Land Rover Discovery Sport

Discovery Sport at a glance

Land Rover previewed the design with the Discovery Vision concept at the New York Auto Show in April 2014 and released the production car on 3 September 2014. The Discovery Sport replaced the Freelander 2 and became the entry point to the "Discovery" family, sitting below the full-size Discovery. It shares much of its engineering with the Range Rover Evoque.

The key selling point is space: within a length of about 4.6 metres it offers an optional third row, so the car can carry five adults and two children. The rear suspension uses a compact multi-link design with aluminium parts, which leaves room under the boot floor for the extra seats.

Si4, TD4, Ingenium and P300e engines

At launch the Discovery Sport used engines carried over from the Freelander 2: the 2.0-litre Si4 turbo petrol of 177 kW (240 PS) and the 2.2-litre diesel as the 110 kW (150 PS) TD4 and 140 kW (190 PS) SD4. From late 2015 they were replaced by JLR's own 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The 2019 update added a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and the P300e plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-litre Ingenium three-cylinder with an 80 kW electric motor at the rear axle, for a system output of about 227 kW (309 PS).

Most versions use the nine-speed ZF 9HP automatic; a six-speed Getrag manual was available with some diesels, and the P300e has an eight-speed Aisin automatic. The early performance figures above are those quoted by Land Rover at launch. On our own power-to-weight calculation, the Si4 carries about 9.9 kg per kW, while the 150 PS diesel carries about 15.9 kg per kW, which explains the two-second gap to 100 km/h.

All-wheel drive and off-road ability

Most Discovery Sports have all-wheel drive with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling, and the optional Active Driveline from GKN can disconnect the rear axle for economy. There is no low-range transfer box, but the Terrain Response system adapts throttle, gearbox and traction control to grass, gravel, snow, mud and sand. The front-wheel-drive eD4 version does without Terrain Response.

With 212 mm of ground clearance, 600 mm of wading depth and long suspension travel, the Discovery Sport goes further off-road than most compact SUVs. For deep mud or rock, the larger Discovery and Defender remain the better tools.

Cabin, seats and boot

The cabin has a split dashboard with soft materials on top and leather trim on higher versions, a high driving position and good visibility. The second row slides and reclines, and there is enough room for three adults across the bench. The optional third row is best for children or short trips. The 2019 update brought a new dashboard with the Touch Pro infotainment system and a camera-based rear-view mirror on some versions. Trim levels at launch were S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury.

Fuel use: diesel, petrol or plug-in

The diesels are the most economical conventional engines; Land Rover quoted about 5.3 l/100 km for the 150 PS TD4 at launch under the old NEDC test, which reflects ideal conditions more than daily use. The petrol engines use noticeably more. The P300e can cover short commutes on electricity if it is charged regularly. For a realistic estimate at your own mileage, use the fuel cost calculator.

Euro NCAP results and the pedestrian airbag

Euro NCAP awarded the Discovery Sport five stars in 2014, with 93% for adult occupant protection, 83% for child occupants, 69% for pedestrians and 82% for safety assist. It was also one of the first cars in its class with a pedestrian airbag, which deploys over the base of the windscreen. In 2022 Euro NCAP tested the updated car under its tougher protocol and recorded 84% for adult occupants, 89% for child occupants, 71% for vulnerable road users and 85% for safety assist.

Rivals: how the Discovery Sport compares

Other Land Rover models include the stylish Range Rover Velar and the fast Range Rover Sport SVR. To compare dimensions with a rival or your garage, try the garage fit tool or the 1cars comparison tool.

Which Discovery Sport to buy

The best all-round choice is a post-2019 car on the PTA platform with a mild-hybrid diesel and all-wheel drive: it has the modern cabin and the newer safety equipment. The P300e suits drivers who can charge at home and make mostly short trips. Pre-facelift cars are good value if the service history is complete, with the SD4 or later Ingenium diesels the most sought after. The brand's story is in the history of Land Rover.