The Range Rover Sport has long been a staple in the luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of performance, refinement, and off-road capability. It also plays an important role for its parent company, Land Rover, as it’s a stepping stone for customers to move up the luxury Range Rover.

The Range Rover boasts a slightly greater length and height than the Sport that is slightly wider. But the main difference is price point; the Range Rover is priced from $250,000 while the Sport is from $170,000.

The 2025 Sport has had a facelift that brings a range of updates to enhance its appeal in a competitive market.

Land Rover has introduced a series of refinements to the Range Rover Sport and while not a full redesign, the facelift brings improvements in styling, technology, and powertrain options.

It continues to be one of the stand-out SUVs on the roads with great street appeal and I found the updates, though minor, make the Range Rover Sport an all-round in its segment.

New Zealand now has five models; from the base SE (reviewed here), to the Dynamic SE, the Dynamic HSE, Autobiography and limited edition SV Edition Two.

Land Rover is expected to introduce an all-electric version, which will mark a significant shift towards electrification.

No matter what the model, the facelift Sport retains its signature muscular stance but features subtle changes to the front and rear bumpers, slimmer LED headlights, and a new grille design. These tweaks give the SUV a more modern and aggressive look.

Inside, the cabin sees upgrades in materials, a new 13.1-inch curved infotainment touchscreen with improved Pivi Pro software, and additional customisation options for upholstery and trim.

Our D250 SE was powered by a three-litre diesel engine that produced 183 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque via an eight-speed automatic.

The four-wheel-drive has a maximum rated towed capacity of 750kg unbraked trailer or the important 3,500kg braked trailer. Those figures are important for potential buyers who want to tow a horse float or boat.

Enhanced adaptive suspension and chassis tuning promise a smoother, more controlled ride on both highways and rough terrain.

I was impressed with the Range Rover Sport as it continues to deliver a balance between luxury and sportiness. It’s not too flashy but still stands out as a luxury European SUV.

I drove it through inner city streets, on the motorway, then winding country roads where it was able to hold its own as it wasn’t too bulky that it struggled around tight corners, instead, I was able to handle hard left and right turns with ease.

That is down to the latest updates to the suspension and steering improved cornering stability, making it feel more planted on the road.

The ride quality remains exceptional, especially with the air suspension system, which adjusts to different terrains seamlessly.

Yes, it’s a large SUV and made for the race track, but it shows its all-round appeal thanks it its abilities on and off the tarmac.

Equipped with Terrain Response 2, the SUV can adapt to various surfaces, making it one of the most capable luxury SUVs for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport competes in a segment filled with luxury SUVs that offer a mix of performance, comfort, and advanced technology.

The 2024 Range Rover Sport facelift refines an already impressive luxury SUV. With enhanced technology, improved performance, and a more modern design, it continues to be a top choice for those looking for a mix of luxury, power, and off-road capability.

While it faces stiff competition from BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, its unique blend of British refinement and ruggedness ensures its place among the best in the segment.

For those who value style, presence, and all-terrain capability, the Range Rover Sport remains a compelling choice.

Main rivals

BMW X5 M

The X5 M offers aggressive performance with a twin-turbo V8.

Porsche Cayenne

With its sporty driving dynamics and high-end interior, the Cayenne appeals to those prioritising on-road performance.

Mercedes-Benz GLE & AMG GLE 63

The GLE lineup offers luxury, power, and a high-tech cabin, making it a strong competitor.l

Audi SQ7

This SUV delivers a blend of performance and refinement, with a tech-forward interior.

Maserati Levante

A more exotic alternative, the Levante focuses on Italian styling and powerful engine options.