Overview
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is an exception to the rule that a car named Sport must be a high-performance model – or at least have a lively look.
While the Evoque focuses on sculpted platform design, the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s compact lines mean it’s better at catering to the needs of space-hungry families.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has been updated with visual tweaks on the exterior, a softer interior and a more advanced infotainment system.
The update also introduced mild hybrid technology for most of the engines, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Although much cheaper than the larger Discovery, the Discovery Sport still rivals big SUVs including the five-seater Audi Q5 and BMW X3, as well as the seven-seater Mercedes GLB.
You might also consider using non-premium seven-seat seats, such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, which offer the same process for less money.
Read on for our in-depth review, including the engine and parts that make the most sense, ride quality and passenger comfort, after this quick glimpse of its specs.
In a glance
Number of seats
5
Engine Options
5
What kind of fuel is available What is the best fuel for you?
Gasoline, hybrid, diesel
MPG range across all versions
143.1 – 44.4
Available door options
5
Security
3 years / no mileage limit
Company car tax of 20% (minimum / maximum)
£1,059 / £3,556
Company car tax of 40% (minimum / maximum)
£2,118 / £7,113
global price
RRP . Price Range
£32,430 – £51,895
Target price range
£31,157 – £49,562
PCP Financing Scope
£326 – £526
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING
All regular Land Rover Discovery Sport engines come with mild-hybrid technology, and even the less expensive (badged P200) petrol produces 197 horsepower.
Increase the speed to reach speeds overtaking the outer lanes.
And when we tested it, it managed to sprint to 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds, which of course isn’t great when you know the Honda CR-V Hybrid is about two seconds ahead of it.
The P250, with a 247 horsepower engine, feels more energetic, with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds.
We’ll still have to try a better variant of the 286-hp P290, but it’s likely to be expensive to run.
There are also two diesel versions in the entry-level D165 and the more powerful D200, which use Land Rover’s great mild-hybrid technology.
The D200 is our diesel option of choice because it provides decent boost to get up to speed as it cruises two seconds faster than the D165 when cruising from 0 to 62 mph.
It also has the best towing capacity of 2500kg.
However, the Audi Q5 40 TDI is noticeably faster than any Discovery Sport Diesel.
The ultimate engine option is the plug-in hybrid P300e model.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter petrol engine driving the front wheels while an electric motor drives the rear.
Its large battery pack allows it to travel up to 34 miles on electric alone (according to official figures), which is fairly fast, and the combined output of both engines is 305 hp, which means 0 to 62 mph takes 6.6 seconds to reach 100 km.
This makes it the most dynamic Discovery Sport, and even in electric-only mode, the acceleration is enough to reach highway speeds.
But the P300e can’t tow as much as diesel engines, you’re limited to a maximum of 1,600kg.
Suspension and Driving Comfort
Driving a Discovery Sport with super-sized 20- or 21-inch wheels on the standard suspension can leave you feeling bumps all over town.
But opting for 18- and 19-inch wheels helps reduce that, or you can choose comfort settings with the optional Adaptive Dynamics suspension system to get the hang of it.
The Discovery Sport climbs and descends more over undulating roads than the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, although it never feels too heavy.
The road trip improves well, as you find it very enjoyable.
The P300e is a bit stiffer than the rest of the class.
It is noticeably more lumpy and does not control the movements of its body on the slopes and peaks either.
The BMW X3 30e is much smoother than it is, but the P300e is more stable most of the time.
Land Rover Discovery Sport Handling
There is a noticeable body tilt when cornering quickly in the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and with all-weather tires fitted, it doesn’t have a great deal of grip.
It certainly isn’t as keen on cutting corners as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, and never feels as nimble along winding country roads as the Jaguar F-Pace.
The steering is a bit quick given the car’s heavy nature, and it’s very keen to return to its straight-forward position to feel a perfectly normal speed, even though it’s light around town.
Overall, the Land Rover Discovery Sport feels a bit disjointed if you try to drive it fast and the heavier P300e is more vulnerable.
What it lacks in off-road handling, it more than makes up for in its traction.
Any of the four-wheel drive versions of the Land Rover Discovery Sport would easily defeat its main competitors in this regard.
Whereas, diesel versions can tow a trailer with brakes of 2,200 kg and gasoline can handle 2,200 kg.
But the P300e can’t tow the same weight, you’re restricted to a maximum of 1,600kg.
Noise and vibration
The refinement of the plug-in hybrid version of the P300e is impressive.
The engine has three cylinders, and may be lower than other engines in all classes, but it doesn’t feel rough or transmit a lot of vibration to the steering wheel.
In fact, it is better than the Range Rover Evoque P300e in this respect.
Switching between power sources is smooth, albeit sometimes slow.
It’s certainly a lot better than the plug-in in the Volvo XC40 Recharge, but the much cheaper Ford Kuga PHEV is still better.
Among conventional engines, the P200 looks like a diesel at idle, then fades out with just a few revs.
But the nine-speed automatic is surprisingly good, but the gear’s performance is best shown when paired with the extra drag of the diesel engines on the D165 and D200 since fewer gear changes are needed to maintain speed.
The latter diesel blends with the sound of a rear hum at highway speeds, but it is impressively smooth under hard acceleration.
The road roar is well contained in all versions, but you’ll hear more wind noise than you would in an Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
The P200, D165, D200, and P330e models feature a mild and easy hybrid shut-off system that cuts the engine and then restarts it almost without you even noticing.
The more powerful P250 and P290 models don’t have this technology, and they have a lumpy shutdown system as a result that some may find annoying in heavy traffic.
Land Rover Discovery Sport interior
Interior design, fit and finish
Driving position and dashboard
The driver’s seat in the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a little cramped, but it’s reasonably comfortable and only requires you to add options to suit the income level or adjust it manually (the luxury options feature full electric tuning).
The quilted cover of the raised central ‘console’ compartment doubles as a well-placed armrest and easily recognizable instrument panel.
There are physical dials for temperature, climate control and off-road modes, but the heated window controls are operated by touch buttons, making them more efficient to use on the go than conventional buttons.
Under the optional package R-Dynamic and above, the analog dials located behind the steering wheel are replaced with an interactive driver display.
It is a clear digital display that displays information such as music tracks and satellite navigation mapping along with usual speed and engine data.
The menus are a little tricky to use but they help keep your eyes on the road when you follow the navigation instructions.
Vision, sensors and cameras
The chunky door mirrors on the Land Rover Discovery Sport can obstruct the front view at intersections and there is also a blind spot as you look over your shoulder.
You’ll need to keep this in mind when changing lanes, especially if you don’t have a blind spot monitoring system.
All versions come with front and rear parking sensors as well as a surround-view camera as standard, although it has to be said that the towing width is not useful because the camera is off slightly to the side and side obstacles can’t be seen.
The ClearSight rearview mirror is standard on the HSE model.
It projects an image from the car’s rear camera onto the interior mirror, letting you see what’s behind you even when people or luggage block the rear window.
LED headlights are standard throughout the Land Rover Discovery Sport range, but if you choose the R-Dynamic package or higher, you’ll get upgraded versions featuring signature daytime running lights and “moving” indicator lights.
Satellite navigation and infotainment system
The Land Rover Discovery Sport uses the Pivi Pro infotainment system that also appears on the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Defender.
,The 10.0-inch touchscreen is sharp and gets plenty of high-quality, picture-accurate connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay / Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
This means that you can use smartphone apps such as Google Maps and Waze through the car’s touch screen.
The entry-level Land Rover Discovery Sport works without satellite navigation and advanced “Hey Land Rover” voice control for the rest of the range, but it still retains phone mirroring features in all seven trims, is touch-enabled and functional. The main you are likely to rely on.
Regardless of whether you choose the Pivi platform or the Pivi Pro version fitted to most Land Rover Discovery Sport models, it has straightforward menus and responsive software.
While its operating system isn’t as intuitive as that of the BMW X3 (and the BMW iDrive rotary console interface is much easier to use on the go), the Bivy is still one of the best in the large SUV segment.
The main infotainment system can be displayed on the Interactive Driver Display.
Quality Land Rover Discovery Sport
The interior of the Land Rover Discovery Sport features plenty of luxurious, heavy-touch materials, well-dampened rotary heating controls and stylish touches, including brushed metal trim.
You’ll find some stiffer plastics under the dashboard and in the doors.
It also doesn’t feel as solidly built or as good-looking on the inside as some of its German rivals, notably the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, but it’s much better than the Mercedes GLC.
Inside, the Discovery Sport is better than many of its mainstream large SUV competitors, including the Honda CR-V and the Seat Tarraco.
In short, it lives up to its premium billing.
Space for passengers and luggage compartment
How do you adapt to people and chaos?
front space
Even tall drivers won’t feel cramped in the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
There’s plenty of legroom and typical headroom that’s among the best, and it’s still good even if you add an optional panoramic glass roof, the roof will drop a bit.
But head placement is unaffected, and the Discovery isn’t as wide at the front as some of its competitors, including the Kia Sorento.
The console between the front seats has USB ports and is the perfect place to keep your phone out of sight, while cup holders positioned behind the gear selector can securely hold cups or large prepared meals.
The door pockets are huge and large enough to hold a 750ml bottle, and the glove drawer in the dashboard is big enough to hold things like a windshield scraper, a pair of sunshades and a car manual.
background space
When the second-row seats are slid back as far as possible, anyone sitting on them is treated with plenty of legroom.
And if you slide the seats forward (to expand the boot), taller adults will find their knees pressed against the front seatbacks, but you’re unlikely to need to do this often.
As for the upper area, there’s also plenty of headroom in the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and although it’s not as spacious in the second row as some competitors, the three single-row second-row seats are very comfortable.
By contrast, in the seven-seat versions, the back row is visibly cramped and better suited for young children or especially young adults.
Also, headroom is cramped, and while legroom isn’t awful, it should also be noted that access isn’t great because the wheel arch sticks out into the gap that passengers have to squeeze to get in or out.
However, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of the few cars with badges of its size to offer seven seats, and the Mercedes GLB is a notable exception.
And if you’re willing to go into a non-premium class, the Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have more spacious third rows.
Seat folding and flexibility
The second row of seats is 40/20/40 split and you can move and tilt all three seats independently, and when you push the lever down on the side of the second row’s outer seats, the outside seats pop forward allowing access to the third row (if fitted).
They do not return to their original position automatically, but rather continue forward to make room for the legs behind.
The third-row seats are easy to use and can be folded away into the boot floor when not needed, leaving room for luggage.
There is no option for seven seats available on the P300e Hybrid.
Rear trunk space
The boot lip fits flush with the boot floor, making it easy to carry heavy items into the back of your Land Rover Discovery Sport.
In the five-seater versions, or with the third row folded down on the seven-seat versions, the trunk is larger than many competitors but not the largest at all, and in our tests, the Audi Q5, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Peugeot 5008 all found that Equipped with carry-on bags (under the parcel shelf) with more space than the Discovery Sport.
However, the Land Rover Discovery Sport can hold eight bags, which should be enough for most families’ needs.
The electric tailgate is standard on SE models and above.
On the downside, when all seven seats are in use, there’s room for a few shopping bags left, and there’s no under-floor storage, and we’d also like to point out that the P300e’s plug-ins have about a single handbag less storage capacity.
Costs and judgment
Daily costs, as well as
their reliability and safety, costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is priced competitively against its big five-seat SUV rivals such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, both of which are less versatile in terms of passenger accommodation.
And it looks rather expensive when compared to major competitors such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq.
However, if you’re willing to pay a premium for the Discovery Sport’s high-end image, you can rest assured that it should be depreciating very slowly, thanks in part to that distinctive badge.
This also means it’s reasonably cheap with a PCP financing deal.
All versions equipped with an automatic gearbox use mild hybrid technology.
Basically, there is a battery that can power the car’s auxiliary accessories (air conditioning, power steering, etc.), allowing the engine to be turned off to save fuel when idling.
Even with this technology, the fuel economy is disappointing. The D200’s official diesel fuel consumption is 41.2 mpg, worse than most competitors, and in our real-world testing, the P200’s petrol engine managed just over 25 mpg. gallon.
In contrast, the less expensive Honda CR-V Hybrid got more than 45 mpg.
The plug-in hybrid P300e offers the best fuel economy, and if you can take advantage of its electric range for commuting, it’s very cheap to run.
It also has the lowest emissions to date, making it an attractive option for the company’s vehicle users.
Equipment, options and extras
Every Discovery Sport model comes with an extensive equipment list that includes dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a heated windshield.
You also get a full list of off-road systems, including Terrain Response for increased traction and Hill Descent Control to get you down slopes safely and release low traction.
This is in addition to the means of information, entertainment, vision and safety.
The Discovery Sport Urban Edition has a few exterior styling upgrades, including 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 18-inch wheels and a fixed panoramic glass roof, but it also gives you the upgraded Pivi Pro infotainment system with satellite navigation.
R-Dynamic SE technology reduces increased risk with improved LED headlights, interactive digital driver reading and additional safety features.
Going for the R-Dynamic HSE option adds keyless entry, full matrix LED headlights, upgraded leather and a Meridian audio system among other goodies, but the price is steep.
We wouldn’t bother with that extravagant black trim that’s only available with the P290 petrol engine.
Credibility and reliability
Reliability is really not a Land Rover’s strength.
The British brand came at the bottom (out of 31 manufacturers) in What Car for 2020?
Reliability survey, where Discovery Sport showed it to be one of the least reliable cars in its class.
The best include Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
The three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which also includes roadside assistance in the UK and Europe, should help provide some peace of mind.
That’s about par for the class, although if you’re willing to forego a premium badge, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento come with five and seven (class-leading) warranties respectively.
Safety and security
Discovery Sport once set safety standards in this category and earned a full five stars from Euro NCAP several years ago, but it’s worth noting that the tests are now more stringent.
In terms of safety technology, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keeping Assist are standard for each of the seven models.
Traffic sign recognition, which displays the speed limit on the dashboard, is also standard on all models except the Standard model, while Blind Spot Monitoring is equipped with the R-Dynamic SE and above.
Both the outer second row and the front passenger seat have Isofix attachment points for child seats with booster cushions.
All models come with an alarm as standard and you can even add a GPS tracker to help recover your Discovery Sport if it is stolen.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is special in seven-seater form, more practical and more family-friendly than competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, which is why it’s one of our favorite big SUVs.
These German alternatives are ultimately more comfortable, smarter and more fuel-efficient,
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