Range Rover vs Range Rover Sport — Which Should You Buy?

If you want the ultimate luxury, presence, and off‑road capability, buy the full‑size Range Rover. If you want better handling, a sportier drive, and slightly lower running costs, the Range Rover Sport is the smarter choice. Our 2025 data shows the Sport L494 narrowly outsells the flagship L405 (308 vs 284 enquiries) [EM-VERIFIED]. Both share the 306DT V6 diesel and other engines, but the Sport is lighter, more agile, and typically cheaper to buy and run. The full‑size Range Rover offers unparalleled refinement, rear‑seat space, and prestige. For most buyers, the Sport is the better daily driver; for those who need the ultimate luxury SUV, the full‑size remains peerless.

Range Rover L405: 284 enquiries, £6,500–£9,500 recon cost for 306DT [EM-VERIFIED / EM-QUOTE]
Range Rover Sport L494: 308 enquiries, £6,500–£9,500 recon cost for 306DT [EM-VERIFIED / EM-QUOTE]
Both share the 306DT crankshaft bearing risk — budget accordingly
Sport is more affordable to buy and cheaper to run; full‑size is more luxurious and prestigious
Our verdict: Sport wins for driving dynamics and value; full‑size wins for ultimate luxury and prestige

Full comparison, ownership cost analysis, and three real‑world scenarios to help you choose.

At a Glance

	Range Rover L405	Range Rover Sport L494
2025 UK Enquiries	284 [EM-VERIFIED]	308 [EM-VERIFIED]
Primary Engines	306DT 3.0 V6, 508PS 4.4 V8, 276DT 2.7 V6	306DT 3.0 V6, 508PS 4.4 V8, 276DT 2.7 V6, 368DT 3.6 V8
306DT Recon Supply & Fit	£6,500–£9,500	£6,500–£9,500
R&R Labour (306DT)	15–20 hrs	15–20 hrs
Defining Weak Point	Crankshaft bearing (306DT)	Crankshaft bearing (306DT)
Best For	Luxury, prestige, rear‑seat comfort	Driving enjoyment, value, agility
Our Verdict	Winner for luxury & prestige	Winner for driving & value

The Verdict

The Range Rover Sport is the better all‑rounder for most buyers. It's more affordable to buy, cheaper to run, and significantly more engaging to drive, while still offering the same core engines and 95% of the off‑road capability. The full‑size Range Rover, however, is the ultimate expression of luxury – its air suspension, cabin space, and quietness are in a class above. If you value prestige and rear‑seat comfort above all else, the L405 is unmatched. But for the driver who actually enjoys the wheel, the Sport is the clear winner. Both share the 306DT's crankshaft bearing risk [PATTERN DATA], so a full service history is non‑negotiable. Replacement costs are identical, but the Sport's lower purchase price and better fuel economy give it a tangible edge in total cost of ownership.

Range Rover Deep Dive

The Range Rover L405 (2012–2021) is the fourth generation of Land Rover's flagship. It's built on a lightweight aluminium architecture, offering exceptional refinement, a commanding driving position, and a truly luxurious cabin. Most UK enquiries relate to the 306DT 3.0 V6 diesel (TDV6/SDV6), but the 508PS 4.4 V8 and 276DT 2.7 V6 are also common. The 306DT produces up to 306 bhp in SDV6 form and offers strong torque, but carries the same well‑documented crankshaft bearing failure risk — typically between 80,000 and 140,000 miles [PATTERN DATA]. Full detail on our 306DT Crankshaft Bearing Failure page. The L405's air suspension and electronic architecture are complex, but the vehicle's £14,000–£55,000 value band means engine replacement is ✅ Safe on most examples. The flagship also offers the 508PS SDV8, which is more robust but carries a higher replacement cost. For a complete breakdown of the 306DT, see the 306DT Knowledge Centre, and for the 508PS, the 508PS Knowledge Centre. Our 2025 data shows 284 enquiries for the L405 [EM-VERIFIED], placing it among the most‑enquired models on the site.

Range Rover Sport Deep Dive

The Range Rover Sport L494 (2013–2022) is the second‑generation Sport, sharing the same aluminium platform as the L405 but with a shorter wheelbase, sportier suspension tuning, and a more driver‑focused cabin. It's lighter and more agile, with sharper steering and better body control — making it genuinely more rewarding to drive on twisty roads. Engine choices overlap significantly with the full‑size: 306DT 3.0 V6, 276DT 2.7 V6, 368DT 3.6 V8 (earlier cars), and 508PS 4.4 V8. The 306DT is the most common, with the same crankshaft bearing risk. Replacement cost is identical (£6,500–£9,500) [EM-QUOTE], but the Sport's lower kerb weight improves fuel economy and handling. Our data shows 308 enquiries for the L494 [EM-VERIFIED], slightly edging the flagship. For a detailed look at the 306DT in the Sport, visit the 306DT Knowledge Centre and our 306DT Crankshaft Bearing Failure page. The Sport also offers the 508PS V8, which is robust but expensive to replace — see the 508PS Knowledge Centre for details.

Ownership Costs Compared

The biggest cost difference is the purchase price — a used Range Rover Sport L494 typically costs £2,000–£5,000 less than a comparable L405. Running costs are also lower: the Sport is lighter and more aerodynamic, returning around 2–3 mpg better than the full‑size (30–33 mpg vs 28–30 mpg for the 306DT). Insurance and road tax are marginally lower for the Sport. Servicing costs are similar, though the Sport's simpler rear suspension (multi‑link vs the full‑size's more complex air setup) can reduce maintenance bills. Engine replacement costs are identical for both — £6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE] — and both are ✅ Safe against typical host values. However, the full‑size's higher value means the replacement percentage is lower, making it a slightly safer financial proposition if an engine failure occurs. For a detailed worked example of the 60% threshold, see our repair vs replace framework. The ownership cost calculator can help you compare your specific situation.

Which Should You Buy?

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Luxury & Prestige Seeker

Choose the full‑size Range Rover. Its commanding presence, peerless rear‑seat comfort, and air of exclusivity make it the ultimate status symbol. If you're chauffeured or regularly carry VIPs, nothing else comes close.

🏎️

Driving Enthusiast

Pick the Range Rover Sport. Its sharper steering, better body control, and more athletic stance make it genuinely more rewarding to drive. The Sport's lower centre of gravity and reduced weight give it a sportier feel that the full‑size can't match.

💰

Value‑Conscious Buyer

The Sport offers better value for money — lower purchase price, cheaper running costs, and similar capability. If you don't need the extra rear legroom or the full‑size's prestige, the Sport is the smarter financial choice.

🔁

Long‑Term Ownership

Both can reach high mileages with care. The Sport's simpler suspension may be cheaper to maintain, but the full‑size's stronger resale values make it a better investment if you sell after 3‑5 years. For a decade of ownership, the Sport's lower running costs add up.

Whichever you choose, the repair vs replace framework and the ownership cost calculator can help you decide whether to fix or move on when the bills arrive.

Other Comparisons You Might Find Useful

If you're still deciding between Land Rover models, these comparisons cover the most‑asked pairings.

L322 vs L405 →

The previous and current full‑size Range Rover generations compared.

L405 vs L460 →

The outgoing and new full‑size Range Rover generations.

L494 vs L461 →

The outgoing and current Range Rover Sport generations.

Range Rover Sport vs Discovery →

Sporty SUV vs family hauler.

For a full index of all our comparisons, visit the comparison hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, Range Rover or Range Rover Sport?

Reliability is similar for models with the same engine — both use the 306DT V6 diesel, which has a known crankshaft bearing failure risk. The Sport's slightly lighter weight may reduce stress on the drivetrain, but overall, maintenance history matters more than the model badge. Both are capable of high mileages when well‑maintained.

Is the Range Rover Sport cheaper to run than the full‑size Range Rover?

Yes, typically. The Sport is lighter and more aerodynamic, giving better fuel economy (around 2‑3 mpg more). Insurance and servicing are also marginally cheaper, and the Sport is generally less expensive to buy used. The gap in running costs can save £500–£1,000 per year.

Which is better off‑road?

Both are exceptionally capable, with full‑time four‑wheel drive, low‑range gearing, and Terrain Response. The full‑size Range Rover's longer wheelbase gives it slightly better stability on steep descents, while the Sport's shorter overhangs improve approach and departure angles. In practice, both are more than adequate for any off‑road scenario most owners will encounter.

Which has more space inside?

The full‑size Range Rover has significantly more rear legroom and a larger boot (up to 2,200 litres with seats folded) compared to the Sport (up to 1,761 litres). If you regularly carry passengers in the back, the full‑size is the better choice for comfort and space.

Which holds its value better?

Both hold value well, but the full‑size Range Rover traditionally has stronger residual values due to its prestige status. However, the Sport is also strong, and the gap has narrowed in recent years. For the best resale, choose a desirable engine and spec and maintain a full service history.

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Real 2025 Enquiry Data284 full‑size & 308 Sport enquiries analysed [EM-VERIFIED].

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Independent EditorialNo manufacturer sponsorship, no affiliate bias.

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12 Vetted SpecialistsExperienced with both models and their engine families.

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Transparent MethodologyAll data sourced and tagged; read our methodology page.