The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport adds two new dimensions to its performance profile: a turbodiesel V-6 and a supercharged HST edition. For the 2016 model year, it adds two new sources of power—one more frugal, one not so much.The current Range Rover Sport is much lighter and more nimble than the first-generation model. It took unsexy materials science to make the Sport more slinky. Like the Range Rover, the Sport's body is now made from glued-and-riveted aluminum, a switch from steel that's said to be 800 pounds lighter.
Pros Crisp styling blends Range Rover, Evoque Rorty supercharged V-6, thundering supercharged V-8 Serene, stately cabin "5+2" seating offers expanded utility Masters both kinds of driving—on and off-road
Cons Big jump from base to Autobiography "+2" seating is only for kids, only for very short trips Still expensive
From its iconic square-edge styling to its impressive off-road credentials, Land Rover’s 2016 Range Rover Sport luxury SUV is in a league of its own. The Brit’s ability to marry wood, leather and plastic produces an interior second to none, which may help justify the Range Rover Sport’s lofty price over a similarly equipped Audi Q7 or BMW X5. Land Rover knows exclusivity has its price, and those with adequate means don’t usually quibble over window stickers. While we know the vast majority of 2016 Range Rover Sports will never see anything but paved roads, it’s nice to know that this luxury SUV is an incredibly competent off-road vehicle, one of the best in the world, in fact.
Pros If exclusivity and capability are the hallmarks of what you want in your next luxury SUV, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport won’t disappoint. When equipped with the supercharged V8, the Sport can give even the Porsche Cayenne a run for its money.
Cons If you seek luxury, capability and status in an SUV with a lower price tag and a better service history than the Range Rover Sport, an Acura MDX, Audi Q7 or Mercedes-Benz GL is a better choice. Even the smaller Land Rover Discovery Sport is a more palatable option.
Stylish, athletic and luxurious, with an optional third-row seat and diesel powertrain to boot, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a well-rounded premium SUV. Every vehicle is a compromise, and yet the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport tries to do it all — and we'll be darned if it doesn't come close. Here's a vehicle that can go from a muddy, rutted trail directly to a racetrack (a transition we've actually experienced in the 550-horsepower SVR model) and feel confident in both locales. Naturally, luxury is also a big part of the equation, as the Range Rover Sport coddles its occupants with comfortable seats and high-end materials throughout the cabin.
Pros Composed handling Powerful supercharged V8 Fuel-efficient diesel option Available seven-passenger seating True off-road capability.
Cons Third-row seat just for kids Unimpressive fuel economy with gasoline engines Modest cargo capacity.
If you've got a lot to haul, the GMC Yukon range is one of the best ways to do it. But if not, consider a crossover that will use much less fuel and be better to drive. Its spec sheet may read like an SUV from a different era, but the 2017 GMC Yukon range is a highly-refined passenger, cargo, and trailer-hauler that makes a compelling choice to those who need to carry around more than just the family.
Pros Refined demeanor Sauve interior Denali's Magnetic Ride Control Automatic emergency braking
Cons Expensive, especially with options Third row folds flat but takes up a lot of room A crossover may make more sense for many
For 2017, the GMC Yukon receives low-speed automatic braking paired with the existing forward collision warning system and a teen-driver management system. Cooled seats have now been replaced with ventilated seats, the rear entertainment system input has been updated, and a head-up display is standard on the Denali trim.
Pros Seating for up to nine passengers Standard V8 engine delivers ample passing power and a stout tow rating Clean cabin design is one of the best in the class Available two-speed transfer case gives the Yukon the ability to tackle difficult off-road terrain.
Cons High cargo floor height makes loading bulky items difficult Hard to maneuver in tight spaces Less cargo room than car-based SUVs of similar size Maximum passenger capacity is available only in the base model Engine doesn't respond to gas pedal inputs quickly enough.
The 2017 GMC Yukon ranks 3 out of 6 Large SUVs. The GMC Yukon gets high scores and a high ranking in the small – but fierce – large SUV class. Its strong performance and attractive interior keep it ranked above most other options.
Pros Decent power Stellar fuel economy for the class Premium interior materials Large cargo hold in XL trim
Cons Slow-to-shift six-speed transmission Limited cargo space in non-XL models
