A recent trip to Los Angeles provided a unique opportunity to experience a Range Rover Sport (RRS) firsthand. Rented as an upgrade from a standard car, the RRS offered a week of driving adventures, revealing both its strengths and weaknesses. This real-world experience provides valuable insights for anyone considering a Range Rover, making it a relevant topic for discussion on a Range Rover Forum.
The initial challenge was the infotainment system, entirely in Russian. Deciphering Cyrillic characters to reset the language to English proved to be a time-consuming task. Interestingly, enrolling in the Land Rover telematics service during the rental period still results in emails from the company years later.
Throughout the week, the electronics interface felt buggy and glitchy. While not significantly worse than some modern BMW systems, it was a noticeable drawback. However, the RRS truly shined off-road. With a damage waiver providing peace of mind, exploring the hills east of LA and even getting the vehicle on three wheels showcased the impressive capabilities of the crawl control system. Although a bit wide for certain trails, the RRS plowed through confidently.
Fuel consumption was a significant concern. Even with the base supercharged V6 engine, the RRS consumed gasoline at an alarming rate. Coupled with California’s high gas prices and extensive driving, fuel costs nearly matched the rental price itself. Surprisingly, a negative opinion came from the passenger seat. A dislike for the aesthetics and interior of the RRS resulted in a “no Land Rovers” rule during subsequent car shopping. This personal preference highlights the subjective nature of automotive design and the importance of individual tastes. The experience with the rented RRS provided valuable insights into its performance, technology, and overall appeal. From off-road prowess to fuel economy and personal preferences, the journey offered a comprehensive look at this luxury SUV. This firsthand account would be a valuable contribution to any Range Rover forum, sparking discussion and providing real-world perspectives for potential buyers.
