If you want a tough-as-nails luxury SUV which can take you just about anywhere then these two fit the bill in the upper midsize luxury SUV space. It isn't about luxury as it is also about off-road ability plus being capable long-distance tourers. The Range Rover Sport is huge and shows off its DNA in being a younger sibling to the flagship Range Rover while the Grand Cherokee is Jeep at its luxurious best while also still having the classic Jeep capability. So, naturally, we decided to bring them together.
In this segment, looks are crucial and presence is very much needed. Both fit the bill with a large and authoritative look with a big grille design plus slim headlamps. The Range Rover is huge and has grown in its new form while the new design philosophy of Land Rover carries on well here with restraint being shown instead of over-styling it. The massive wheels and typical SUV proportions carry off a lot of swagger- similar to the Grand Cherokee. The seven-slot grille and the squared-off stance add to the butch look while the chrome wheels perfectly match the 'large American SUV vibe'. The Range Rover is bigger here but these two have the most presence due to their charm plus the way they have been designed.
Inside, the flush door handles of the new 'Sport pop out while you are greeted with a tech-heavy cabin while now being linked closer to the bigger Range Rover. However, compared to the Range Rover, it is more raked and you sit slightly lower. The curved touchscreen is lovely to use and there are some physical controls too where you can use the climate control. The finish is spectacular too and feels expensive as it should with loads of features including massage seats and more. Our favourite is the 19-speaker audio system which is like a concert hall. Compared to the previous Range Rover Sport, there is more space too and you can be chauffeured around with a rear bench which can be reclined.
The Cherokee is also tech-heavy with loads of screens being crammed in including one for the passenger too. There is lots of wood, leather and top-notch materials used here also. The design is sporty while it has a feeling of heft just like the Range Rover Sport. The Cherokee in terms of features gets all including a heating function for the rear seats.
Climb in and you are greeted by a duo of smooth petrol engines. Both of these beasts represent the new era of turbo petrols and not diesel while the Land Rover does get you one as an option but this P400 is the best one. The same goes for the Grand Cherokee where you get a turbo petrol.
There is no better way than to take them for a road trip across Rajasthan where you can exercise their engines. The Range Rover Sport is a beast with a lovely six cylinder turbo petrol which brings 400 bhp and 550 Nm to the table. It is huge fun on open roads and once you push it further, the way it travels is unlike any luxury SUV with a lovely engine note which accompanies your drive. It has a strong amount of power and does not taper off with a serious dose of acceleration which brings a smile on your face. Via sport mode or steering paddles, the new Range Rover Sport shrinks around you too. We got 8kmpl which is also decent for something as fast and heavy as this.
The Grand Cherokee is also as efficient but for owners it does not matter we'd guess but performance is sharp and instant. There is a bit of lag but the 2.0l turbo gets into action quickly and it surges ahead. It feels big behind the wheel but moves with the agility of something much smaller. The petrol engine is much more enjoyable as these two show although you will be spending more time at the fuel stations!
Off-road? That is why you buy them, right? It is not about just off-road but feeling tough and indestructible against some of its 'fragile' counterparts. Both do way beyond some of the other SUVs out there and have a tank-like vibe with the way they shrink distances. Both get sophisticated off-road features and honestly, with electronics, you just need to hang on as the cars do it themselves.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in at Rs 80 lakh while the Range Rover Sport is Rs 1.6 cr. It isn't a direct comparison but these two are the only tough luxury SUVs out there with a focus on go-anywhere with a generous amount of luxury plus swagger. If you ask us, we'd get both!
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