2023 Range Rover Sport vs. Porsche Cayenne vs Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Audi Q8

All of the luxury, performance, and prestige of the Range Rover in a more practical size, the Range Rover Sport is a big hit in this segment. While the Range Rover fairly defines what a luxury SUV is, there are still a number of competitors these days, and you might be asking yourself whether the Range Rover Sport is still the king of the segment. For that, we'll have to take an in-depth look at how the competition measures up, and fortunately, we have just such a comparison.

Range Rover Sport VS Porsche Cayenne

First up against the Range Rover Sport is the Porsche Cayenne, we've chosen the Platinum Edition because it comes closer to the level of standard equipment on the Range Rover Sport. Being a Porsche, the Cayenne is obviously built for performance, yet we can see that it doesn't put out as much horsepower or torque as the Range Rover Sport. This is reflected in the 0-60 times, and while more power usually means worse fuel economy, it doesn't here.

The Porsche can't keep up with the Range Rover Sport on the road, but what about its offroad capability? To start with, air suspension is optional on the Cayenne, while it's standard on the Range Rover Sport. In fact, at $4,170, this option alone more than wipes out the Cayenne's slight price advantage. When comparing things like max ride height and wading depth, we used the numbers for the Cayenne when it's equipped with air suspension. So the end result of paying extra for this option on the Cayenne is that it's still not as well suited to offroad conditions as the Range Rover Sport. You also won't have much cargo space for whatever gear you're taking with you.

Inside, we'll find a few more advantages for the Range Rover Sport, despite the similarities of the trim levels. Both have power-adjustable heated seats, for example, but the Range Rover Sport will allow you to get the adjustments just right, thanks to the 20-way setup. Lastly, both vehicles also have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the Cayenne requires a wired connection for this feature.

Range Rover Sport VS Mercedes-Benz GLS

Next up is the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Like the Range Rover Sport, the GLS is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 mated to a mild hybrid system, and AWD is standard. Performance figures are similar, but the Range Rover Sport is a bit quicker to 60 mph. The Range Rover Sport also has a fuel economy advantage, and since they have the same-sized fuel tank, that means fewer stops at the gas station with the Range Rover Sport.

Quite a lot about the Range Rover Sport is just that extra bit nicer than the GLS, bigger wheels, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, seats with more settings so you can really get them just how you like them, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be used wirelessly.

While the GLS enjoys a slight price advantage, Mercedes-Benz isn't exactly generous with the standard equipment. Leather upholstery alone, something that comes standard on the Range Rover Sport, can run up to $2,990, completely undoing the price advantage in one option. The same is true of some of the more advanced safety features as well, coming instead in a $1,950 package. This is one of the bigger advantages of the Range Rover Sport, its long list of standard features.

Range Rover Sport VS Audi Q8

Last up we have the Audi Q8. It would appear that it has a price advantage over the Range Rover Sport, but we'll see that this doesn't make it a better value. The Q8, like every other vehicle in this comparison, has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It doesn't put out quite as much horsepower as the Range Rover Sport, and neither does it hit as high a top speed. Fuel economy is certainly better in the Range Rover Sport as well.

The Range Rover Sport has a tighter turning circle than the Q8, but where the Q8 is really lacking is offroad ability. Every Land Rover SUV shines in this area, but those with standard air suspension like the Range Rover Sport are even better equipped to handle these conditions. The Q8's 5.8-inch ground clearance means it will only handle the lightest of offroad duties, and even if you opt to pay for the air suspension on Q8, it's very much optimized only for comfort, not offroading.

Air suspension isn't the only equipment difference between these two vehicles. You get standard adaptive cruise control on the Range Rover, more speakers, and a noticeably larger infotainment touchscreen. Optioning up the Q8 to have the same features that come standard on the Range Rover Sport will actually end up costing you more money, and you still won't be able to take it offroad.

*Price shown is Base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling charge ($1,175 for Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, $1,275 for Range Rover Velar, $1,475 for Range Rover, New Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Defender), tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Total Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price includes destination/handling charge noted above and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. Effective August 1, 2020. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.