I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport – that commanding driving position, the rich leather scent, and that distinctive British elegance immediately won me over. Having tested numerous luxury SUVs over the years, I can confidently say this particular model stands out as something special, though it certainly comes with its own set of challenges that owners should understand. The 2007 model represents what I consider the sweet spot in the Range Rover Sport evolution – refined enough to feel premium yet retaining enough mechanical character to keep driving enthusiasts engaged.
When discussing performance, the 2007 Range Rover Sport offered two compelling engine choices that I've had extensive experience with. The supercharged 4.2-liter V8 remains my personal favorite, delivering 390 horsepower that pushes this substantial vehicle from 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds – impressive numbers even by today's standards for a vehicle weighing over 5,500 pounds. The naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8, while less dramatic at 300 horsepower, provides smoother power delivery that many luxury buyers prefer. What continues to surprise me about both powertrains is how well they balance on-road refinement with genuine off-road capability. The Terrain Response system, which I've tested extensively in various conditions, genuinely transforms the driving experience with its multiple terrain settings. I've taken this vehicle through everything from muddy trails to snow-covered roads, and it consistently delivers confidence-inspiring performance that few competitors could match in 2007.
The handling dynamics represent what I consider Land Rover's masterstroke – managing to create a vehicle that corners with surprising composure while maintaining the cloud-like ride quality expected from the brand. The independent suspension with cross-linked air springs provides what I'd describe as magic carpet comfort on highways while still offering remarkable body control during aggressive driving. I've pushed these vehicles hard through winding roads and consistently come away impressed by how they shrink around you despite their substantial dimensions. The steering provides decent feedback for what's essentially a luxury cruiser, though it never quite achieves the razor-sharp response of German competitors from the same era.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – reliability concerns that have followed the Range Rover Sport for years. Through my experience maintaining and repairing these vehicles, I've identified several common issues that prospective buyers should understand. The cooling system represents what I consider the most significant vulnerability, particularly the plastic thermostat housing that tends to crack around 80,000 miles, leading to coolant leaks that can cause overheating if not addressed promptly. I've replaced at least a dozen of these in various Range Rover Sports over the years, and it's a repair that typically costs between $400-600 if caught early. The electronic air suspension, while brilliant when functioning properly, can develop leaks in the air springs – I've seen this occur most frequently between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. The good news is that aftermarket solutions have improved dramatically, with replacement air springs now available for around $300-500 each rather than the $1,000+ that dealerships once charged.
Electrical gremlins represent another area where the 2007 model shows its age and complexity. I've encountered numerous examples with issues ranging from malfunctioning infotainment screens to problematic window regulators. The most frequent electrical complaint I see involves the central locking system, particularly the door latch mechanisms that can fail unexpectedly. What's interesting is that many of these electrical issues stem from moisture intrusion rather than component failure itself – something I always check for when evaluating a used Range Rover Sport. The transmission, while generally robust, can develop shifting issues around the 100,000-mile mark if the fluid hasn't been changed regularly – a service that many owners unfortunately neglect.
Maintenance is absolutely crucial for these vehicles, and from my perspective, following the factory service intervals religiously makes the difference between a satisfying ownership experience and a financial nightmare. I recommend changing the oil every 5,000 miles rather than the suggested 7,500, using only premium synthetic oil to protect the complex vanos systems in the V8 engines. The differential and transfer case fluids should be replaced every 50,000 miles – a service that costs around $400 but can prevent $3,000+ repairs down the road. Brake systems on these heavy vehicles wear relatively quickly, with front pads typically lasting 30,000-40,000 miles and rotors needing replacement every other brake job.
Despite these potential issues, I remain convinced that the 2007 Range Rover Sport represents an incredible value in the used luxury SUV market. When properly maintained, these vehicles offer 80% of the capability of current models at just 20% of the cost. The interior materials have aged remarkably well, with the leather and wood trim holding up better than many German competitors from the same period. The driving experience remains uniquely compelling – there's still nothing quite like the commanding view of the road combined with genuine off-road capability. For buyers willing to invest in proper maintenance and address issues proactively, the 2007 Range Rover Sport delivers an ownership experience that modern crossovers simply can't match. It's a vehicle that engages you emotionally while surrounding you in luxury – a combination that's become increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape.
