2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury midsize SUV, that has a combination of on-road performance, interior luxury and off-road prowess.

The Sport is still a Land Rover, so it is still capable of performing on slippery and rough terrain.

This 5-passenger SUV is offered in HSE and Supercharged trim levels.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $60,895.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gallons (87 l) MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 188 in. (477.5 cm) Wheel Base: 108 in. (274.3 cm)
Height: 70.2 in. (178.3 cm) Width: 78.8 in. (200.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 5540 lbs (2513 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.7 in. (17 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 150 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 5.0L V8 DIVCT DOHC Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1
Horsepower: 375 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 7716 lbs (3500 kgs) Maximum Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:HSE Lux MSRP: $65,595; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy
Option:Supercharged 510 HP MSRP: $76,495; MPG: 12 city / 17 hwy
Option:Autobiography Sport MSRP: $87,195; MPG: xx city / xx hwy
Option:2013 Sport Limited Edition MSRP: COMING SOON; MPG: NA

Engine & Performance

The Sport is powered by a 5.0L V8 that produces 375 horsepower and 375 lbs-ft of torque. The Supercharged trim uses an improved version of the V8 engine that produces 510 horsepower and 461 lbs-ft of torque. Both engines are mounted on a 6-speed automatic transmission that has 3 modes: Manual, Sport and Normal. A ZF 8-speed transmission has been offered for the first time as an option. In addition to that, all models benefit from full-time 4-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case and terrain response. The Supercharged model is able to splint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

The fuel economy of the HSE model rates at 13 mpg in city and 18 mpg on highways. The Supercharged models fuel economy rates at 12/17 mpg city/highway.

Exterior

The Range Rover Sport comes with a new powered tailgate and colors. The HSE trim comes standard with a sunroof, fog-lights, bi-xenon headlights, 19 inch wheels and rear parking sensors among other notable exterior features.

Optional luxury features include: heated windscreen, 20-inch wheels and heated washer jets

Interior

The cabin of the Range Rover Sport is fitted with luxurious materials of high quality resulting to an elegant, quiet, and comfortable interior. All trim levels come standard with push-button ignition, premium audio systems, climate functions, Bluetooth and a touch screen to control navigation.

Rear entertainment is fun, thanks to White Fire wireless technology. Other standard features available in the HSE trim include: leather upholstery, full iPod integration, genuine wood trim and rear view camera.

The Supercharged model on the other hand comes with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, HD radio and satellite radio. The maximum cargo space is 71 cubic feet.

Safety & Reliability

There are many safety features that guarantee the safety of the occupants. Beginning with six airbags including 2 in front activated by side impacts, 2 side curtain airbags, and driver and front passenger airbags.

Other standard safety features include: traction and stability control, brake assist, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors. Optional safety features are: multi-camera parking assist, adaptive front lighting, vision assist package and automatic high beam assist. The Sport is backed by a 4-year or 50,000 mile limited warranty, in addition to a 6-year corrosion cover.

Pros

  • Luxurious interior
  • Composed on-road handling
  • Powerful V8 engines
  • Impressive off-road capability
  • Iconic name and styling
  • Great front seats

Cons

  • Sparse standard features
  • Short on interior space
  • Poor fuel mileage

Competition

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport balances on and off-road performance while maintaining luxurious and comfort features. In fact, the off-road capability of this SUV beats its rivals.

There are number of attractive SUVs that the Range Rover Sport can be compared to, they include the Infiniti QX (MSRP $60,000; 14 city / 20 hwy), the Mercedes Benz GL (MSRP $61,570; 17 city / 21 hwy), and the higher priced Toyota Land Cruiser (MSRP $78,255; 13 city / 18 hwy).

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Range Rover Sport’s powerful engines, well-tuned suspension, and high-tech electronic control systems combine to make one of the most versatile high-performance SUVs available.”Car Connection

“Range Rover Sports are secure, balanced, and grippy. Body lean is well controlled, and cornering speeds can be satisfyingly quick in either model.”Consumer Guide

“If you crave a luxury SUV that can crawl down dirt roads by day and take you to the opera at night, it’s hard to beat the Range Rover Sport. Attractive looks inside and out, brand heritage and a host of the latest technology rounds out the package.”KBB

“The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport demonstrates superb manners in town and on the highway, even if it does lack some of the rugged off-road spirit of the standard Range Rover.”Edmunds

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