Land Rover Discovery Sport Review

Gumtree Rating

4.0 rating

It may be the little brother of the Land Rover Discovery, but the Discovery Sport has all you’ll need and more in an SUV. It’s more affordable than its sibling, too. Launched in 2015 and updated in 2020 with improved styling and a plush interior, it’s the most popular Land Rover model for good reason. Newer editions have mild-hybrid technology to increase efficiency and engine performance, and there’s a plug-in hybrid option as well. There are an impressive nine trims to choose from, and you can also get seven-seater options. So, whether you’re driving as a family or riding solo, you’ll reap the benefits of this premium-quality ride.

Take a look at available options on our Discovery Sport model page.

What we think about the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Practical and family friendly, the Discovery Sport is a high-end, versatile SUV with bags of appeal.

Pros

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Lots of interior space and up to seven-seat capacity

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High-tech interior

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Great safety features

Cons

Fuel economy and CO2 emissions

Compromised comfort on larger wheeled trims

Leans in high-speed cornering

Launched in 2015 as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the Land Rover Discovery, the Discovery Sport has become the most popular model in the Land Rover range. Trim levels include the S, SE and HSE. Exterior design adaptations like body colour wheel surrounds can be found in the R‑Dynamic trim. For supreme power, choose the Discovery Sport Black Edition, as it has a higher-powered petrol engine and improved handling.

Driving performance of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

As you’d expect from Land Rover, all models (except the D165) come with excellent all-wheel drive, so you’ll have extra traction for steeper climbs and off-the-beaten-track journeys. On rougher roads, you may find it a little bumpy with the larger 20- or 21-inch wheels, but this is considerably lessened with the standard 18- and 19-inch rims. When cornering at high speed the lean takes some time to get used to, but on motorway drives you’ll experience a smooth and a relaxing ride. Light, quick steering makes you feel in tune with the road.

Safety and reliability of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Scoring the top Euro NCAP safety rating of five stars, the Discovery Sport has great safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance fitted as standard across the range. All models come with a 3D surround camera for great visibility. You’ll also have traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter on S trim and up, as well as blind-spot monitoring from the SE trim upwards. There are multiple airbags and handy Isofix points in both the passenger and rear seats.

Under the bonnet of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Our best pick for acceleration and overall performance is the plug-in hybrid Discovery Sport P300e. Using its 1.5-litre petrol engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to power the back, it offers 305 bhp and can achieve 0-60 in just 6.6 seconds. The entry-level P200 may need revving a bit harder for a quick getaway and on high-speed overtakes, so it may not be the best pick. We’d also be very happy with the P250, which boasts 247 bhp and a 0-60 acceleration of 7.3 seconds, plus greater pulling power. Diesel engines in new models are offered in the D165, D200 and D240 – all of which offer a balanced and pleasing performance.

What you'll find in the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Discovery Sport’s classy chassis received subtle updates in 2020 to include newly shaped LED headlights and styling changes to the front grille and air vents. The R-Dynamic adds a sportier feel to the Discovery Sport with a different front and rear bumper design, black mirror caps and grille, and body colour wheel surrounds. With a third row of seats available, it’s a versatile family vehicle with seating for up to seven people.

Comfort and interiors in the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

There’s much to love about the interior of the Discovery Sport. A high-quality dashboard, leather multi-function steering wheel and two-zone climate control come as standard. In the S trim and above, you’ll get 12-way heated electric leather seats. Go for the SE trim if you’re regularly switching between drivers as you’ll also get driver memory seats. A user-friendly large touchscreen infotainment system features on all trims and offers connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the SE and HSE, you’ll also find an interactive driver display. The HSE trim level has upgraded leather seats and an advanced sound system. There’s plenty of room for all the family with the option to use up to seven seats, although the third row is a little cramped for fully grown passengers.

What features you'll find in the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Most will be happy with the standard features that come with the Discovery Sport, as they certainly add a touch of class. If you’re looking for something a little more special though, go for the R-Dyanamic with its black grille and sporty feel. Additions such as privacy glass, a powered tailgate and a powered boot lid come as standard, too. You’ll get 20-inch rims on the SE and HSE instead of the usual 18 inches, and there is a choice of alloy finishes depending on the trim level. On the dash, the 10-inch touch screen infotainment system is easy to use and has plenty of options for integration. Parking sensors and surround-view camera are offered as standard with the HSE, which also has a nifty ClearSight interior rear view mirror.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Since the Land Rover Discover Sport isn’t exactly known for its fuel economy, the introduction of mild-hybrid technology has been a seriously welcome addition. The best performer in the range is still, unsurprisingly, the plug-in hybrid, which can achieve up to 141 mpg. You can even run on electric-only power for up to 34 miles, so it’s great for short, green-friendly commutes too. Most diesel models in the range will reach up to 40 mpg, with the petrol versions achieving only slightly less.

Running costs of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

While it is a premium SUV with lots of quality features, it’s not as expensive to run and maintain as the Land Rover Discovery. You’ll also benefit from an unlimited mileage three-year warranty that comes with roadside assistance. Road tax is on the high side as you’d expect and you’ll want to have regular services to maintain reliability. Go for the plug-in hybrid version if you’re looking to save on fuel costs as it has an excellent mpg and can run in electric-only mode for short journeys.

Our verdict of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

4.0 rating

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

With show-stopping kerb appeal and a refined but muscular appearance, the Discovery Sport has all the hallmarks of a luxury SUV. If you're looking for a touch of class with room for all the family, it certainly delivers.