Recently, Land Rover revealed their all-new 2023 Range Rover Sport. With spectacular looks, four-engine options, immense power, and a breathtaking interior, it certainly gets the Porsche Cayenne's attention. These are two of the most sought-after mid-size luxury SUVs in the market. But it is still too early to say if Porsche Cayenne’s biggest rival will outweigh them in all departments or not.
The cheapest version of the Porsche Cayenne will cost you $72,200 while the new Range Rover Sport will cost you $83,000 for the base version. That's a steep price difference, but Land Rover seems to have put enough effort to make it justifiable. While the performance figures are neck-on-neck, the 2023 Range Rover Sport dials things up when it comes to technology, luxury, and minimalistic visual drama.
Will these makeovers be enough to catch up with the Porsche and provide for an improved package? While pricing remains in Porsche Cayenne's favor, the Range Rover Sport bets on style, technology, and a plush off-roading experience. We give you a rundown on what the 2023 Range Rover Sport brings to the table, and if the Porsche Cayenne should be tensed about the arrival of its key rival.
The 2023 Range Rover Sport is the new face of a civilized off-roading hooligan. But is it enough to make the Porsche Cayenne tense?
2023 Range Rover Sport: Engine And Performance
All versions of the 2023 Range Rover Sport will include an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and are coupled to a choice of four engine options. A turbocharged inline-six with hybrid capabilities producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the P360 trim. The same engine is used and tuned to produce 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque in the Range Rover Sport P400. The electric fever is strong too, with the P440e packing a turbocharged inline-six coupled to an electric drive unit.
This version of the Range Rover Sport adds an extra 140 hp to the powertrain. The result is a 0-60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds. And the 2023 Range Rover Sport can do 48 miles on electric power alone. The last yet most pumped-up engine option is a 4.4-liter V8 BMW twin-turbo motor. Outputting an amazing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, this engine is capable of propelling the RR Sport from 0-60 mph can in around 4.5 seconds, which is admirable for an SUV of this size.
2023 Range Rover Sport: Plush And Minimal Interior
The 2023 Range Rover Sport's interior is uncomplicated but extravagant at the same time. A 13.1-inch infotainment system comes standard and packs all the latest in connectivity and technology features. The climate control system is surprisingly closer to being old-school that the new touchscreen norm that most automakers follow. It makes things simpler. Additionally, the new Range Rover Sport includes a 13.7-inch interactive driver display.
Unlike many other car manufacturers, Land Rover has prioritized space and tranquility, over the amount of technology made available, making for a silent, and comfortable ride. Other noticeable changes worth mentioning are the huge panoramic sunroofs, a 29-speaker sound system, and a light interior leather finish with the middle back seat consisting of black leather, providing a clever, impressive, and contrasting design.
2023 Range Rover Sport: Capable SUV With A Smooth Face
Land Rovers are spectacular vehicles. Beautiful to drive on-road and off-road. The 2023 Range Rover Sport dials up on both the on- and off-road capabilities. Every version of the new Range Rover Sport incorporates air suspension with each wheel having 50 cm (19.68 inches) of wheel articulation.
This makes it more than capable of gliding through waters as deep as 9 cm (3.5 inches) and climbing up slopes of 45 degrees. It’s clear that the beast is made perfectly for both off-road and on-road performances, but it’s the off-road technology that is exceedingly admirable! It uses the brand-new terrain response system in which the software adjusts the speed of the vehicle depending on the terrain.
An additional system can be added to the Range Rover Sport called the Stormer Handling Package which makes the car more responsive and firms-up the suspension. The incredible technology feature list doesn’t end there! The GPS deciphers the terrain conditions two miles ahead and prepares the suspension and gearbox for the imminent road condition ahead.
Should The Porsche Cayenne Worry Of 2023 Range Rover Sport?
When you think of an SUV you don’t think speed, but when you think of a Porsche you certainly do, the Cayenne holds an impressive top speed of 186 mph, very impressive, especially for an SUV. The V6 version of the Cayenne can reach 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, again highly impressive for an SUV.
Some of the Cayenne’s positive attributes include accurate and pinpoint handling, a varied range of powerful engines, many options of customization and a beautifully designed and finished interior, and a near-indestructible build. The Cayenne was always a better on-road performer than the Ranger Rover Sport. It has been more agile, and nimble, and has lesser curb weight than the RR Sport.
The Range Rover Sport has al;ways aced it when it comes to off-roading performance. But the 2023 Rover Sport has managed to balance things out by being extremely capable off the roads and notably better on it. This has allows this British-built SUV to slowly creep up on the German's strong point.
While the Range Rover's makeover doesn't topple Cayenne yet, it sure is worthy of Porsche's attention. But boiling down to the price, it is the Porsche's strongest point and the Cayenne manages to get better, using the extra money by slapping on various add-on performance, comfort, and technology features.
Sources: Media.landrover.com, Newsroom.porsche.com