2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender didn't receive major exterior styling changes, but it remained a distinctive vehicle. The boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood visually tied it to the original Defender and the classic Series Land Rovers. Despite its modernized design with rounded corners for better aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added personality, it still celebrated its roots. The vehicle's larger size compared to its predecessor benefited interior space and ergonomics. The cabin featured a balanced mix of ruggedness and refinement with durable materials, including leather and suede upholstery and exposed screws and metal components that emphasized its rugged character without appearing cheesy.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was designed with "modernist" and "reductive" styling elements, which translated to a clean and simple look that might not appeal to those seeking flashiness. The most eye-catching options were limited to specific paint colors and large wheels, with Firenze Red and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels being notable. The interior, with its Deep Garnet over Ebony theme and aluminum and black trim, exuded understated luxury. Premium features included slim LED headlights, deployable door handles, and surface LED taillights, all contributing to the vehicle’s modern and refined appearance.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with multiple powertrain options. The base model was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The mid-level powertrain was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-mild hybrid, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. However, the star was the new 5.0-liter supercharged V8, outputting 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, which propelled the Defender 90 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and included standard four-wheel drive. The Defender's ride quality was notably comfortable on pavement, with the high-end models featuring electronic active rear differentials, Dynamic drive mode, and specific suspension and transmission tuning for enhanced performance. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,201 pounds, the Defender also demonstrated practical utility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver engagement. It offered diverse powertrains including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in two tunes: 355 hp for the SE P360 and 395 hp for the SE Dynamic P400. A plug-in hybrid option, exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, provided 434 hp and an estimated 51 miles of electric range. For selected 2023 models, a 523-hp twin-turbo V8 was available. On-road, the Range Rover Sport exhibited impressive handling and acceleration with Land Rover claiming a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for the SE Dynamic. The SUV also featured a new architecture for increased torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and advanced systems like Dynamic Response Pro, which offered composed driving dynamics. However, it fell short compared to German competitors in tight cornering and steering feel.

The 2022 Defender offered various configurations. The two-door Defender 90 featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which, although tight and tricky to access, were usable and could be folded down for more cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 provided more versatility, available in five-seat and seven-seat layouts. The seven-seat configuration offered 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, 35.4 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 70.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The two-row version offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 51.7 cubic feet when folded. Functional elements like a well-designed center console, large storage bins, and optional external equipment holders, like roof racks and cargo boxes, enhanced its practical utility.

Conversely, the 2023 Range Rover Sport retained the Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier access. While the front seats were comfortable, luxurious, and adjustable with options like massage and air purification features, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Storage solutions included a power liftgate, lowered suspension controls for easier loading, and dedicated compartments for smaller items.

The 2022 Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. Higher trims included an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system was praised for its good graphics and layout, though the touch response required a strong poke. Optional tech included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, which significantly aided in off-road scenarios.

For the 2023 Range Rover Sport, technology was a mixed bag. It came with a 13.7-inch digital instrument display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and connected services. However, users found the system confusing and frustrating, with features like the driver exit assist complicating rather than easing access. The native digital assistant failed multiple user requests, such as locating a Starbucks. In contrast, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive audio options with up to 29-speaker Meridian systems and noise cancellation technology.

The 2022 Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, neither IIHS nor NHTSA had published safety ratings for this vehicle, which is typical for luxury brands.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport came equipped with comprehensive safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also included advanced features like automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. The steering assist, though intended to enhance safety, was found less effective, especially on curvy roads.