2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was typically described with words like “modernist” and “reductive,” which, in simpler terms, translated to clean and simple design. However, for those who preferred their luxury SUVs to be more attention-grabbing, Land Rover offered only limited factory options like the Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. It was expected that a more flamboyant performance-tuned SVR, equipped with a loud twin-turbocharged V8 and vibrant paint colors, would be added to the lineup in the future.

The test vehicle showcased in subdued Eiger Gray paint with elegant silver 23-inch wheels and a restrained Black Exterior Pack, managing to maintain an understated luxury despite not having the optional black-painted roof. The interior featured a sophisticated Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, paired with aluminum and glossy black trim.

Initially, Land Rover offered the Range Rover Sport in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications. Our SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle included extra-cost paint, the Black Exterior Pack, 23-inch wheels, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Cold Climate Pack, a Technology Pack, and a full-size spare tire, culminating in an MSRP of $98,420, including a $1,475 destination charge.

Design highlights of the new Range Rover Sport included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles that deployed when sensing the owner's presence, and taillights utilizing surface LED technology for the first time in a production vehicle. It boasted excellent aerodynamics with a coefficient of drag of 0.29, contributing to its modern profile. Inside, the Range Rover Sport's high-tech appearance was complemented by the sustainable Ultrafabrics and fragrant Windsor leather upholstery, exuding an atmosphere of luxurious decadence.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid signified a significant departure in styling from its predecessors. It adopted a more assertive and truck-like appearance, stretching approximately 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model. The new CR-V also had a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, giving it a more muscular stance.

Retaining its classic D-pillar taillights, the new CR-V updated them to feature three L shapes, adding a more modern and aggressive look. The blockier rear end reflected the bold front fascia and all-new LED headlights and taillights enhanced its contemporary feel.

For this review, the Sport Touring trim in deep Canyon River Blue was driven. Sport models received special styling cues, including black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. The Sport Touring, being the top-tier model, flaunted 19-inch wheels, as opposed to the standard 18-inch wheels across the lineup.

Inside, the CR-V Hybrid resembled its Honda stablemates, like the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille spanning the dashboard, adding a touch of premium feel. The materials felt of high quality, and the contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added to its attractiveness.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport balanced refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. While aiming to excel both on rough terrains and winding roads, the vehicle came close, but not without limitations. The new Range Rover Sport featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the SE and SE Dynamic trims. The SE Dynamic model, with its mild-hybrid technology, produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the SE offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, supplied 434 hp and 406 lb-ft while offering an estimated 51 miles of electric range. An early-production 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was also available but was eventually phased out for the time being.

Land Rover aimed for better fuel efficiency, with the P400 drivetrain rated at 21 mpg combined. We averaged 22.3 mpg on our evaluation route, and the SUV achieved 25.1 mpg during a drive from the Los Angeles suburbs to Santa Barbara.

Built on a new vehicle architecture with a 35% increase in torsional stiffness, the Range Rover Sport featured an adaptive air suspension adjusting up to 500 times per second, cornering brake control, brake-induced torque vectoring, and roll stability control. The First Edition boasted four-wheel steering and Dynamic Response Pro active electronic roll control.

In dynamic mode, it accelerated effortlessly in urban settings and maintained a quiet cabin at highway speeds. Off-road, it demonstrated exceptional capabilities, boasting 11.1 inches of ground clearance and impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles. However, it was less impressive on winding roads, feeling tall and heavy, with less engaging steering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a simplified approach with turbocharged or hybrid powertrains. The new hybrid powertrain combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system to produce 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful CR-V to date. Its improved torque made it more responsive, suitable for merging onto highways, and it had a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.

Four drive modes—Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ—were included, with real-time all-wheel drive available on Sport AWD and Sport Touring models, capable of sending up to 50% engine torque to the rear wheels. The new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, creating an almost one-pedal driving experience while aiding fuel efficiency.

Fuel efficiency was a highlight for the FWD CR-V Hybrid, with Sport trim models achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier access, and once inside, the seats provided buttery-smooth Windsor leather, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and optional massage features. The rear seat, while improved, remained a bit tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard front seatback panels adding to the constraints.

Cargo space featured a 31.9 cubic-foot area, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The center console had various storage solutions, with a deep bin and sliding cupholder tray.

For the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the new generation brought increased cargo space, up 3 cubic feet from the previous model, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This new capacity surpassed rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid.

Rear passengers enjoyed an extra 0.6 inches of legroom, totaling 41 inches, with reclining seats for enhanced comfort. Despite slightly lesser headroom compared to some competitors, the CR-V made up for it with standard features like a one-touch power moonroof.

Storage solutions included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders spread throughout the cabin, and a well-designed console providing best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Advanced technology tailored the user experience but was often confounding and less intuitive than expected. The built-in digital assistant struggled with basic commands like finding a Starbucks, although Alexa integration and smartphone connectivity offered workarounds.

On the positive side, the Range Rover Sport offered premium Meridian audio systems, including a next-gen Active Noise Cancellation system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and multiple in-cabin high-tech features.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to consumers' preference for physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display and a 9-inch touchscreen for the higher trim. The fully-loaded Sport Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system for optimized fuel efficiency.

Both trims offered ample USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, heated mirrors and seats, with the Sport Touring adding memory seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and climate control features.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a plethora of advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high beams, driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The steering assist, however, struggled around curves, often requiring driver intervention to maintain control.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid boasted the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies across all trims, with additional features like traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, and adaptive cruise control. The Sport Touring trim included front and rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers. The vehicle continued to benefit from its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings thanks to more airbags and structural enhancements.