Used 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV Used 2007
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV

Changes for 2007 are minor and include a one-touch up/down power window for the front seat passenger. SIRIUS Satellite Radio becomes standard on Supercharged models, as do new 20-inch wheels.

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 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.

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.

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 HVAC 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 LCD readouts practically disappear when viewed through polarized lenses.

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 deceptively 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.

The Ranger Rover Sport HSE is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 4.4-liter V8, six-speed ZF 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.

Options include a Cold Climate Package (HSE), rear-seat entertainment package with two headrest-mounted LCD monitors, adaptive headlamps, adaptive cruise control (on the Supercharged trim level), SIRIUS Satellite Radio, locking rear differential, Dynamic Response suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels (HSE).

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: 14/20

4.2-liter V8 Supercharged
390 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
410 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $57,950 and levels off around $70,000 with all options. The Supercharged model starts at $71,250, but includes more features and tops out fully-loaded around $80,000. With only a $10,000 difference between the two trims when fully equipped, the extra performance and racy good looks make the Supercharged model, strangely enough, the "value leader." Similar vehicles in this price range include the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the BMW X5 4.8is. Resale value of the Sport is projected to be toward the top of this segment.