When you hear Range Rover, you think luxury, performance, and durability. You may even picture one of these gorgeous machines climbing over a rocky outcropping. While the price may scare some from taking it off-road, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 is more affordable and was made to get out into the backcountry.

Exterior Look and Feel:
From the outside, this vehicle oozes a sexy, athletic look and doesn’t feel too heavy to drive. Its adaptive Xenon headlights with auto high beam brighten up the road effortlessly on those dark nights. Rain-sensing windshield wipers activate the moment drops hit your car, keeping your forward vision clear.

The Driving Power:
The power that lies underneath the hood is a six-cylinder turbo diesel that pushes out 254-HP and 443 lb-ft of torque. The diesel makes this machine rather fuel efficient, helping this SUV achieve roughly 28-MPG highway. Intelligent stop/start contributes to the fuel economy and its 8-speed automatic transmission shifts effortlessly on and off-road. Advanced tow assist makes it easy to move up to 7,716-lbs anytime you need to.

A Look Inside:
The interior is a gorgeous reflection of Land Rover design and the ambient lighting added a sensual mood. Its Oxford Perforated leather seats are quite comfortable and heated for those chilly winter months.  The dual-zone climate control system makes it possible to keep the driver and passengers at the perfect temperature. There are 60/40 electronic folding rear seats with load through passive entry. The infotainment system is slightly outdated but is a fairly easy interface. It is equipped with front and rear parking assist sensors as well. If you glance up, there is a fixed panoramic glass roof with an integrated power sun blind. The windshield is solar reflective and the rear window is shrouded in privacy glass.

All About That Safety:
Equipped with driver condition monitor, intelligent emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist with reverse traffic detection, Range Rover has gone above and beyond with safety in this sporty SUV. The terrain response system has four modes – gravel/grass/snow, mud, ruts, and rock crawl. With the All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) the car will sense the traction and can automatically adjust depending on what your tires are hitting. The hill descent control while in low range will keep you in control at low speeds.

Riding Easy:
One of the most notable features of the Sport HSE Td6, and all Range Rovers for that matter, is the excellent suspension. Independent front and rear electronic air suspension have a five-inch span of travel from access to off-road mode, with an extra inch if you switch to extended mode. Hitting holes, climbing rocks, or traveling down a bumpy road will go virtually unnoticed, reducing travel fatigue.

Brake Time:
This SUV is full-time four-wheel drive with 20-inch alloy wheels, dynamic stability, and roll stability control that keep the car in line no matter the terrain. As for stopping power, a four-channel anti-lock braking system coupled with electronic brakeforce distribution and cornering brake control, make this baby stop on a dime.

Producer’s Drive Impressions:
I was enamored with this ride as soon as I hopped into it, and fell in love as soon as I heard the quiet purr of the diesel engine. I feel confident that its capability justifies its as driven price point of $88,327, and the base model is an exceptional buy at the MSRP of $72,650. If you are looking for something to get up in the mountains with, then this is the perfect chariot. Experience the sporty, adventurous luxury of the 2017 Range Rover Sport HSE Td6.