2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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Rating7.6

Ranked #9 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$69,500 - $130,000
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on October 31, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Luxurious cabin

Cramped third-row space

Improvement in optional air ionization system

Impressive ride and handling

Average fuel economy

No major changes for the 2021 model year

Capable off-roader

Buggy infotainment system

Specs & Features

$69,500

price

355 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

365 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2021 Range Rover Sport sits in the middle of the Range Rover’s lineup of SUVs. It finds its place between the flagship Range Rover and the Range Rover Velar. It stays up to the expectations of a Range Rover with a luxurious experience right from the base trim. The Range Rover Sport comes with different engine options and in different trim levels. In this article, we are going to review the base SE trim, while the other trims will get separate articles.

Buying Advice

We recommend going with the Range Rover Sport SE trim as it offers a very impressive list of features for the price. The cabin is made of high-quality materials which lift the overall cabin ambiance. We do not recommend going for many of the optional features as it will significantly increase the price. If you have that kind of a budget, you can go with the upper trim for better engine options. You can get a Panoramic roof and 20-inch wheels as it will significantly enhance the overall experience. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport starts at an MSRP of $69,500 and offers a great package for the price. You can get it in a 5-seat variant or there is also an optional 7-seat variant for the same. The 2021 Range Rover Sport competes against the likes of the 2021 Porsche Cayenne, 2021 Audi Q8, and the 2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i).

Features

The 2021 Range Rover Sport SE is the base trim of the Sport lineup. It comes equipped with a very impressive list of standard safety features. The SE trim gets 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable front seats, digital instrument panel, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. The features are good enough for the price and give you a sense of luxury inside the cabin at a relatively lower price. 

Trim

SE

MSRP

$69,500

Key Features

19-inch wheels

 

LED headlights

 

Power liftgate

 

Proximity keyless entry and push-button start

 

Power-adjustable front seats

 

Digital instrument panel

 

A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

We recommend

We recommend going with the Range Rover Sport SE trim as it offers a very impressive list of features for the price. The cabin is made of high-quality materials which lift the overall cabin ambiance. We do not recommend going for many of the optional features as it will significantly increase the price. If you have that kind of a budget, you can go with the upper trim for better engine options. You can get a Panoramic roof and 20-inch wheels as it will significantly enhance the overall experience.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The 2021 Land Rover Sport is not known for its excellent fuel economy. The fuel economy is very decent and is on par with the competition. The 2021 Land Rover Sport delivers 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. 

The fuel efficiency of the SUV can not be rated as exceptional but it has managed very well considering the size of the vehicle. The off-road capabilities and the standard 4WD also affect the fuel economy figures. The fuel tank can contain 27.5 gallons of fuel which is very good for the segment. The highway range is rated at 660 miles which is more than enough long trips.

Models

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 

2021 Porsche Cayenne

2021 Audi Q8

2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i)

MPG (City)

19

19

18

21

MPG (Highway)

24

23

23

25

MPG (Combined)

21

20

20

23

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

27.5

23.7

22.5

21.9

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

522/660/577

450/545/474

404/517/450

459/547/503

The Audi Q8 offers the least fuel efficiency in the competition which is quite obvious because of its heavyweight. The Porsche Cayenne also offers very similar fuel efficiency figures, delivering just one mpg more in the city driving conditions. The BMW X5 (xDrive 40i) has the most fuel-efficient engine of the lot and BMW is known for making engines that perform well and offer good fuel efficiency. The Land Rover Sport offers marginally better fuel efficiency compared to the Audi and Porsche counterparts. However, the Land Rover Sport offers the best range in the competition with its massive 27.5-gallon fuel tank. 

Interior
8.9/10

You expect a high-quality comfortable cabin from a Range Rover, and the 2021 Range Rover Sport will live up to your expectations for sure. The interior is made of high-quality materials and everything you see and touch feels premium. The Range Rover Sports has also taken care of the practicality inside the cabin. The first row is very spacious and there is a good distance between the driver and the co-passenger. 

The dashboard is also very well laid out and there is the use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard which makes the experience even better. The second row is also very spacious and can comfortably accommodate three passengers in there. You can also get an optional third row of seating to further enhance the practicality. Although the space inside the third row is not good, it is a good option for kids. The cargo area is also very generous with two rows of seating but it decreases a lot when you get the extra rows at the rear. 

Models

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 

2021 Porsche Cayenne

2021 Audi Q8

2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i)

Seating Capacity

5/7

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.5/60.7/39.5

N/A

37.1/59.5/41.6

40.7/60.0/39.8

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.1/59.5/37

N/A

38.1/58.5/40.2

49.4/58.1/37.4

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

31.7

27.2

30.5

33.9

The 2021 Range Rover Sport offers a very practical cabin and is spacious enough to accommodate 4 passengers and the driver very comfortably. The third row is not that great in terms of the overall space. The cabin quality is also top-notch, The Audi Q8 offers class-leading legroom followed by the Bimmer. The Range Rover Sports offers the best-in-class shoulder room. The Porsche Cayenne offers the least cargo area in the competition. Some of the standout interior features in the 2021 Range Rover Sport are:

  • Power front seats 
  • Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
  • Push Button Start
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Range Rover Sport?

The 2021 Range Rover Sport features two 10-inch touchscreen units for the infotainment system. The infotainment looks very modern and is very user-friendly. The user interface is very easy to use and all the features are easy to navigate. The graphics are also well laid out. The secondary screen that sits below the center screen acts as a controller for the primary touchscreen infotainment system. You also get a nice rotary to control the screen while driving. The only thing that needs improvement is the buggy user experience. 

The competition offers a more smooth experience in their infotainment systems. The infotainment system supports multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth connectivity. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also a part of the standard package. The audio is taken care of via an 8-speaker audio system while the upper trims get better audio systems. Some of the standout infotainment features in the 2021 Range Rover Sport are:

  • Touch pro duo infotainment with 10-inch touchscreen systems
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • Satellite & HD radio
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 8-speaker audio system

Exterior
8.9/10

The 2021 Range Rover Sport looks like a macho SUV. It looks like a traditional SUV but is also very modern at the same time. If you like big SUVs, then it might be a good reason why you would prefer Range Rover Sport over other rivals as it looks like a proper SUV. The other SUVs in the segment look more like a crossover than an SUV. The front fascia looks intimidating and the LED headlights give it a very modern look. 

The standard wheel size is 19-inch, but upgrading to the optional 20-inch wheels will be a great idea. The wheel design suits the overall stance of the SUV and it is one of the highest SUVs in the segment. The side also looks very boxy like an SUV. The rear gets twin exhaust which makes the look more sporty from the rear. The LED taillamps are very sleek. The rear also gets the Range Rover badge on the tailgate.

Models

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 

2021 Porsche Cayenne

2021 Audi Q8

2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i)

Curb Weight (lb)

4,870

4.377

4.938

4.863

Length (inches)

192.1

193.7

196.6

194.3

Width (inches)

81.6

78.1

78.5

78.9

Height (inches)

71

66.8

67.2

68.7

Ground Clearance (inches)

8.4

7.2

5.75

8.7

Wheelbase (inches)

115.1

114.0

117.9

117.1

The 2021 Audi Q8 is the longest SUV in the competition and is also the heaviest of the lot. The Range Rover Sport becomes heavier when you equip it with the optional off-road kits. The Range Rover Sport is the widest and the highest SUV in the segment. The 2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i) offers the best ground clearance of the lot followed by the Range Rover Sport. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne has the smallest wheelbase of all. The Range Rover Sport is the most capable off-road SUV in the competition. Some of the standout exterior features in the 2021 Range Rover Sport include:

  • 19-inch wheels
  • Automatic LED headlights
  • Body-Colored Front Bumper
  • Black Rear Bumper
  • Rain-sensing wiper
  • Power Liftgate
  • Wing spoiler

Safety
7.0/10

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not crash-tested the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport yet. However, the Range Rover Sport is a well-built SUV, and build quality is not an issue. The Range Rover Sport is a rugged SUV that can go anywhere and is also a very safe option. 

The standard safety features are also very generous to keep you safe inside the RR Sport. The standard safety features include Terrain Response Electronic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Driveline Traction Control, ABS, Emergency Braking, InControl Protect Emergency Sos, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning, and Rear Traffic Monitor Back-Up Camera. Some of the standout safety features in the 2021 Range Rover Sport include:

  • Terrain Response Electronic Stability Control
  • Roll Stability Control
  • Driveline Traction Control
  • Emergency Braking
  • InControl Protect Emergency Sos
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Traffic Monitor Back-Up Camera

Competition
8.0/10

2021 Range Rover Sport vs. 2021 Porsche Cayenne

The 2021 Range Rover Sport is a more practical choice against the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The Porsche Cayenne on the other hand is a sportier option. The Porsche Cayenne offers better driving dynamics and performance even though the power output is lower. The Range Rover Sport offers a better highway range and also offers more towing capacity. We find the Range Rover Sport to be a better option as it offers a better overall package.

2021 Range Rover Sport vs. 2021 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 is a popular option in the segment and offers very tough competition to the Range Rover Sport. The Audi Q8 offers a better driving experience in the city conditions. The towing capacity is also very similar to the Range Rover Sport. Things start to change when it comes to the off-road conditions as the Audi offers the least ground clearance in the segment. Even if you increase the ground clearance with the help of adaptive suspension, it is not in the same league as the Range Rover Sport when it comes to off-road conditions. The Range Rover Sport comes out as a more versatile SUV.

2021 Range Rover Sport vs. 2021 BMW X5 (xDrive 40i)

The 2021 BMW X5 is the closest competitor against the 2021 Range Rover Sport. The Bimmer offers better performance and a more fuel-efficient engine compared to the Range Rover Sport. The X5 also impresses with its excellent driving dynamics and sporty handling. The Range Rover Sport remains a versatile SUV and offers a more comfortable interior, especially in the rear seats. The Bimmer being the cheaper of the two, comes out as a better package. 

Final Verdict

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has always been a great choice in the segment and still remains a strong contender in the segment. You can not go wrong with the 2021 Range Rover Sport as it offers a great level of versatility. The Range Rover Sport comes with impressive driving dynamics and inspires great confidence in the corners. The luxurious interior offers great ambiance and everything you touch feels premium. The rugged and modern exterior design is also impressive. If you are looking for a luxury SUV that drives well on the road and is also capable off the road, then the 2021 Range Rover Sport remains a great choice.

Trims

    SE
    $69,500 onwards
    • 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
    • SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, Radio
    HSE Silver Editon
    $78,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 254 hp @ 3750 rpm hp
    • Torque: 443 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg
    P400 HST HST
    $84,000 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 150 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    HSE Dynamic
    $87,500 onwards
    • Engine: 5.0L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 461 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 140 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Autobiography Dynamic
    $98,500 onwards
    • Engine: 5.0L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 461 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: 140 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    P525 Autobiography
    $98,500 onwards
    • Engine: 5.0L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 461 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    SVR
    $115,500 onwards
    • Engine: 5.0L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 575 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 516 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 174 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    SVR Carbon Edition
    $130,000 onwards
    • Engine: 5.0L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 575 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 516 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 174 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$69,500- $130,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.62

Horsepower

575 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

516 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$19,000- $26,900

Gasoline

6.46

137 hp @ 5000 rpm

162 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$31,545- $50,725

Gasoline

7.39

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$68,200- $77,850

Gasoline

7.21

335 hp @ 5700 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,950- $72,000

Gasoline

8.08

248 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$48,900- $65,550

Gasoline

8.02

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,800- $54,595

Gasoline

6.25

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

Read Review

$29,800- $48,600

Gasoline

7.65

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

188 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

Read Review

$65,050- $86,250

Gasoline

8.19

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

331 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$32,110- $88,445

Gasoline

6.73

271 hp @ 6500 rpm

239 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

-

Read Review

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.2 sec--
    5.1 sec--
    2021 BMW X5

    Ranked #2

    5.2 sec14.3 sec130 mph
    2021 Audi Q8

    Ranked #3

    5.3 sec14.0 sec130 mph
    5.4 sec--
    2021 BMW X6

    Ranked #5

    5.6 sec13.4 sec132 mph

    2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      19 mpg24 mpg21 mpg27.6 gal.524.4/662.4 mi.
      28 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/409.2 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg26 mpg14.2 gal.326.6/454.4 mi.
      21 mpg30 mpg25 mpg18.8 gal.394.8/564 mi.
      2021 Audi Q5

      Ranked #3

      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg18.5 gal.425.5/518 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/545.2 mi.

      2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.1 in.87.4 in.71 in.8.4 in.115.1 in.
        204.3 in.78.6 in.70.7 in.7.51 in.120.9 in.
        200.6 in.77.2 in.68.6 in.6.5 in.114.2 in.
        2021 Audi Q7

        Ranked #3

        199.3 in.77.6 in.68.5 in.7.7 in.117.9 in.
        198.8 in.78.9 in.70.2 in.8.2 in.119.1 in.
        198.5 in.77.3 in.69.9 in.6.65 in.112.7 in.

        2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          27.5 cu.ft.108.7 cu.ft.59.5 cu.ft.
          2021 BMW X6

          Ranked #1

          27.4 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          20.6 cu.ft.153.7 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          18 cu.ft.155.3 cu.ft.86.4 cu.ft.
          41.8 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.85.7 cu.ft.

          2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            21 cu.ft.27.5 cu.ft.59.5 cu.ft.-
            63.3 cu.ft.29.7 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.79 ft.
            61 cu.ft.25.3 cu.ft.54.4 cu.ft.79 ft.
            77.9 cu.ft.41.2 cu.ft.77.9 cu.ft.73 ft.
            68.3 cu.ft.51.9 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            58.5 cu.ft.7.5 cu.ft.58.5 cu.ft.-

            2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7716 lbs.1850 lbs.5135 lbs.
              7700 lbs.1657 lbs.4582 lbs.
              2021 Audi Q8

              Ranked #2

              7700 lbs.1124 lbs.4960 lbs.
              2021 BMW X6

              Ranked #3

              7209 lbs.1025 lbs.4687 lbs.
              2021 BMW X5

              Ranked #3

              7209 lbs.974 lbs.4828 lbs.
              7000 lbs.1060 lbs.5554 lbs.

              2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              6

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              3

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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