effortlessly over bumps, but it doesn’t wallow or bounce like a waterbed. The ride settles quickly, offering a more composed, confident feel on imperfect roads.
The Dynamic Air Suspension can be firmed up, but even at its stiffest setting, it never feels genuinely sporty. Despite the name, the Sport remains more about control than aggression. There’s still noticeable body roll through corners, reminding you that this is a luxury SUV first and foremost. If sharper dynamics are what you’re after, the SV Edition might be a better fit.
That said, we were seriously impressed by the agility on offer—thanks largely to the rear-wheel steering system. It dramatically shrinks the turning radius, making tight corners and parking lot maneuvers effortless. Combine that with an excellent 360-degree camera system, and there’s really no excuse for poor parking. If you can’t place this SUV precisely, it’s not the vehicle—it’s you.
Fuel Economy, Range & Battery Info: Six Engines, Six Outcomes
With six powertrain options, fuel economy for the 2025 Range Rover Sport varies widely depending on what’s under the hood.
Both turbocharged inline-six engines return solid numbers for a midsize luxury SUV, rated at 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The plug-in hybrid models (P460e and P550e) actually dip slightly in combined fuel economy to 21 mpg, due to the extra weight of the 38.2-kWh battery. However, they make up for it with a stellar 53 MPGe when operating in electric-only mode. And with up to 53 miles of all-electric range, regular charging can significantly improve real-world efficiency—especially for short commutes.
As expected, the V8 options are the thirstiest. The P535 V8 delivers 16 city, 23 highway, and 19 combined, while the more powerful P635 dips slightly to 16/22/18 mpg. These numbers are nearly identical to the BMW X5 M60i xDrive (17/22/19), which shares the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine.
Whether your priority is efficiency, power, or electric range, there’s a version of the Range Rover Sport that can meet the need—just be ready to pay for it at the pump if you go full V8.
The Range Rover Sport remains a well-rounded luxury SUV that delivers across the board. It’s stylish, supremely comfortable, and surprisingly capable, often more so than many of its premium rivals. Our main complaint centers around the lack of physical controls inside—a design choice that slightly undercuts the otherwise luxurious cabin experience.
That said, when viewed more critically, the Sport doesn’t always outshine the competition. Alternatives from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche offer comparable performance and features—often at a lower price point. What the Range Rover Sport does bring to the table is a strong sense of brand prestige and curb appeal, which, for many buyers, is enough to justify the premium.
It may not be the most practical or best-value option in the segment, but the Range Rover Sport still holds immense emotional appeal—and that might be its most powerful selling point.