dipped dramatically in 2022 due to the global chip shortage and supply challenges.

With the 2023 third generation, this upgraded five-seater mid-size luxury SUV is meticulously improved, with a new look, upgraded on and off-road ability, cutting edge safety features, a powerful BMW V-8 523-horsepower gas engine and a great looking redesigned cabin.

Price point

While test-driving the Sport First Edition, top trim of four, it came with ten options to enjoy the best experience, pushing the final MSRP to $132,575.

Car options

While many buyers may never go off-road, those who crave off-road adventure sitting in a comfortable and plush cabin manipulating a smaller version of its highly regarded big brother, the Land Rover, will not be disappointed.

All-wheel drive with rear steering now operates with torque vectoring, dynamic air suspension, electronic differential and adaptive off-road cruise control, along with electronic body roll control. Previous off-road features are continued, like all-terrain drive modes and wade sensing that can raise the vehicle another 2.7 inches if needed.

On a long trip, the 2023 Range Rover Sport averaged 26 mpg in smooth automatic comfort mode with the steering wheel mounted manual paddles, when used, providing an extra boost that made this SUV a lickety-split rattlesnake quick vehicle. Massaging front seats reduced muscle fatigue.

Outside, the new look includes a blacked-out top above a steady beltline, a blacked-out grill, side mirrors, air dams and wheels. Smoothed contours and flush door handles when locked - give it a stylish, attractive, minimalistic appearance.

Quality materials included a suede-like headliner. The Meridan audio was excellent. While the second-row seating isn’t spacious, but seats recline. There is a spare tire. All seats are heated and cooled. There is driver fatigue monitoring, a WiFi hotspot and ample USB plug-ins, but not a lot of small storage spaces.

Safety ratings

Top crash safety ratings are expected. Competitors include BMW X5, Audi A7, Volvo XC90, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne and smaller sibling rival Range Rover Velar. A 13.1-inch infotainment Pivi Pro touchscreen splits into three adjustable images and is loaded with connectivity and information. There are 16 icons to choose from, but they are non-haptic, taking a firm finger push to activate. A larger 13.7-inch digital screen above the steering wheel displayed gauges, including our speed and speed limits, and controlled numerous settings. Voice recognition was not consistent but underway voice prompts alerted us early to turns and showed on the heads-up display.

Overall review

LIKES: Substantial cabin size, on/off-road prowess, versatility, comfort, handling, ride, excellent tech features

DISLIKES: No complimentary maintenance, pricey, inconsistent voice recognition

BOTTOM LINE: Great luxury with on/off-road ability

Car fact file