2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review: Is This Luxury SUV Still a Royal Ride?

Are you in the market for a pre-owned luxury SUV that blends opulent comfort with genuine off-road prowess and exhilarating performance? The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport often catches the eye, promising a commanding presence and a sophisticated driving experience. But with any used luxury vehicle, questions naturally arise: Does it still live up to its regal reputation? What should you look for?

This comprehensive 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport review will delve into every aspect of this impressive machine, from its powerful engine options to its lavish interior and advanced safety features. We'll also address common concerns regarding reliability and ownership costs, helping you decide if this athletic SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Unleashing the Power: Engine Options and Performance

The 2016 Range Rover Sport offered a diverse lineup of powertrains, each designed to deliver a distinct driving experience. Whether you prioritize efficiency, balanced performance, or outright speed, there was an option for you.

Supercharged V6: The Spirited Standard

The base engine for many 2016 Range Rover Sport models was a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. This engine produced a healthy 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds. For a vehicle of its size, this V6 provides ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. Fuel economy for this gasoline V6 was rated at an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

Turbodiesel V6 (Td6): The Efficient Game Changer

A significant addition for the 2016 model year was the introduction of the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, often referred to as the Td6. While its 254 horsepower might seem modest compared to the supercharged V6, its impressive 440 pound-feet of torque (100 lb-ft more than the supercharged V6) truly made a difference in everyday driving, offering robust acceleration and effortless towing.

The real highlight of the Td6 was its fuel efficiency, rated at an excellent 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined by the EPA. Some owners even reported achieving 26-27 mpg combined in mixed driving. This diesel option offered a compelling balance of power and economy, a refreshing change for a luxury SUV.

Supercharged V8: The Performance Beast

For those craving maximum exhilaration, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a potent 5.0-liter supercharged V8. This powerhouse churned out 510 horsepower, propelling the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 5.0 seconds. As expected, this performance comes with a trade-off in fuel economy, rated at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined.

SVR: The Ultimate Performance Variant

At the top of the performance ladder sat the Range Rover Sport SVR. This extreme version of the supercharged V8 delivered an astounding 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, making it the fastest and most dynamic Range Rover Sport available.

All engine options were paired with a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. Beyond raw power, the 2016 Range Rover Sport boasts impressive towing capabilities, handling up to 7,716 pounds, with the SVR model still capable of towing a respectable 6,600 pounds.

Mastering Any Terrain: Driving Dynamics and Off-Road Capability

Despite its "Sport" designation, the 2016 Range Rover Sport remains a Land Rover at heart, meaning it's engineered to handle far more than just paved roads.

On-Road Agility

The 2016 Range Rover Sport offers an agile and responsive driving experience, feeling equally at home in urban environments or cruising on the highway. Its elevated "Command Driving Position" provides excellent visibility, giving drivers an assured view of the road ahead. For models equipped with the V8, a unique torque-vectoring setup enhances handling, providing more power to the rear outside wheel when turning, which aids in tighter turns both off-road and on pavement.

Off-Road Prowess

Standard four-wheel drive is a given, but the true magic lies in Land Rover's sophisticated off-road technologies:

• Terrain Response 2: This advanced system automatically detects the driving surface and optimizes the vehicle's engine, transmission, differentials, and chassis systems for maximum traction and capability. It can choose from six different terrain modes based on your driving habits.
• Four-Corner Electronic Air Suspension: This system provides a remarkably smooth ride on pavement and allows for adjustable ride height, increasing ground clearance for off-road obstacles or lowering the vehicle for easier entry and exit.
• Adaptive Dynamics: Available on higher trims, this feature continuously monitors vehicle movements up to 500 times per second, reacting to driver inputs and road conditions to optimize damping and body control, reducing body roll and improving handling.
• Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control: These features simplify challenging inclines and descents, automatically managing brake pressure to prevent rolling backward or maintaining a slow, controlled speed down steep grades.

Luxury Redefined: Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2016 Range Rover Sport, and you're immediately greeted by an environment that exudes British luxury and thoughtful design.

Sophisticated Design and Premium Materials

The cabin boasts a driver-centric cockpit, with controls intuitively placed for easy access. You'll find soft-touch finishes and high-quality materials throughout, including standard grained leather interior seating. Buyers could customize their interior with various contrasting colors and trim accents, such as dark brushed aluminum, adding a personal touch to the athletic and luxurious ambiance.

Comfort and Practicality

Comfort is paramount in the Range Rover Sport. Standard features include 10-way power-adjustable front seats, with available upgrades to 14-way power seats with lumbar support and heated front and rear seats. Tri-zone climate control ensures comfort for all occupants.

While primarily a five-seater, an optional third-row seat was available, making it a versatile choice for larger families or occasional extra passengers. Cargo space is generous, offering 62.2 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats folded down, perfect for gear or luggage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2016 Range Rover Sport featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which served as the command center for navigation, audio, and climate controls. This system also incorporated Land Rover's InControl technology, allowing for voice-activated commands and smartphone integration.

Audiophiles would appreciate the available Meridian audio systems, with a 13-speaker system as standard and optional upgrades to 19- or even 29-speaker setups for an immersive sound experience. For rear passengers, an optional entertainment system with screens was also available.

Safety First: Advanced Features for Peace of Mind

Land Rover equipped the 2016 Range Rover Sport with a comprehensive suite of safety features, designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents.

Standard Safety Essentials

Every 2016 Range Rover Sport came standard with fundamental safety features, including:

• Antilock disc brakes
• Traction and stability control
• Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors
• A rearview camera

Available Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

For enhanced safety, a range of optional ADAS technologies were available:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: This system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: If the system detects an imminent collision and the driver doesn't react in time, it can automatically apply the brakes.
• Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These features warn the driver of vehicles in their blind spots or approaching from the sides when backing up.
• Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These systems alert the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane unintentionally and can even apply gentle steering corrections to keep it centered.
• Surround-View Camera System: Offers a 360-degree bird's-eye view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Intelligent Speed Limiter: This feature can read speed limit signs and help restrict the vehicle from exceeding the posted limit.

The vehicle's frame was engineered for crash safety, designed to absorb and deflect impact energy away from passengers. The 2016 Range Rover Sport received a 5-star overall safety rating from ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program), performing well in crash tests.

Ownership Insights: Reliability and Potential Concerns

While the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offers undeniable luxury and capability, potential buyers of a used model should be aware of its reputation and common ownership considerations.

General Reliability Outlook

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