When it was initially launched, Land Rover offered the 2019 Range Rover Sport with a standard supercharged V6 unit. However, within the year, this unit made way for the brand’s new inline-6 option, which not only aimed at improving performance but with a 48-volt mild-hybrid unit in place, made it possible to uphold efficiency as well. In its base level avatar, the new engine available on the base SE and mid-level HSE trims churns out around 355hp of power and 365 lb.-ft of torque. With the HST trim, power, however, bumps up to 395hp, while torque is rated at 406 lb.-ft.
Irrespective of the trim, the new and refined engine under the hood of the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover is quick to accelerate and does have an exciting aura to it. In its base state of tune, the inline-6 engine propels the SUV to the 60-mph mark in 6.8 seconds. While these timings are expected to improve with the HST trim, the Sport is not inherently as quick as its rivals.
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Model
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2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
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2019 BMW X5
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2019 Jaguar F-Pace
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2019 Porsche Cayenne
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MSRP
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$68,500
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$60,700
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$61,500
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$65,700
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Engine
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3.0L inline-6 w/mild-hybrid assist
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3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6
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3.0L supercharged V6
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3.0L turbocharged V6
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Transmission
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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Drivetrain
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4WD
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AWD
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AWD
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AWD
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Power
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355 hp
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335 hp
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380 hp
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340 hp
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Torque
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365 lb.-ft
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330 lb.-ft
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332 lb.-ft
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331 lb.-ft
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0-60 mph (seconds)
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6.8 seconds
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5.3 seconds
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5.1 seconds
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5.9 seconds
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Quarter-mile (seconds)
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N/A
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N/A
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13.8 seconds
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14.4 seconds
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Top Speed
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175 MPH
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177 MPH
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176 MPH
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177 MPH
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While all the SUVs in comparison here are representative of bespoke engineering and are eerily similar in the setups they use, the level of performance varies with each contemporary. Clearly, the Jaguar F-Pace S is the most exhilarating option in the segment. It is the quickest to the 60-mph mark taking 5.1 seconds and produces the highest power output at 380hp. Following its suit is the BMW X5, which despite a major power deficit, manages to be equally quick and has the highest top speed of 177 MPH. Surprisingly, the Porsche Cayenne S, which is eager to be driven and has a rich racing heritage to back its capabilities, is fractionally slower.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Ride and Handling
While the competitors manage to surpass the Land Rover when it comes to brute acceleration and straight-line performance, the Range Rover Sport gains ascendancy by virtue of its supple and comfortable ride quality. It’s truly a land yacht that performs impressively on each road surface and even undulations are well-tackled, thanks to an adaptive-air suspension system onboard. The RR Sport is built to be an everyday vehicle with the capabilities of an off-roader and though its suspension system does seem to be a bit stiff, it sits well with the Sport moniker of the SUV.
In terms of handling and feedback, the 2019 Range Rover Sport is highly responsive and makes the drive a delightful experience. And though the monocoque chassis helps it cleverly manage its heft, the SUV has undeniable body roll and finds itself a bit confused when cornering at high speeds. But what does work well for Land Rover is that the higher level of torque improves the towing capabilities and also provides a decent amount of power at lower speeds.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Braking Performance
Considering its weight and dimensions, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport performs impressively when braking is concerned. It comes with the largest set of brakes, both at the front and rear, which measure 14.3 and 13.8-inches, respectively. These brakes allow the hefty SUV to come to a halt at 124 ft, which though diminutively higher than some of its competitors, feels potent and offers abundant value. Additionally, the Sport comes equipped with a set of ventilated brakes and 4-wheel ABS to aid its performance.
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Model
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2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
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2019 BMW X5
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2019 Jaguar F-Pace
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2019 Porsche Cayenne
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MSRP
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14.3
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N/A
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13.8
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13.8
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Engine
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13.8
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N/A
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12.8
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13
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Transmission
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5,135 lbs
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4,813 lbs
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4,090 lbs
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4,377 lbs
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Drivetrain
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124 ft
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N/A
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121 ft.
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N/A
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While the halting distances for the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne are not yet known, the Jaguar F-Pace vaunts the shortest stopping distance at 121 ft, thanks to its lower curb weight. However, its brake rotors are smaller than all other competitors measuring about 13.8 and 12.8-inches at the front and back, respectively. On the other hand, the Porsche Cayenne comes in second in terms of brake sizes, yet the difference in its rotors and the Land Rover’s is considerable enough to give the latter an edge in terms of performance and also provides a sharp bite when instant braking is required.
