2017 Range Rover Sport HSE Td6: Less Fuel-sipping, Same Fun

The Range Rover brand conjures up images of bold and brash looks coupled with off-road adventure. It doesn't necessarily bring to mind thoughts of sportiness or fuel savings, but you basically get all the above with the 2017 Range Rover Sport Td6.

The script gets flipped for the Td6 that comes with Range Rover's turbocharged, 3.0-litre diesel-powered V6 engine option for its Sport model, slotted below its signature Range Rover. The Sport name is a stretch, and it's more used to differentiate the two models, which both show sporty chops mostly under various terrain.

• Also: 2016 Range Rover Sport Td6: Top of the Food Chain
• Also: 2016 Range Rover Sport Td6: The Renaissance Diesel

In total, the Range Rover Sport has five different powertrain choices, but the diesel version is the only one that supplies exceptional fuel economy ratings and increased torque to help off-road climbing to go along with its boxy exterior demeanour and plush interior comforts.And if you're questioning what exceptional fuel economy is? We're talking a real-world test that clocked an average of 9.5 L/100 km, and that's surprisingly with a 70/30 city to highway driving split.

Diesel is not the devil

Last year, a diesel-powered vehicle became a hard sell given the negative connotation received from Volkswagen's cheating scandal that found them caught placing a “defeat device” in its diesel offerings. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has started to have second thoughts about its BlueTEC diesels in North America, while companies such as Chevrolet and Mazda have done the opposite, introducing diesel powertrain options to existing products.

In general conversation and within the media, diesel survival in North America may be up for debate, but not according to Land Rover. The UK-brand has forged ahead with diesel options in many of its products, and based on its smooth and quiet ride, as well as the money savings found in its fuel economy ratings, there's definitely a reason why.

Under the hood is that turbo-diesel V6 that produces 254 hp and a massive 440 lb.-ft. of torque matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual functions. The diesel is set up with standard four-wheel-drive with various terrain options (General Driving, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawl)—like all other Land Rover/Range Rover products—to be chosen by buttons located behind the dial gear shift.

For this test drive, we didn't attempt a rock crawl, sandy or water terrain (850 mm of wading depth), or towing—it can tow up to 3500 kg and autonomously assist in steering with a trailer attached. This was a test drive for the typical owner, one who enjoys the luxury, prestige and 1780 mm of height that the Sport provides. There's something to be said for elevating higher than the majority of drivers—it has an empowering feeling.

Even though you're carrying 2136 kg of weight in the diesel, it's not noticeable. For such a large vehicle, the drive is smooth in acceleration and when cruising, it's super quiet. As for its handling, once again its size doesn't seem to get in the way thanks to its new aluminum-focused, lightweight construction. The Sport stays firmly planted on the road, and is responsive to each steering input.

But the real story comes in the way of its aforementioned and impressive 9.5 L/100 km combined fuel economy average. The official ratings are almost spot-on to those real-world tests at 10.7 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 L/100 km on the highway and 9.6 L/100 km combined. The best part is you're getting basically an identical ride as the other gas Sport versions with plenty of savings at the pump over time.

Lavish quarters

The 2017 Range Rover Sport can always be that all-terrain warrior, but in everyday life, it nestles into being about luxury, comfort and relaxation, and that starts and ends with those cushiony leather seats that sink you right in. Comforts continue in the second row for at least two adults, but that doesn't follow suit for the optional third row that can only be accessed by children.

The insides give off a clean and organized look. You won't find a lot of dramatic touches, as its cream colours and polished look resemble the sophistication found in a traditional English afternoon high tea setting. Outside of its modernized, 12.3-inch TFT screen, the only item located on the dash is a sleek, 10.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen that moulds well into the soft leather. Its style works with the design layout, but its responsiveness and ease-of-use can make the commute frustrating, and at times distracting, as your finger touches have to be precise—an aggravating process if you fiddle between radio stations.

Verdict

The 2017 Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 has all the great interior amenities and off-road attributes as the gas versions with the bonus of exceptional fuel economy. If gas prices are a concern, the diesel eliminates that fuel-sipping stigma attached to Range Rover vehicles.

At a starting price of $84,500, the Td6 still will not come cheap, but that's the price paid for luxury. The diesel only comes in HSE trim, so leather seating and other refined touches come standard, eliminating the need for additional options.