Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494

Range Rover Sport in brief

The Range Rover Sport has been in production since 2005. All generations come with four-wheel drive, most with air suspension and the Terrain Response driving modes system, making it capable of tackling much tougher terrain than most luxury SUVs. The L494 generation offered an optional third row of seats (5+2).

On the used market, this model is prized for its striking looks, comfort, and off-road prowess. However, it has a less-than-stellar reliability reputation, so service history and a thorough inspection are particularly important.

L320, L494 and L461 — what’s the difference

The first generation (L320, 2005–2013) was built on the Discovery 3 platform: robust but heavy. After the 2009 refresh, it received a more modern interior and new engines, including the 3.0 TDV6 diesel. Today, this is the most affordable option, but most cars will need significant investment.

Second generation (L494, 2013–2022) — the most popular on the used market. The aluminium body significantly reduced weight, and the interior became closer to that of the full-size Range Rover. The end-of-2017 refresh brought new headlights, the Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens, and the plug-in hybrid P400e.

Third generation (L461, from 2022) — even more minimalist in design, with a large curved screen, mild-hybrid engines, and plug-in hybrids that travel significantly further on electric power alone than their predecessors. There aren't many on the used market yet.

Engines and transmissions

In the L494 generation, you'll commonly find 3.0 V6 diesels — TDV6 (around 258 hp) and SDV6 (around 292–306 hp), plus the 4.4 SDV8 (around 339 hp) and 2.0 SD4 (around 240 hp). Petrol engines include the 3.0 V6 and 5.0 V8 with a supercharger (around 550–575 hp in the SVR version), the plug-in hybrid P400e, and towards the end of production, new 3.0 inline-six Ingenium engines with mild-hybrid tech (e.g., P400, D300).

The L461 generation offers 3.0 inline-six diesels (D250, D300, D350), the petrol P400, plug-in hybrids (P440e, P510e), the 4.4 V8 engine P530, and the most powerful SV version.

All versions come with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Many cars also have a reduction gear (two-speed transfer case) that engages off-road and when towing a heavy trailer — up to 3.5 tonnes is allowed.

What to check when buying a used Range Rover Sport

Suspension issues are a common cause of problems: check if the car sinks overnight, if the ride height changes, or if there are any warning lights. Also, look out for electronic faults, multimedia glitches, and moisture in the cabin, which can be caused by blocked drainage channels.

The 3.0 TDV6 and SDV6 engines can suffer from camshaft bearing failures, especially if the oil isn't changed regularly, while the 2.0 Ingenium diesels can have timing chain tensioner issues. In diesel cars, also check the diesel particulate filter (DPF), EGR, and AdBlue systems.

The body is made of aluminium, so repairs after an accident can be more complex — check the gaps between panels and the paint thickness. If the car has been off-road, inspect the underside, and compare the mileage with service records.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common trims found in Europe.

L494 generation comparison

For most buyers, the best choice is the HSE or HSE Dynamic with the SDV6 or newer D300 engine. The Autobiography Dynamic is worth considering for its features, while the SVR is only for those prepared for high fuel and maintenance costs.

Frequently asked questions