2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2006 as a more compact, performance-focused variation of the classic British SUV. The Sport...
The Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2006 as a more compact, performance-focused variation of the classic British SUV. The Sport represents Range Rover's first attempt at a performance-focused vehicle. While this may be new ground, the Sport retains many of the upscale land Rover's boxy styling cues, but the with edges are softened for better aerodynamics.
The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport qualifies as a member of the exclusive starship SUV fleet: Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. Land Rover, owned by Ford, which also owns Jaguar and Aston Martin, raided the parts bins of its British cousins to engineer the Range Rover Sport as a sports car in SUV sheet metal.
Jaguar V8s provide the two engine offerings. A 300-hp 4.4-liter V8 provides the standard power, while the optional 390-hp supercharged, 4.2-liter, double-overhead-cam V8 also powers the Jaguar S-Type R, XJR, and XKR. A torque monster, the supercharged V8 produces 410 pound-feet, propelling the 5,670-pound Sport to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with a governed 140 mph top end. Reviewers praised the sense of endless torque and locomotive feel of its pulling power.
Power flows through Aston Martin's brilliant CommandShift six-speed adaptive automatic transmission that sets itself to "sport" when its senses high cornering speeds and hard acceleration. A four-wheel drive system with a two-speed, shift-on-the-fly electronic transfer case and locking center differential round out the standard running gear.
The Supercharged comes packed with an array of technological wizardry for roving any type of terrain.
Dynamic Stability Control electronically adjusts the stabilizer bar at each wheel to match the body lean based on the computer's analysis of steering angle and horizontal acceleration. Result - no lean, up to 0.4g later force, and then the system permits some body roll reminding the driver that even in a starship "things" can happen. When off road, the system decouples and allows full suspension articulation.
The Terrain Response system functions through a pop-knob in the center console that allows you to set the system for any of five driving conditions: normal, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts, sand, and rock. A flick of that knob sets ride height on the adjustable air suspension, shock valving, throttle sensitivity, and adjusts calibration for the stability control, traction control and ABS systems.
Adaptive Cruse Control allows the driver to maintain a choice of four programmed, time based following ranges. The system slows the Sport as the gap to the following vehicle narrows and then increases speed when the road clears. Get too close and an alarm sounds.
The Range Rover Sport has earned considerable praise from owners and testers for its on-road ride quality, off-road capabilities, ample power supply, Rover's cutting edge 4x4 technology, and interior refinement. Shortcomings are few, but more finical reviewers would like to see a more aggressive base model and some additional cargo room.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport generally appreciate its luxurious feel, powerful performance, and stylish looks. Many highlight the vehicle's comfort and its impressive off-road capabilities. However, they also dislike the high maintenance costs, poor fuel economy, and the dated technology in the interior. Overall, it’s a favored choice for those seeking a powerful and stylish SUV, provided they're ready for the expenses that come with it."
It may look like a Range Rover, it may even say Range Rover on the front and back but actually it's not. With the original model being too luxurious, large and expensive to be a threat to the hugely successful BMW X5 and too slow to compete against the Porsche Cayenne the boys in Solihull have gone back to the drawing board and come up with possibly the most appealing car of a generation. With fashionistas and footballers all craving the 4x4 experience Land Rover have taken a Discovery 3 chassis and paired it with a Jaguar 4.2 V8, thrown in body styling that echos the behemoth that is their flagship model and created the Sport. 385bhp, 0-60 in 7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, the only way to feel this much power at this kind of ride height, is to experience take off in a jumbo. It is however, not a Range Rover. The cabin is not nearly as spacious and much less luxurious. Plastic is everywhere and the feeling of traveling "first class" is somewhat lost. It is however a fantastic driving experience, the road is gripped tighter than a thong on a fat lass and the cabin does fell sporty with it. If you're after a Porsche Cayenne beater then this is a great choice. Residuals are much better and it's arguably much better looking. I would however recommend the original. For only £7000 more the Range Rover Vogue Supercharged has the same engine as the Sport but tuned to an even more mental 400bhp for an even sweeter V8 rumble. It's quicker to 60 although being bigger, heavier and more luxurious will only manage 130mph. Oh well, I'm sure you'll live.
January 9, 2008The best thing to ever happen to four wheel drives, acceleration is super,power is of the highest level. on sand it drives like on tarred road and it will never get bugged down in any sitUATION, interior is also perfect
September 28, 2009I've had this car nearly 5 years, it is the only car I've had for normal use that I never tire of, it has never let me down, only used things like tyres & brake pads & discs, it is comfortable, economical for it's size & weight, 100% reliable.
June 21, 2010What owners say
It may look like a Range Rover, it may even say Range Rover on the front and back but actually it's not. With the original model being too luxurious, large and expensive to be a threat to the hugely successful BMW X5 and too slow to compete against the Porsche Cayenne the boys in Solihull have gone back to the drawing board and come up with possibly the most appealing car of a generation. With fashionistas and footballers all craving the 4x4 experience Land Rover have taken a Discovery 3 chassis and paired it with a Jaguar 4.2 V8, thrown in body styling that echos the behemoth that is their flagship model and created the Sport. 385bhp, 0-60 in 7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, the only way to feel this much power at this kind of ride height, is to experience take off in a jumbo. It is however, not a Range Rover. The cabin is not nearly as spacious and much less luxurious. Plastic is everywhere and the feeling of traveling "first class" is somewhat lost. It is however a fantastic driving experience, the road is gripped tighter than a thong on a fat lass and the cabin does fell sporty with it. If you're after a Porsche Cayenne beater then this is a great choice. Residuals are much better and it's arguably much better looking. I would however recommend the original. For only £7000 more the Range Rover Vogue Supercharged has the same engine as the Sport but tuned to an even more mental 400bhp for an even sweeter V8 rumble. It's quicker to 60 although being bigger, heavier and more luxurious will only manage 130mph. Oh well, I'm sure you'll live.
January 9, 2008The best thing to ever happen to four wheel drives, acceleration is super,power is of the highest level. on sand it drives like on tarred road and it will never get bugged down in any sitUATION, interior is also perfect
September 28, 2009I've had this car nearly 5 years, it is the only car I've had for normal use that I never tire of, it has never let me down, only used things like tyres & brake pads & discs, it is comfortable, economical for it's size & weight, 100% reliable.
June 21, 2010Great looks, style and image. Luxurious inside and fantastically comfortable to ride in. Economy is awful and performance it not so quick either. Switches are a bit cheap and the computer system isn't very modern. Great family car for long journeys. Pain in the bum locally! Good for turning heads.
August 1, 2008Well needless to say this SUV drives more like a sedan than truck and with all the bells and whistles you can go anywhere though anything in style. The british build quality still has its gremlins but much better than any other land rover. Up at altitude the supercharger keeps things powerful and hungry. One thing, don't forget to but snow tires on as the summer performance rubber just slides and slides.
April 4, 2008Luxury car, amazing powerful and expensive as well :)
February 2, 2008A fantastic car for all use... Love the long trips and the way it handels a big trailer.... The most fantastic toy for off-road and at the same time so grate style... Like the motor and the power from my V6 diesel....
October 20, 2011Hot, fast and solid. Just a bit greedy ! Fine but firm ride and still stands the hairs on the back of my neck up. Looks like the dogs bollocks and turns heads whenever she gets a polish. Understeers a bit on tight turns and will get brake fade if she is hammered for more than 20 minutes on very tight road.
August 24, 2008I loved the look and comfortability of this vehicle and I have three kids all of which are avid within sports! I just need more room for all of the equiptment! The performance of this vehicle is absolutely superb as you would expect from a Land Rover. This vehicle has been highly maintained and not driven a great deal as I work from home thus, only back and forth to the ball field(s) over the years! I am the second owner of this vehcile and purchased this vehicle at 40k in miles. The prior owner maintained this vehicle to the highest regards! If your looking for that perfect vehicle at a steal in price this is absolutely it!!
July 26, 2012Amazingly quick, and lovely handling for a 4x4 with dynamic suspension. The supercharger howls wonderfully when provoked. Not as techincally proficient as competing BMW's and Audi, but... it's a Range Rover.
June 27, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $60,045 | Seating 5 |
Engine 5.0L 375 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $71,825 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.2L 390 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
