Land Rover Range Rover Sport D350 Dynamic HSE (2026) Review

Land Rover South Africa depends on two models for 90% of its monthly sales volume: the Defender and the Range Rover Sport. While the flagship Range Rover caters to the chauffeur-driven elite, the Sport remains the driver’s choice. Launched in its current guise in late 2022 and updated for the 2026 model year, it continues to fend off fierce German competition with a blend of British charm and peerless capability.

Pros

• Masterclass in minimalist design

• Exceptional refinement and noise insulation

• Phenomenal drivetrain

• Unmatched off-road ability in its segment

• High-quality interior materials

Cons

• Hefty price tag 

• Large wheels mean its off-road ability can rarely be used

• Almost zero physical buttons in the cabin

• Optional extras can easily push the price toward R3.0m

• Large dimensions make tight mall parking a chore

• Gloss black interior trim looks grubby after use

Industry context

It is no coincidence that the Range Rover Sport feels more premium than ever. According to recent data from industry analyst Felipe Munoz, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) has transitioned into a brand with staggering profitability. Ferrari is the most profitable car maker per car sold, followed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), among the 40 brands Mr Munoz included in the research. Munoz’s analysis indicates that JLR only needs to sell 12 vehicles to match Ferrari's profit per unit. To put that in perspective, a mass-market brand like Mazda needs to sell nearly 3 500 cars to reach that same margin. This explains why JLR has leaned so heavily into the House of Brands (Range Rover, Defender, Discovery) strategy. You aren't just buying a car; you’re buying into a high-margin ecosystem designed to sustain exclusive luxury.

Styling

Land Rover has leaned into its so-called Reductive Design philosophy with the Sport. It features flush-fitting door handles, a laser-welded roofline, and the slimmest LED headlights ever fitted to a Land Rover. Sitting on 23-inch alloy wheels, the Dynamic HSE trim adds just enough aggression via black accents and deeper bumpers without looking over-styled. It’s a design that will likely age better than its more angular competitors. Suffice to say, the number of compliments I received throughout the week was impressive, no doubt fuelled by the visually striking Velocity Blue paintwork, which adds over R150 000 to the list price, but is one of the best blue hues I have ever seen.

Interior

Step inside the Dynamic HSE, and you are met with a cabin that feels like a high-end Scandinavian lounge. The focus is on clean tech integration. A 13.1-inch Pivi Pro curved glass touchscreen dominates the dashboard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system is fast and intuitive, the lack of physical climate controls is less than ideal—adjusting seat heaters or fan speed via a screen while driving on a bumpy road requires more concentration than it should.

The cabin is draped in Windsor leather and sustainable "Ultrafabrics", but there is a liberal use of gloss black (Piano Black) plastic on the centre console and steering wheel. While it looks magnificent on the showroom floor, it is a relentless magnet for fingerprints and dust—a trait that is challenging in our dry, sun-drenched climate. Practicality remains a strong suit. Despite its Sport moniker, the boot offers 647 litres of space, expanding to 1 491 litres with the rear seats folded. 

Drive impression

The driving experience is defined by the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo diesel engine paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. Delivering 258 kW and 700 Nm, it provides a relentless wave of torque that makes overtaking effortless, and it doesn't sound bad, either. While it lacks the high-rev drama of the V8 petrol, the D350 is the more sensible choice for the South African context.

The standard Dynamic Air Suspension is the highlight here. It uses navigation data to read the road ahead, priming the dampers for corners. Despite its 2.4-ton weight, it handles surprisingly well, though it never quite feels as sporty as a BMW X5. Where it shines is ride quality—it simply glides over the road scars and potholes that often plague our provincial routes. This is one of the most comfortable cars I have driven over the past year, and it feels like a true luxury experience each time you get behind the wheel.

Fuel consumption*

In an era of fluctuating fuel prices, the D350’s efficiency stands out. Not that those spending nearly R3.0-million on a luxury SUV care that much, but what efficiency does provide is a longer driving range, and that, for me at least, is a form of luxury.

• Claimed average: 7.4 L/100 km

• Actual average: 9.0 L/100 km

  *With an 80-litre tank, a range of nearly 900–1 000 km is achievable on a long run, making it a superior trans-country hauler compared to its petrol siblings.

Safety

The Dynamic HSE is loaded with safety tech as standard:

• Airbags: 6 (Front, side, and curtain).

• Driver Assist: Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and a ClearSight Ground View camera (which allows you to "see through" the bonnet when off-roading).

• Parking: A 3D Surround Camera system makes navigating this nearly 5-metre SUV into tight spots manageable.

Pricing*

• Range Rover Sport D350 Dynamic HSE: R2 606 600

  *Includes a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and warranty. Our press unit was closer to R2.9-million with options.

Quick rival comparison

Verdict

The Range Rover Sport D350 is a polished, plush all-rounder. It manages to be both a status symbol and a highly capable family tool. While the BMW X7 offers more seats for less money and the Audi SQ8 is significantly faster, neither can match the Range Rover’s sense of occasion or its ability to tackle a muddy trail with the same grace it displays at a valet stand. It is, quite simply, the sweet spot of the current Land Rover lineup and deserves its status as a luxury icon.