Summary
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a medium-sized SUV that is available with either five or seven seats. It replaced the previous Land Rover Freelander model in early 2015, although it’s a larger and more expensive vehicle. Production takes place here in the UK at Land Rover’s Halewood plant near Liverpool.
The Discovery Sport has received very mixed reviews from the UK motoring media since its launch, with scores rating from very poor to outstanding. It has received high praise for its practicality, flexibility and off-road ability. However, it has received considerable criticism for very poor reliability and the model has regularly appeared at or near the bottom of new car reliability lists from the likes of Which? and What Car? magazines. Most recently, in a 2021 reliability survey What Car? rated the Discovery Sport as the twelfth-worst new car on sale.
In August 2020, Which? publicly called for the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Velar to be recalled due to ongoing software problems.
There are entire forums devoted to the problems with the Discovery Sport’s diesel particulate filter system (along with various other Land Rover models fitted with the Ingenium diesel engine, like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque). We have also heard from many unhappy customers over the years.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport was comprehensively updated in summer 2019, which aimed to address these reliability issues as well as upgrading the car’s interior and powertrains. The facelifted model has received improved results in recent media reviews, but we will continue tracking scores to see how this changes over time.
As of October 2024, the Land Rover Discovery Sport has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores highly for safety despite its age, as Euro NCAP re-tested the car in 2022 and it achieved a renewed five-star result. Average CO2 emissions are also good (thanks to the plug-in hybrid version), but running costs and reliability are very poor, which drags down the overall rating.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £44,790 on-road
Launched: Winter 2014/15
Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D180 SE
Score: 8.2 / 10
“More than a refresh of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, this is a comprehensive update, combining excellent refinement on the road with supreme ability off it.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport combines seven-seat practicality, go-anywhere performance and premium style.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P300e
Score: 8 / 10
“The switch to plug-in electrification does bring a compromise or two to Land Rover’s most affordable family SUV. You’ll need to accept it as a five-seater only, and it comes with a pretty hefty price that may put off private buyers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Land Rover’s Discovery Sport becomes more refined and gets new mild-hybrid tech to help it compete in the luxury SUV segment.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P300e R-Dynamic SE
Score: 8 / 10
“The new infotainment system, combined with a whisper-quiet and well-cushioned chassis, predictably low running costs and unexpectedly weighty steering, solidifies the P300e as a front runner in the burgeoning plug-in hybrid SUV segment.”
Read review
Model reviewed: P200
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s a highly accomplished all-rounder, playing refined long-distance cruiser, load carrier, tow-car, off-roader par excellence and school bus with ease.”
Read review
Model reviewed: D180 AWD SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Well-mannered, spacious, practical, well-finished and now slightly more economical, but D180’s high weight dulls performance and economy.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Sport R-Dynamic S D240 AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“Make no mistake: there’s a lot more that’s new about this updated Land Rover Discovery Sport than immediately meets the eye.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Discovery Sport is another convincing Land Rover with lots of handling finesse, style and capability.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P300e
Score: 8 / 10
“For city dwellers who *need* a rugged SUV and company car drivers looking for something upmarket, but not too flashy, this is the pick of the diddy Disco range.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The Disco makes its case through remarkable comfort and impressive off-road skills, though demerits need to be applied for the voracious appetite it has for fuel.”
Read review
Model reviewed: TD4 2.0-litre diesel manual SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The SE-spec Land Rover Discovery Sport plays the comfortable, practical, value-for-money card with aplomb and shows that you needn’t shy away from the bottom end of the range. If you plan to do a lot of towing or frequently find yourself sitting in traffic jams, however, a punchier auto diesel would make more sense.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a hugely capable and surprisingly good value for money, family-friendly SUV.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport is practical, easy to drive, comfortable on the motorway and very capable off-road. However, alternatives have better infotainment and are cheaper to run.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid P300e R-Dynamic HSE
“The sensible Discovery Sport for company drivers, despite the high P11D price, once whole-life costs are factored in. It’s practical, comfortable, high-quality and classy, although running costs on some premium German rivals are better.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
“On the road, the new Discovery Sport has plenty of oomph and good handling. Across some tough terrain, I had fun climbing steep tracks and making precarious descents, and crawling over a narrow bridge made of tree trunks.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SD4 2.2-litre diesel HSE Luxury
“The fantastic flexibility of features makes this car great for families.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: D180 SE
Score: 7 / 10
“Far more refined than before, one of the few to offer so many seats at the price/size/posh-point.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Subtly brilliant, the Land Rover Discovery Sport takes fight to the Germans.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Land Rover Discovery Sport is very refined on the road, extremely capable off the road, it offers a family-friendly seven-seat layout, mild hybrid technology is featured now, and a plug-in hybrid model is on the way.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport combines seven-seat versatility with really impressive off-road abilities, and premium styling inside and out. It’s comfortable and easy to drive, and doesn’t pretend to be sporty. Still, it’s not the last word in agility or fuel economy, and there are lingering questions about its reliability.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the stylish and luxurious replacement for the Freelander. However, forget like-for-like comparisons, because the Discovery Sport is miles ahead of its predecessor in on every level.”
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Model reviewed: Si4 petrol automatic
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport Si4 is an accomplished petrol SUV. It’s superbly refined and wonderfully upmarket. It also has van-like practicality. It’s just a pity that it cannot escape the fact that it feels like an expensive stopgap, until Land Rover develops a petrol hybrid technology.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel
“Interior build quality issues aside, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is still one of the best compact SUVs on the market and the Ingenium diesel is a superb feat of engineering, almost matching the typical running costs and refinement of a much larger petrol powertrain.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“As a family-friendly SUV with up to seven seats, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is superb. Especially when the going gets tough.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Stylish premium off-roader updated with new drivetrains, updated interior”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: SD4 2.2-litre diesel automatic HSE Luxury
“School run or ski run, this is the most capable family SUV. Another star from JLR.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: SD4 2.2-litre diesel automatic HSE Luxury
Score: 6 / 10
“t’s a strange car, this: billed as a replacement for the solid, no-nonsense Freelander, it is badged as a Discovery and sits on the same running gear as a Range Rover Evoque.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Suggesting the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a jack of all trades is unfair, because it implies it’s a master of none. Granted, it’s expensive, and its fuel economy lets it down. But it shouldn’t be too costly to own in the round, thanks to strong resale values. And now that this facelift has made it even slicker than before, it’s brilliant almost everywhere else.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“An SUV that rightfully ignores sportiness and focuses on comfort, flexibility and downright classiness.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
“At five years old, the Discovery Sport still looks youthful. In another four years, they’ll need only change the skin and call it – huzzah – ‘new’ once again.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a cleverly packaged SUV that’s practical, comfortable and good to drive.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 84%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 85%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: Discovery Sport D180 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Overall score: 1.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 2 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 0.6 / 10
The Land Rover Discovery Sport D180 2.0-litre diesel automatic received a 1.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.
Green NCAP said: “The Land Rover Discovery Sport weighs over two tonnes and, in the 2.0-litre diesel form tested here, has a modest 180hp of power but a hefty 430 Nm of torque. With high and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalytic reduction and a diesel particulate filter, the car makes a fine job of controlling pollutant emissions, only NOx being overly high in some of the more challenging tests.
“It is in the areas of Energy Efficiency and, especially, Greenhouse Gases that the vehicle struggles. Here, its high weight counts against it and values of CO2 are high, the declared value of 188 g/km being achieved only in the cold-start laboratory test.
“Emissions of N2O, a particularly potent greenhouse gas, are also high, contributing to a low index in this part of the assessment and dragging the average down to give an overall 1½ star rating.”
This rating only applies to the D180 2.0-litre diesel automatic version of the Discovery Sport, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 28 mpg | E | 25 – 31 mpg | E – E |
| Diesel models | 40 mpg | D | 32 – 45 mpg | C – E |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 169 mpg | A | 141 – 191 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 219 g/km | D | 207 – 256 g/km | D – D |
| Diesel models | 176 g/km | C | 163 – 232 g/km | C – D |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 36 g/km | A | 33 – 44 g/km | A – A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 37 miles | D | 34 – 40 miles | D – E |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 35 | C | 24 – 40 | B – C |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £258 | B |
| Year 2 | £592 | B |
| Year 3 | £974 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,271 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,714 | C |
| Overall | £4,809 | B |
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption on the petrol models is poor while the diesels are a bit better. Although the plug-in hybrid looks good on paper (thanks to inadequate EU/UK government lab tests), the real-world economy is also average.
Servicing costs are better than most premium SUV models, which is good news.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 612
Average repair cost: £1153.79
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a woeful reliability record of 19% as of October 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.
As well as a low reliability score, the Discovery Sport has a high cost of repairs, with an average bill of more than £1,100. Of most concern are engine faults, which are both the most common problem and the most expensive, with an average repair cost of more than £2,000.
Other faults are also more expensive than average as well, so if you own a Discovery Sport or are interested in purchasing a used one, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the above areas.
Iin addition to our exclusive workshop data, there have been many surveys and forums that have highlighted the extent of customer unhappiness with the reliability of the Discovery Sport. The 2019 update was aimed to address the multitude of problems, but we have yet to see any improvement in reliability data.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Land Rover Discovery Sport
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/113
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 8,989
Defect: A turbocharger oil feed pipe that may over time loosen and lead to an oil leak.
Remedy: Replace the turbocharger oil feed pipe O-rings and install an additional clamp.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/145
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,761
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/112
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2023 to 01/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 782
Defect: A right-hand side lower A-pillar bolt may not have been tightened to the correct torque. In the event of a crash the body structure may be impaired increasing the risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Remedy: Check bolt and tighten to correct torque if necessary.
Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/222
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2021 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 2,981
Defect: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/231
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 7,502
Defect: The rubberised fuel return hose assembly may have been incorrectly manufactured.
Remedy: Inspect the date code on the fuel return pipe and replace the part if necessary.
Date: November 2020
Recall number: R/2020/322
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2018 to 10/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 45,275
Defect: An electrical overload event in the 48-volt electrical system may cause a failure of the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor.
Remedy: The vehicles will be updated with the latest software which mitigates the electrical failure condition.
Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/049
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2015 to 07/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 4,779
Defect: Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.
Remedy: Update the vehicle software to the latest version.
Date: March 2018
Recall number: R/2018/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 01/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,537
Defect: The brazing of the fuel rail end caps is inconsistent and may not correctly seal the fuel rail ends. Fuel vapour and liquid fuel leaks can occur over time. This can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the fuel rail with a correctly manufactured version.
Date: May 2017
Recall number: R/2017/153
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 479
Defect: The locking ring retaining the fuel delivery module into the fuel tank may not have been correctly assembled onto the fuel tank during the tank assembly process. The driver may smell an increase in fuel odour and in some circumstances with the vehicle static there could be liquid fuel underneath the rear of the vehicle which in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a fire. It is also possible for fuel to leak onto the road surface which in the case of diesel fuel can present a skid hazard to other road users increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect the fuel pump module retaining ring ensuring it is tightened to the correct specification if required.
Date: December 2016
Recall number: R/2016/303
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 8,628
Defect: The seat belt pre-tensioner initiator generant mix ratio does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to non-activation of the pre-tensioner.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check the pre-tensioner and if required replace it with a new quality assured component.
Date: December 2016
Recall number: R/2016/302
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2015 to 10/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 9,261
Defect: Vehicles have received a modification which has subsequently been determined as not durable for the life of the vehicle. The engine harness may chafe on an engine bracket and cause engine malfunction. In extreme cases the engine may cut out.
Remedy: On affected vehicles inspect harness and repair as necessary. Fit new bracket and secure harness.
Date: August 2016
Recall number: R/2016/131
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2015 to 04/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 37,059
Defect: The under bonnet fuel hoses routed on top of the engine may chafe against a plastic moulded noise suppressing material retaining posts on the underside of the engine top cover. The fuel hoses can over time chafe through the protective sleeve and fuel hose. Should the fuel hose wear through there will be an increased diesel fuel odour due to diesel fuel leaking. If this warning is ignored diesel fuel may leak onto the exhaust manifold (potential fire hazard) or onto the road surface (potential skid hazard).
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and ensure the securing washers are pushed fully home. Additionally remove 8mm from the plastic moulded retaining posts. The tape wrapped around the fuel hose protective sleeve and the fuel hose will be visually inspected and replaced if there are signs of damage.
Date: December 2015
Recall number: R/2015/258
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2014
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: A rework where bonded glass was removed and refitted may have used an incorrect combination of adhesive preparation chemicals and glass adhesive.
Remedy: Owner will be instructed to take vehicle to a Land Rover dealer who will remove the affected glazing panels and re-assemble using the correct specification bonding agents.
As of October 2024, there have been 13 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Land Rover Discovery Sport addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Land Rover dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Discovery Sport, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: March 2020
Model tested: D150
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Land Rover Discovery Sport has received
2021
- Business Car Awards – Best Premium Large SUV
2017
- What Car? Awards – Best Large SUV Over £30,000
2016
- What Car? Awards – Best Large SUV
- Honest John Awards – Most Popular SUV
- Tow Car Awards – 1700-1899kg caravan weight category
2015
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Diesel
- Auto Express Awards – Compact SUV of the Year
- What Car? Awards – Safety Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Land Rover Discovery Sport, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | Hyundai Santa Fe | Jaguar F-Pace | Kia Sorento | Mercedes-Benz GLB | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Mitsubishi Shogun Sport | Nissan X-Trail | SEAT Tarraco | Skoda Kodiaq | Subaru Forester | Suzuki Across | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace | Volvo XC60
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Land Rover Discovery Sport at The Car Expert
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