We acquired the 2025 model.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
On a gloomy and chilly late-wintery night, the bar graph indicating the battery level—positioned adjacent to the fuel-level meter on the instrument cluster—displayed nearly full charge. Starting off in electric vehicle (EV) mode, we observed the tiny EV light illuminating itself on the dashboard screen as we navigated through the complex web of roads encircling Newark Liberty International Airport. Acceleration past toll plazas relied entirely upon electrical propulsion. The rover’s eerily silent operation amplified the sensation of gliding within an isolated cocoon across New Jersey’s landscape marred by construction sites, crash locations, and potholed streets.
The sole factor that elevated our cortisol levels was dealing with the fully touch-screen-based audio system and climate controls. (Does anybody still believe that engaging with a touch screen offers a luxurious experience?) This central display has three distinct segments; one section showed us the battery percentage along with electric vehicle range indications. As we cruised up the Garden State Parkway heading north, we observed these metrics dropping steadily. Along our journey, we spotted a massive IKEA store off to the right near the Paramus exit, followed shortly thereafter by a services area on the left which is famously known as
The Sopranos
star James Gandolfini. We crossed the border into New York State with the battery just about drained, and finally the gas engine awoke with barely a murmur, the most notable change being the switch from “EV” to “Hybrid” on the instrument screen. One can also manually choose the drive mode—again via the touchscreen—selecting Hybrid, EV, or Save (which preserves battery charge for later).
The gasoline engine features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six configuration. This marks an enhancement over the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder used in the former generation of the Range Rover Sport’s plug-in hybrid model, known as the P400e. While cruising along the expansive stretches of New York’s Interstate 287, we pressed firmly onto the accelerator pedal to experience the sound of this straight-six engine, which emitted a refined yet slightly robust rumble.
The PHEV’s 454 horsepower surpasses the output of the two lower-tier Range Rover Sports, which have 355 and 395 hp respectively. At the racetrack, despite weighing over 800 pounds more (clocking in at approximately 6199 pounds), it demonstrated superior acceleration compared to its conventional sibling. It can reach 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, whereas the less powerful 355-hp Range Rover Sport SE accomplishes this feat in 5.7 seconds. Additionally, the PHEV completes the quarter-mile sprint in 13.4 seconds at 103 mph, beating the SE version’s time of 14.3 seconds at 96 mph. Furthermore, the new six-cylinder PHEV significantly outperforms the earlier model equipped with a 398-hp four-cylinder powertrain, shaving half a second from its 60-mph dash.
Even though the hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration, we discovered that the PHEV Rover doesn’t perform as admirably when the battery runs out. Driving locally with an empty battery shows that the calibration of the throttle and transmission may result in jerky starts at lower speeds. However, having even a small amount of battery left helps the electric motor ensure smoother launches.
The chassis excels at providing a smooth experience; thanks to the air springs and adaptive dampers, it offers a serene journey even when equipped with the available 23-inch wheels. During tests, the plug-in hybrid Sport demonstrated better handling at the skid pad (achieving 0.83 g), as well as superior braking performance—stopping within 176 feet from 70 mph—even though it carries significantly more weight compared to its non-hybrid counterpart, the SE.
The Sport offers the signature elevated seating position typical of Range Rovers, with the driver’s seat providing ample thigh support. The hood line slopes downward, giving you a clear view of the road surface just ahead of the car—a stark difference from the high-fronted, people-obscuring designs found in numerous pickup trucks and SUVs.
Our trip through northern New Jersey exclusively in EV mode was 40 miles or so and was accomplished with a not-quite-full battery, which is a substantial-for-a-PHEV 32 kWh. That tracks with our more formal, 75-mph highway range test, where the Sport managed 48 miles—against an EPA estimate of 53 miles (the previous model’s much smaller 13-kWh battery was good for 19 miles). Among competitor-brand
plug-in hybrid SUVs
, the
Mercedes-Benz GLE450e
Is rated for 50 miles; only the slightly smaller Mercedes-Benz GLC350e provides more electric-only range with an estimated 54 miles. Additionally, the larger Range Rover can be had as a PHEV model, which achieves a 53-mile EPA rating.
For the 2023 model year, the third-generation Range Rover Sport was introduced with several variations available. Among these options, the plug-in hybrid version stands out as the most environmentally friendly choice. Although an all-electric variant scheduled for release in 2024 hasn’t been unveiled yet, those who make use of the extensive electric capabilities can enjoy how this plug-in hybrid significantly elevates the overall driving experience of the Range Rover.
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