Used Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2014-2022 review

The first Range Rover Sport gained a bit of an unfortunate reputation, not only for the type of person who bought it but also for the rather agricultural Land Rover Discovery chassis that the car rode on. Many thought the moniker ‘Sport’ was sadly misplaced and some of the traditional Range Rover values debased.

This 2014 to 2022 second-generation version was a completely new car, however, and it rode on the same up-to-date underpinnings as the contemporary 2013-2022 Range Rover, although the Sport variant was smaller, lighter and lower. Much use was made of aluminium in both cars, and the Sport, despite not being a lightweight, was now competitive with its rivals in this regard, despite its obvious opulence.

The engine range initially kicked off with an entry-level 236bhp 2.0-litre diesel. This was followed by the 302bhp 3.0-litre SDV6, while completing the diesel range was the venerable 4.4-litre V8. The petrol engine option consisted of two supercharged units, a 335bhp 3.0-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8 in two power outputs – 503bhp and 542bhp in the mega-swift SVR version. Later models added a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, known as the P300 or, if attached to a battery pack and an electric motor to make it a hybrid, the P400e, and the entry-level 2.0 diesel was dropped. There is also a P400 with mild-hybrid assistance.

There are four trims to choose from: HSE, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography Dynamic and the rabid SVR. Entry-level models come with 20in alloy wheels, xenon headlights, keyless entry, front foglights and a reversing camera as standard, while inside there is perforated leather upholstery, heated seats all round, lane departure warning and Jaguar Land Rover's InControl infotainment system complete with sat-nav.

Upgrade to HSE Dynamic and the car gains red Brembo brakes, a twin-speed transfer box, JLR's all-terrain mode, lots of gloss black exterior mouldings and 21in alloy wheels, while Autobiography Dynamic adds a panoramic roof, ventilated seats, a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring and a 360deg camera system.

Range-topping SVR not only gets the rapid 5.0 V8 motor, but also a quad-exhaust system, darkened headlights, blue Brembo brake calipers and a specially designed rear spoiler.

It’s the diesel engines that are the most popular in the Range Rover Sport, since they provide the best combination of performance and reasonable fuel economy. The 2.0 is refined enough, but not quick. The SDV6 has plenty of low-rev shove, helping to mask the car’s mass. However, rivals such as the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 272 and BMW X5 40d are still that little bit faster. If you can afford it, the 4.4 V8 provides the car with effortless pace and acceptable running costs.

As far as the petrols go, the 2.0-litre models are surprisingly swift, and of course the 3.0 V6 propels the Range Rover Sport down the road fairly swiftly. However, you need to rev it harder than the diesels and it’s too thirsty to recommend. The 503bhp 5.0 supercharged V8 delivers plenty of performance and noise, making the Range Rover Sport something of a super-luxury SUV dragster. Fuel bills are, as you’d expect, scary.

Fuel bills are marginally more manageable in the hybrid versions, if it fits your lifestyle. The P400e is good to drive and swift, and the P400 is too, albeit its mild-hybrid system is one that only helps out the existing engine, rather than offering the ability to run separately on electric power alone, or together with the conventional engine, like the P400e.

The SVR model is the full-house, go-faster model. It’s thunderously powerful, noisy and exciting, but with sufficiently good manners to soothe the miles away when required.

All Range Rover Sports offer an excellent blend of stability and relative agility. It isn’t the most athletic SUV of its kind, nor is it one that feels smaller than it actually is, and some rivals also offer more grip and tighter body control. However, it’s an easy car to drive along a twisty road – and you can’t say that of all Range Rovers.

There’s good news in the ride department, too; most versions of the Range Rover Sport offer exemplary ride comfort. Particularly impressive suppleness at high speed makes this a superb car to drive on a long journey. The best-riding cars are at the bottom of the range – those on standard 20in wheels.

Inside, there’s an incredibly comfortable driver's seat and an excellent and commanding driving position; visibility is excellent. All Range Rover Sports get a pair of 10.0in touchscreens, one at the top of the dashboard and the other below it, just in front of the gear selector. This second screen is the one that you use to access the air conditioning and off-road modes, but you can also operate the multimedia system through it while the main screen displays the navigation.

The fit and finish of the interior is exceptionally high, with good use of soft-touch materials and plenty of leather, although one or two of the switches seem a little tackier to the touch.

The Range Rover Sport is not short of space, either front or rear. The only person who might complain is the passenger in the middle rear seat, because the two outer ones are quite sculpted. The car also has a third row, with two flip-up seats in the boot, although these are difficult to access and tight for space. They’re best suited to children or small adults.

With these seats folded away, the boot is large, wide and fairly tall, and easy to get things in and out of. Dropping the rear seats can be done electrically.

If you're interested in finding a used Range Rover Sport, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

This is a very large car that will have been used in tight urban areas and supermarket car parks, so look at the bodywork for any obvious signs of damage and the wheels and bumpers for scuffs. It’ll also quite possibly have been used off road, so check the undersides of the car for stone chips and any major signs of contact.

Make sure the seats move and operate as they should, including the pop-up ones in the boot, and do the same for the tailgate. Have a look at the leather for cracking, and at the back seats and the boot for impenetrable stains where the family pooch might have sat.

Range Rover Sport problems span a wide range of areas, centring on the suspension, engine, engine electrics, air conditioning, sat-nav, car electrics, gearbox, drivetrain and bodywork. Leaks from the engine, sunroof and around the tailgate are also known issues.

All faults are well documented, with some specific ones being fixed easily and some requiring the car to be off the road for weeks.

Recalls are as follows. Check with your local dealer that all work has been carried out.

Reason for recall

The second-row seat backrest on vehicles with the manual recline second-row seat system may not latch robustly in position. It is possible the seat belt may not correctly restrain the occupant in the event of a collision.

How the manufacturer will repair

On affected vehicles inspect the second-row seat mechanism and if necessary fit the correct specification components.

Number of affected vehicles

152

Reason for recall

The ground wiring for the air conditioning blower within the cockpit harness may not be to specification. This can lead to the wire getting hot and melting the plastic insulation and associated burning smell. If ignored and the loom gets significantly damaged there is a possibility of fire.

How the manufacturer will repair

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the earth wire. Where other wiring/insulation is affected necessary repairs will be carried out using the correct repair procedures.

Reason for recall

On affected vehicles, the road wheel nuts may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. These wheel nuts may crack when subject to shock loads and detach from the stud. This may lead to insecurity and possible detachment of a road wheel.

How the manufacturer will repair

Recall affected vehicles and replace wheel nuts. Locking wheel nuts are not affected.

Number of affected vehicles

926

Reason for recall

Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.

How the manufacturer will repair

Update the vehicle software to the latest version.

Number of affected vehicles

4779

Reason for recall

The door could be unlatched when in the closed position and no indication provided of an unlatched condition. Vehicle doors not latched in either the primary of secondary state may during driving open. This can increase the risk of a vehicle crash and/or compromise the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users.

How the manufacturer will repair

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download the latest level of software. A limited number of vehicles may also require a Remote Function Actuator module to be fitted.

Number of affected vehicles

35250

Reason for recall

On affected vehicles, the servo vacuum hose may have been incorrectly routed and can chafe against the auxiliary drive pulley. This can lead to failure of the hose and a loss of brake servo assistance.

How the manufacturer will repair

On affected vehicles check brake servo hose. If in good condition correctly reroute and secure the hose. If the hose is damaged replace the hose and correctly route and secure.

Number of affected vehicles

1575

Reason for recall

The brazing of the fuel rail end caps is inconsistent and may not correctly seal the fuel rail ends. Fuel vapour and liquid fuel leaks can occur over time. This can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.

How the manufacturer will repair

On affected vehicles replace the fuel rail with a correctly manufactured version.

Number of affected vehicles

1537

Reason for recall

On certain 2018 and 2019 Model Year Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV vehicles where the indicated fuel level on the fuel gauge shows approximately 30% the fuel tank is empty resulting in an engine stall. The vehicle will enter into reduced performance mode and if the customer continues to drive the vehicle will continue to run for circa 8 miles/13Km. The vehicle engine will then cut out without warning. If the traction battery charge status is at least 10% or greater the electric motor will take up drive until such time as traction battery power is depleted. Where the traction battery charge status is below 10% drive from the electric motor is not possible and the vehicle will cut out whilst in motion. All 12 volt powered electrical functions such as power-assisted steering exterior lighting and brake assistance will continue to operate as designed. Engine cut out with minimal warning to the driver may lead to an increased risk of an accident.

How the manufacturer will repair

Fit a new revised fuel level sensor float to the vehicle.

Number of affected vehicles

1000

Reason for recall

The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may fracture due to a production specification error.

How the manufacturer will repair

Replace the crankshaft pulley centre retaining bolt with one that has been manufactured to the correct specification.

Number of affected vehicles

219

Reason for recall

The directional indicators may fail to operate.

How the manufacturer will repair

Update the vehicle with the latest software on affected vehicles.

Number of affected vehicles

2331

Reason for recall

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature will not be available.

How the manufacturer will repair

On affected vehicles download the latest software to the vehicle.

Number of affected vehicles

24

Reason for recall

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) crossover pipe may have been manufactured away from specification.

How the manufacturer will repair

Check and repair the vehicle with a part manufactured to the correct specification.

Number of affected vehicles

144

Reason for recall

The routing of the electrical harness within the steering column assembly has insufficient clearance.

How the manufacturer will repair

Inspect the steering column electrical harness apply further protective material and repair damaged wiring where required.

Number of affected vehicles

38

On the one hand, the Range Rover Sport finished third in our list of the most reliable large SUVs, with a score of 80.9%. That sounds impressive, until you dig beneath the figures to discover that 41% of Range Rover Sports in our survey of cars between six and 20 years old had suffered a fault. Still, the majority of them were fixed within a day, and generally cost less than £500.

Land Rover didn't fare well in our rundown of the most reliable used car brands: a 61.3% score put it in last but one place.

You can find some high-mileage (100k plus) 2014 cars for around £20,000 now but you’ll need at least £22,000 to get yourself inside a Range Rover Sport with a more reasonable mileage. Look for one with an average mileage from 2015 and you’ll pay closer to £25,000-£30,000. If you’re prepared to spend around £30,000 to £35,000 you should be able to net a good 2016 or 2017 car with an average mileage and a full service history, bought from an independent dealer. Between £35,000 and £40,000 will net you a 2018 or 2019 car, while £45,000 to £50,000 will get you a good 2020 or 2021 model, a fraction more for the last 2022 cars. Expect to pay at least £45,000 for either of the two 5.0 supercharged petrol models.

MPG

Choose the 2.0 diesel and the official figures claim an average fuel consumption of 46.6mpg, recorded under the older NEDC tests, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 164g/km. The punchier 3.0 diesel claims 40.4mpg NEDC and a CO2 output of 185g/km, while the 3.0 petrol won’t see more than 30mpg and cars with the rip-snorting supercharged 5.0 won’t better 22mpg.

Under the newer, more realistic WLTP tests, the 3.0 SDV6 diesel claims an average 32mpg, the 2.0 petrol 26.1mpg, the V8 diesel 27mpg and the petrol SVR 18.9mpg.

Road tax

Tax for cars registered before April 2017 is based on CO2 emissions and is therefore heavy for all models. However, those registered after that date will pay tax at a set flat rate, but will also incur the luxury car surcharge because they all cost more than £40,000 when new. The current annual flat rate is £165 a year, and the supplementary luxury surcharge is taxed at £355 a year for five years from year two.

Insurance

Insurance costs are high, too, with groups ranging from 44 to 50. Servicing will be expensive, especially if you stick to Land Rover franchised servicing agents. At least many offer fixed-price servicing, payable by direct debit, with plans available for two years plus two services right the way up to five years and five services.

The SDV6 is the big seller, with plenty of low-down oomph and better fuel economy than most, so that’s the one we’d seek out.

Entry-level HSE trim keeps the price from getting too silly and comes with lots of equipment, so it’s the level we’d go for.

Our favourite Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 HSE

The Audi SQ7 is the sporty version of the firm’s luxury SUV. It has prodigious performance, excellent handling and a roomy, high-quality interior. If you can’t stretch to the SQ7, take a look at the standard Q7, which rides exceptionally well.

The Volvo XC90 has a big, classy interior, seating for seven and comes well equipped. It is not as refined as its price tag might lead you to think, but it’s a good used buy and should prove more reliable – just – than the Range Rover Sport.

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If you're interested in finding a used Range Rover Sport, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.