2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.
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Slated between the superbly fancy Range Rover and the pint-sized Range Rover Evoque, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is undoubtedly the most popular of its siblings. The previous generation of the Range Rover Sport dated all the way back to 2014. Despite some age, Land Rover has continuously been giving the vehicle updates. But, of course, this mid-size crossover SUV was starting to feel kind of dated. For 2023, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is entirely new, and boy, are there some welcome changes afoot.
The 2023 Range Rover Sport takes some of its contemporary design elements from the bigger Range Rover. But, of course, the Range Rover Sport has its own unique traits, showcasing a roofline that slopes down in the back and special front and rear design elements. The Range Rover Sport's headlights are more slender than those on the previous generation, and the sides of the vehicle look much more integrated with how its moldings, door handles, and windows are built. In the rear, there is bigger Land Rover lettering that features a horizontal black strip spanning the length of the tailgate and over the vehicle's taillights. The rear end looks less messy thanks to the rear license plate mount being moved further down.
Also new for this year is the addition of a plug-in hybrid that is said to get an estimated 48 miles of electric range before kicking over to gasoline. The V8 engine also gets a nice boost in power. It now gets 523 hp and 533 lb-ft of torque; that's only 5 more hp than the last year's V8, but torque leaps right on up by an impressive 70 lb-ft. Oh, and Land Rover has been dropping hints that an all-electric Range Rover Sport will hit the market in spring of 2024, which is definitely something to look forward to.
So, how do this year's trim levels stack up against one another? With a total of five powertrains to choose from right now, there is no shortage of options as far as power goes. But, honestly, which one is going to give you the most bang for your buck? And just which tech features and creature comforts are going to appeal to you the most? Let's go over what each 2023 Range Rover Sport trim level has to offer and wrap things up by declaring which one gives the best overall value.
Compare the Base Trim vs Dynamic. What is the difference?
Equipped with the P360 AWD Automatic MHEV engine, the base Range Rover Sport gets 355 horsepower and is able to zip from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds. The included adaptive dynamics and dynamic air suspension give the Range Rover Sport's base trim extra capabilities that are helpful when it comes to off-roading. This vehicle has the ability to reach a top speed of 140 miles per hour and rides around on 21-inch alloy wheels.
On the outside, you will find that the front end is adorned with premium LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The side mirrors are heated, electric, and power-folding with integrated memory settings, approach lights, and auto-dimming functionality on the driver's side. Privacy glass surrounds the vehicle for an extra layer of comfort and class.
Inside, you will find a good balance of luxury and practicality. There is a decent amount of cabin lighting all throughout, making it easy to read a map at night or see when you open the door in a dimly lit parking ramp. Range Rover script is emblazoned on the aluminum treadplates. A two-zone climate control distributes air evenly throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone is comfortable at the set temperatures.
Of course, the rest of the interior is nothing to scoff at. For the price, you definitely get what you pay for inside of even the base Range Rover Sport. This base trim is outfitted with 20-way power-adjustable front seats that have electric, a heating function, and integrated memory. Even the rear seats - which can power recline - are given a standard heating function. And that seat upholstery? It is perforated Windsor, so you know you are getting some real high quality stuff.
The base Range Rover Sport does not skimp on convenience features either. Inside of this model, you get adaptive cruise control with steering assist built into the system for extra safety while driving. There is also something called a Driver Condition Response, and this feature will continuously monitor the driver's fatigue status. It will detect if you aren't fatigued at all, if you are fatigued, or if you are highly fatigues. Then, it will take the proper precautionary measures to get you to pull over and rest. There is also a Rear Collision Monitor and Occupant Protection Assist system designed to keep everyone in the vehicle safe on the road.
You are undoubtedly also wondering what kind of infotainment features the base Range Rover Sport delivers. This vehicle features the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13.1-inch touchscreen display, an online pack that includes a data plan, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Of course, you can also enjoy using wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto depending on which type of cell phone you own. Either way, the smartphone app integration on this vehicle works pretty well and is a good alternative when you do not want to use the (rather well-liked) Pivi Pro infotainment system. Topping it all off is the impressive Meridian Sound System with its crisp sound quality emanating from the speakers.
So, how does the Range Rover Sport Dynamic trim level top all of that? Quite spectacularly. On the Dynamic trim, you will see some black brake calipers that help to distinguish it from the base Sport trim level. In terms of performance, the Dynamic's P400 Automatic MHEV takes horsepower from 355 hp to 395 hp. And this slices a little bit of time off of the 0-60 mph time, bringing it down to 5.4 seconds.
On the exterior of the Sport, you will find integrated twin tailpipes, rain sensing windshield wipers, a winter wiper park position (so that you don't have to manually maneuver the wiper blades into the upright position when you park during the winter), power washing for the headlights, and automatic high beam assist.
Inside of the cabin, you get a lot of storage space, including an upper secondary glovebox. The electric windows are equipped with a one-touch open/close function and anti-trap to keep everyone's fingers from getting pinched. The electrically adjustable steering column gives you the multi-function steering wheel found in the base trim. The interior design is enhanced by ebony-hued perforated Windsor leather seats with an ebony interior to match. Oh, and that leather steering wheel is adorned with Moonlight-toned bezel. You'll also see a bunch of Fine Brushed Aluminum finishers, ebony headlining, and an extended leather upgrade.
In terms of infotainment features, you do get voice recognition on the Dynamic trim level. There is also a remote that you can use if you'd like. You get a slew of convenience features as well, including a power-operated single-piece tailgate, easy trunk loading, and remote keyless entry.
Also, safety features are abundant enough. The Dynamic trim level gives you emergency braking, a 360-degree 3D surround-view camera (complete with Clearsight Ground View and Wade Sensing), lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and an Adaptive Speed Limiter, and the Blind Spot Assist Pack (which comes with Blind Spot Assist and a Rear Traffic Monitor).
Terrain Response 2 also gets added to the Dynamic. Terrain Response 2 gives the vehicle an automatic setting that will monitor any current driving condition and systematically select the best terrain setting to match the driving condition. You will have the ability to manually override the system if you wish to do so, but it is helpful for off-roading. Hill Launch Assist, which helps you pull safely away on steep uphill grades, will hold the brakes for just a moment in order to stop the vehicle rolling backward. You also get things like automatic access height, emergency brake assist, and cornering brake control to aid in the Sport Dynamic's handling and braking performances.
Compare the Dynamic vs Autobiography Trim. What is the difference?
How can the Autobiography improve upon that, you might wonder. It starts by plopping a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder 434-horsepower twin-turbo gas PHEV under the hood for a major power upgrade. It also equips some sleek 22-inch Diamond Turned with Satin Dark Grey contrast wheels. You'll also see the special Autobiography badge on the exterior, as well as some integrated quad tailpipes.
Inside, there are quite a few upgrades worthy of note. For starters, there are SV Bespoke carpet mats, illuminated metal treadplates with the expected Autobiography script, a metal cargo space scuff plate, and twin-blade sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors on them. The premium cabin lighting provides you with 10 different options so you can play around with some cool mood lighting. The upgraded four-zone climate control system gives separate controls to the driver, front passenger and those on each side of the second row. There are even illuminated seat belt buckles.
Tech and convenience upgrades are respectable, too. This trim level comes with wireless device charging and a built-in phone signal booster. There is also a standard head-up display that will project critical driving and vehicle information onto the windshield in front of your eyes. You can even charge your Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid in as little as 5 hours with the included home charging cable. Soft door close, the ClearSight interior rear view mirror, and a floor partition for the cargo area also get included on the Autobiography trim level.
Compare the Autobiography vs First Edition. What is the difference?
So, obviously, the 2023 Range Rover Sport's First Edition is kind of a special one. It marks the entry into the new (and third) generation for the Sport. And it does tend to stand out from the other Sport trim levels. On the outside, it comes with a black contrast roof and sliding panoramic sunroof. It sits atop huge 23-inch alloy wheels. And, as far as power goes, it gets a massive upgrade. Its P530 AWD Automatic engine serves up 523 horsepower, zipping from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds and resulting in a top speed of 155 mph.
Inside, you get a lot of what comes on the Autobiography - with some upgrades. There is the premium cabin lighting, four-zone climate control system, and the special illuminated metal treadplates with First Edition script on them. What's more, the 22-way power-adjustable seats are both heated and ventilated and come with a massage function, memory, and winged headrests. There are also heated and ventilated power-reclining rear seats with winged headrests as well. And yet another upgrade is the perforated Semi-Aniline leather seats.
Technology gets a boost with the Meridian 3D Surround Sound System. All-Wheel Steering, Dynamic Response Pro, and an Electronic Active Differential with torque vectoring by braking all serve to make the First Edition an extremely capable off-roader for this segment.
Final Thoughts
Truth be told, it is hard to go wrong with the all-new 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Each trim level builds on top of the previous one exceedingly well, giving a lot of value to this vehicle. It is a strong off-roader but is also quite luxurious on the inside.
If you want the most value from this vehicle, we recommend going middle-of-the-pack and getting the Dynamic trim level. It doesn't mark a massive price leap over the base Sport, but it includes enough upgraded features and design elements to make it a justifiable cost. The amount of power you get from the engine should feel sufficient, and there are still enough off-road oriented features to make traveling off of the beaten path exhilarating.
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