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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Overview

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2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review

By KBB.com Editors

Looking for something as plush as the big Land Rover Range Rover but with a more playful side? Try the smaller Range Rover Sport. The Sport's shortened wheelbase means slightly less passenger and cargo capacity, but the tradeoff in improved stability, ride and handling is well worth it. Off-road ability is not forsaken, either, and the Range Rover Sport can climb the steepest terrain with the best in its class, even with its performance tires that are oriented more toward pavement use. Available with an optional 390-horsepower Supercharged V8 engine, the Range Rover Sport is well equipped to compete with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and Infiniti FX50.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offers the interior panache worthy of the Range Rover name, yet packages it in a vehicle that exudes a much more aggressive nature. If the price tag doesn't discourage you from taking your prized possession off-road, in the dirt the Range Rover Sport can make the novice feel like a pro, and make living with the experienced off-roader simply unbearable.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though based on the smaller LR3 platform, the Range Rover Sport still tips the scales at nearly 5,700 pounds. That substantial weight assures the big V8 will have a thirst for fuel, yet despite its size the Sport offers no third-row seat and only average cargo space.

What's New for 2009

New for 2009 is the HST Limited Edition package that adds an Ebony leather interior, the Cold Climate Package and adaptive front lightening and adaptive speed control. All Range Rover Sports receive minor interior and exterior enhancements as well as new wheel designs.

Driving the Range Rover Sport

Driving Impressions As big as it is, the Range Rover Sport's phalanx of electronic stability, ride and suspension controls make it one very impressive performance vehicle. Acceleration is good with the HSE...

model, but we much prefer the rush (zero to 60 miles-per-hour in 7.2 seconds) that comes from the Supercharged's 4.2-liter engine. The Dynamic Response system on the Supercharged model helps keep the vehicle level during sharp cornering. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport will astound you with its capabilities. The Terrain Response system adds an extra measure of confidence and Land Rover offers a number of off-road training and travel packages to help consumers understand the full benefits of its use.

Favorite Features

Terrain Response System
This high-tech system includes five settings that optimize the traction and dynamic functions for the type of terrain selected. It's a terrific concept that gives the driver a real sense of confidence when off-roading.

Console Cooler
The electrically operated center console cooler can hold up to four eight-ounce plastic bottles and keeps them cool no matter what the outside temperature.

2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Details

Interior

Though it shares the Range Rover's name, the Sport model receives a unique dash and interior. The wide center console houses the navigation screen, audio and climate controls, as well as the controls for the Hill Descent feature, adjustable suspension and Terrain Response system. Snug but comfortable seating offers good thigh support in the front bucket seats and roomy rear seat. The Sport is filled with so much technology that it requires a plethora of buttons and switches, and they are scattered over the dash, doors and steering wheel. The gauge lettering is small and difficult to read, and the black-lettered LCD readouts practically disappear when viewed through polarized lenses.

Exterior

The Range Rover Sport manages to combine Range Rover's familiar cubist styling with a raked windscreen and a tapered roofline that makes the vehicle appear as if it is moving quickly, even when at rest. A two-piece rear liftgate allows easy access to the cargo area. The huge wheels and low-profile tires are visually stunning, yet quite adept off-road. The Supercharged model is distinguished by its bright mesh grille and side air intakes, as well as larger 20-inch wheels and tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Ranger Rover Sport HSE is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 4.4-liter V8, six-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift manual-shift mode, electronic air suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Terrain Response four-wheel-drive system, traction control, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, bi-xenon headlamps, fog lamps, eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, park distance control, Bluetooth phone integration, harman/kardon LOGIC 7 stereo with six-disc MP3/CD audio and 14 speakers and DVD GPS navigation with voice recognition and seven-inch LCD view screen. The Supercharged model adds the Supercharged 4.2-liter V8, 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear heated seats, four-channel Brembo anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), unique grille and side vent treatment and silver interior trim in place of wood.

Optional Equipment

Options for the HSE trim include a Cold Climate Package (heated front and rear seats, heated windshield and heated washer nozzles), the Luxury Package (Climate controlled console, Cold Climate Package and adaptive headlamps), rear seat entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, locking rear differential, Dynamic Response suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. Options on the Supercharged include the Limited Edition Package and adaptive speed control.

Under the Hood

The HSE comes with a powerful 4.4-liter V8, which is nowhere near as fun to drive as the Supercharged 4.2-liter V8. The supercharger is most appreciated when passing at high speeds and scooting across bustling intersections. Away from the paved road, both engines have enough horsepower and torque to deal with any reasonable situation.

4.4-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18

4.2-liter V8 Supercharged
390 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
410 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 103 Ratings for the 2006 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.4/10

Great styling.....poor quality

By brooks340 (Canada) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great styling, very comfortable to drive."

Cons: "Poor quality, low reliability."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I've had this vehicle now for 7 months. Great styling, very comfortable to drive. It has been back to the dealership 5 times with a list of defects. Replaced the water pump, check engine light comes on frequently, replaced gas cap and seal, now rear hatch has started opening intermittently, even while driving. Would not recommend this vehicle to a friend and I'll be selling well before it comes off warranty."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I LOVE THIS CAR!

By Bob (VT) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Mostly everything!"

Cons: "Screen sometimes overheats and shuts off for 5-10"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I got this car when I was 16 for my birthday, and Ive had this car for 2 years. It is very reliable, and fixing it is actually not expensive at all. To be honest, though, it is kinda a gas gussler at times. If you can pay for gas and the price, its a great first car for someone that carries alot of people with them. I love the auxiliary port for my phone, too. The navigation is great, and the soundsystem is wonderful!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Dream vehicle

By Bobbyboise (ID) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,320

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, quiet, tons of useful features"

Cons: "Repairs can be costly, plan ahead"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We considered a wide range of luxury vehicles when we purchased the Sport. Nothing else came close in ride and comfort. It's the ideal car for long road trips, and the gas mileage isn't as bad as we expected. We have regularly achieved 21 MPG in freeway driving through the mountains of Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming averaging 75 to 80 MPH. For a big SUV the luggage area is a tad cramped, surprisingly . It's not so bad for us since there is just two of us and we can use the back seat. It is a pleasure to ride and drive. The seating positions are comfortable and help reduce road fatigue. We have spent 14 hour days in the car between the two of us and have been floored by how far we can get at highway speeds. We did have to replace the air suspension in 2012. But we expected that and we purchased an extended warranty with no deductible which has really paid off with that and a new radio unit. We really can't imagine traveling in any other car now due to the comfort and refinement we love in the Sport, which looks better than any other of Land Rover's products. We love this SUV!"

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Powerful, Luxurious Ride

By Larry (CA) on Thursday, December 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Trading in my '04 GMC Yukon, I was worried about sacrificing space, leg room and engine capability. I quickly overcame that after driving the 2013 RR Sport. I'm a tall guy and I have plenty of room for both my legs and head. The features inside are fantastic and work well. Comfortable seats. Super soft sterring wheel. Adequate NAV system and Radio features. Bluetooth was easy to pair to my iPhone 5. What sold me was the way it drove and handled. The motor is strong and has the power you need when you need it. Looking forward to taking this off-road."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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no complaints so far

By moses (NC) on Saturday, August 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "acceleration, handling"

Cons: "no voice command for this year model."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"the vehicle handles well..like the new features...like it much better than the '08...the iphone/ipod integration is very user friendly, the gas mileage actually exceeds the advertised mileage..."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I was told It had Quality Issues - They were right

By eduwad (FL) on Friday, August 10, 2012

I own this car

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Amazing design, great drive, best looks..."

Cons: "Poor quality of the car and of service, it breaks!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased this Range Sport HSE, although I was told that Land Rovers had Quality Issues. The car is so beautifull and drives so well that I could not resist it! What a Mistake! I keep having quality issues on: the bearings, the dashboard clock, the parking brake, now it's the steering.... What next??? It is a shame, since the car is great, but I am terribly sorry for my purchase decision."

30 people out of 31 found this review helpful

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See all 103 reviews