UPDATED: February 14, 2022
Land Rover Discovery – RANKINGS, COMPARISONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport (internal code L550) is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by British automotive company Jaguar Land Rover since 2014, under their Land Rover marque, and since 2017 their best-selling model.
Introduced in late 2014, it replaces the Freelander in a revised Land Rover range of vehicles, with Discovery joining Range Rover as a sub-brand. Contrary to its predecessor, the slightly larger car is also available in a seven seat layout.
The Discovery Sport is based on the JLR D8/LR-MS platform, customised for off-road applications, and is powered by a range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. It is the first Discovery introduced with a unibody structure.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Price: Starts at $51,100 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus UX
- Reliability: JDPower gives this vehicle a reliability rating of 67/100 which is considered FAIR.
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $16,147 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE: 63
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Chasing Cars: 7 / 10
Kelley Blue Book: 2.8 / 5
USNews: none
Edmunds: none
J.D. Power: 67 / 100
Car and Driver: 6 / 10
Motortrend: 6 / 10
What the critics have to say…
As you’d likely expect from Land Rover, the 2021 Discovery Sport offers more than its fair share of all-terrain ability. But the Discovery Sport, which is the brand’s entry-level small SUV, has evolved into a rather competent on-road companion as well. It has a smooth ride and even an optional third row of seats.
— Edmunds
The 2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings the legendary Land Rover off-road ability to the table, giving it a leg up on most luxury compact SUVs in that regard.
— USNews
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Driving the Discovery Sport is a tale of two cities, or rather a city and the off-road. The Sport handles off-roading very, very well. Unfortunately, the ride on-road isn’t quite as good.
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The Discovery Sport has a predicted reliability score of 67 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Land Rover Discovery Sport Warranty
Land Rover covers the Discovery Sport with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
Seating is comfortable, but the ride really depends on whether you have dirt or pavement beneath you.
“Sport” shouldn’t be in the name of this Land Rover. It is not sporty in any way, shape or form. Body roll is noticeable over any bump or turn.
The Discovery Sport handles mud, sand, and rocky trails without much trouble.
Every model comes with all-wheel drive, hill descent control, All Terrain Progress Control (cruise control for off-road driving), and Terrain Response 2 drive modes (includes Rock Crawl, General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand). This Land Rover is also available with Wade Sensing, which lets the driver know when the vehicle is close to its maximum wading depth.
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The Discovery Sport is a down to business vehicle and the interior reflects this. The quality of materials is suitably premium, as is the fit and finish. Leather upholstery is standard, but buyers are given the alternative of simulated leather combined with simulated suede at no extra cost.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
The Pivi Pro infotainment system is easy to operate. The user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to surf through menus, and the 10-inch touch screen is responsive. It’s also larger than some rivals’ standard screens.
- Standard infotainment features: a 10-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless device charging, USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay
- Available infotainment features: a 12- or 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a Wi-Fi hot spot
- Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control
- Other available features: a panoramic sunroof and Land Rover’s Activity Key (a wearable fob that lets you lock and unlock the doors without the key)
The activity key is a great option for people who like to leave their vehicle and hike or bike. This rubberized bracelet/digital watch can take the knocks and the waves, then act as a key while the usual keys are safely tucked away inside the vehicle. It also has a remote start function.
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
Not many small luxury crossovers give you more cargo space than the Disco Sport. It provides 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down. In three-row models, you only have 5.5 cubic feet of space behind the rearmost seats.
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
If you require an off-road vehicle then the value is there. If not, there are better options.
IS THE Land Rover Discovery A GOOD SUV?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is an OK SUV. It’s an excellent off-roader.
The turbocharged engine feels sluggish and its handling is sloppy. Some rivals also have more luxurious interiors and more comfortable front seats.
SHOULD I BUY THE land rover discovery sport?
Unless you are buying this for off-roading (in which case get a Jeep Wrangler) then you are better off looking at other options.
THE FINAL WORD
The 2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings the legendary Land Rover off-road ability to the table. This is its only advantage. There are better off-road vehicles and better luxury SUVs. Take the pass.