Land Rover built its reputation on superior off-road capabilities and over the decades has added incredible refinement and luxury to its vehicles. In 2015, Land Rover introduced the Discovery Sport, a premium compact SUV that builds on these traditions.
The Discovery Sport is powered by a turbocharged 237-horsepower 2.0L engine making 250 lb-feet of torque. A more powerful version of that same 2.0L engine makes excellent use of a 48V mild hybrid electric motor and battery system. This setup is good for 286 horsepower and 295 lb-feet of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, this combination is only available on the HSE trim.
Land Rover claims the base Discovery Sport will hit 60 mph from a standstill in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. The more powerful version will do the same feat in 6.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137.
Full-time all-wheel drive is standard on the Discovery Sport and long-travel suspension lends itself to increased articulation (13.4 inches) in challenging terrain. The all-wheel drive system continuously varies torque between the front and rear wheels for great handling in all conditions, and the electronic Haldex center coupling is far more responsive than a traditional mechanical coupling. Land Rover Terrain Response includes settings for General driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts and Sand. Each mode precisely adjusts the Discovery Sport's 4-wheel drive and suspension settings, with near-instant terrain-directed updates to throttle response, gearbox, center coupling, braking and stability systems. The Discovery Sport is claimed to handle gradients of up to 45 degrees.
The Discovery Sport is no slouch on the road either, thanks to an excellent suspension system that utilizes aluminum components to reduce weight. Aluminum is also used in the hood, front fenders, roof and tailgate as well.
Four trims are offered: Standard, S, SE and HSE. Base trims include 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a 10-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system, first- and second-row USB charging ports, a 60/40 folding second-row seat and a rear camera.
The S trim adds 12-way power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, a proximity key entry system, power-folding mirrors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and in-car Wifi.
SE adds on a power liftgate, automatic high-beams, 19-in wheels and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In addition to the hybrid powertrain, top-of-the line HSE go for 20" wheels, front and rear fog lamps, a panoramic roof and power-adjustable 14-way front seats, a true audiophile Meridian sound system with 10 speakers, an integrated navigation system and adaptive cruise control.
Land Rover offers a wide variety of optional wheels on all trims. Even on the base trim, two 18-inch and three 19-inch options are available. The seats can also be upgraded with additional power adjustment options in both heated and with memory.
The options list being described as comprehensive is an understatement and most options are available across the range to maximize customizability. The list offers a 360-degree parking camera, wireless phone charging, a heads-up display and a virtual rearview mirror, a heated windshield, a heated steering wheel and headlight washers. Dual-zone climate control is available, as is user-adjustable adaptive suspension. adaptive cruise control, a full-size spare tire, automatic high-beam assist, LED headlights and heated second-row seats.
S trims can be optioned up with wheels in sizes up to 20-inch and an audiophile Meridian sound system.
Options on the SE include 21-inch wheels, a Black Design Package which adds a black roof and grille to the Discovery Sport. A Vision Assist Package on the HSE adds adaptive Xenon headlights, blind spot monitoring with perimeter sensor and a surround camera system.
Top of the line HSE trims offer an audio system upgrade to the already stellar Meridian system.
Safety systems on the Discovery Sport include hill descent control to keep a constant speed on steep inclines, roll stability control, dynamic stability control and traction control. Also, standard are driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, side curtain airbags and thorax airbags.
Refined Interior
Off-road Capability
Technology Features
Room For Seven Passengers
The Land Rover Discovery Sport continues into 2020 with a few extra features and updates to make the vehicle even easier to live with. There is a newly available upgraded infotainment system with better built in compatibility for smartphones, featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of the drivetrain software has been improved, adding to the Discovery Sport's already impressive off-roading capability. An optional mild-hybrid system improves fuel efficiency.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the newest addition to a crowded compact premium SUV segment. What sets The Land Rover apart comes from its DNA: the Discovery Sport is an exceedingly capable off-road performer in no small part due to its long history of building some of the most legendary off-roaders designed for the most extreme conditions. When matched with Land Rover's signature luxury and attention to the details, nothing can reasonably be compared to the Discovery Sport at any price.
