Land Rover Discovery Sport review

You might associate the word ‘Sport’ with a high-performance car or, at the very least, something with racy looks – but there are a few notable exceptions. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a prime example, offering those who crave a full-sized Discovery a more compact and affordable alternative.

Peer beneath the skin and you’ll find the Discovery Sport actually has more in common with the Range Rover Evoque than to its big brother. However, where the Evoque focuses on chiselled, catwalk styling, the Discovery Sport has boxier lines to create a more spacious interior for families.

Not only is there plenty of room for five, but there’s also the option of a seven-seat version for maximum practicality. While the majority of models are four-wheel drive, the entry-level diesel is available with – shock horror – two-wheel drive, to help lower emissions and improve fuel economy. 

A heavy update in late 2019 saw the Discovery Sport switch to a new, stiffer platform, while the exterior looks were subtly changed and its interior was made plusher and more practical. Its infotainment technology was given a boost, too, and most models gained mild hybrid technology (which we’ll discuss later) for increased efficiency.

Even though it’s much cheaper than the full-size Land Rover Discovery, the Sport still competes with upmarket models such as the five-seat-only Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and BMW X3. There aren’t any direct rivals with the option of seven seats, but the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq offer similar practicality for less money. 

Read on for everything you’ll want to know, including which version of the Land Rover Discovery Sport to go for. If you’re ready to splash the cash, head over to our New Car Buying pages to find out how much you could save on the brochure price.