2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review: Slick Seven Seater

The more compact, sexier version of the standard Discovery, the Land Rover Discovery Sport has smaller dimensions and a more athletic stance than its bigger sibling. While this lends itself to easy urban commuting, it disguises the vehicle's ability to go off-road behind its dashing good looks. Its capabilities can be unleashed on rougher terrain where the Disco Sport fares really well against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Acura RDX, although with its harsh ride quality, it may not quite match them on city roads. The Disco Sport is also set apart in the segment for having the ability to seat seven occupants by means of adding a third row of seats, and - although this is quite a cramped space that eats into otherwise excellent cargo utility - it's a big plus factor. Although its entry-level model is pretty basic with limited customization options, the HSE trims have the benefit of offering a tuned-up version of the 2.0-liter inline-four it is shipped with, upping output figures from 237 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque to an impressive 286 hp and 295 lb-ft. There's a lot to be said for the Discovery Sport - but with its atrocious predicted reliability rating and long list of optional driver aids that really should be standard, is it worth the money spent?

What's the Price of the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Getting behind the wheel of a Discovery Sport will cost you at least $37,990 - that's the MSRP of the entry-level SE model. Upgrading to the HSE will set you back $42,600 with the base engine equipped, or $49,700 if you want the HSE with the tuned-up powertrain. For the 2019-exclusive Landmark edition, you will need to set aside $45,000, while the top-of-the-range HSE Luxury has a starting price of $46,990 with the basic engine - the high-output motor adding $6,210 on top of that. These prices exclude licensing, registration, taxes, and Land Rover's $995 destination charge.

Handling and Driving Impressions

With larger Land Rover vehicles known for smooth, velvety rides, one might expect similar from the Discovery Sport. Sadly, it's toned down quite a bit for the Disco, with a stiff ride that is worsened with the optional 20-inch wheels. There's very little feedback from the wheels, although the steering tracks straight and is generally accurate - it's just a little numb for our liking. Although being quite composed in general driving, taking corners at speed will result in some body roll that almost seems out of character for a luxury vehicle. With four driving modes, namely general driving, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts, and sand, you are spoiled for choice when going off-road. While the Disco Sport isn't suitable for harsh, all-in off-roading, it does well on mildly rougher terrain - it's predictable in a good way, and is responsive to inputs, especially at lower speeds. Braking is effective and consistent, too.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport A Good SUV?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is, right off the bat, one of the best-looking SUVs on the road - while it retains its familiar boxy Land Rover shape, it has sleek, sexy curves that really set it apart from the likes of conservative rivals like the Audi Q5. It's worth a mention, because the sporty aesthetic, as well as its ability to tackle mild off-roading adventures, is what gives the Disco Sport some advantage. With a few negatives to consider - namely a terrible dependability rating, a low-on-features base model, and rather poor gas mileage figures - its rugged appeal, spacious cabin, and genuine Land Rover abilities need to be made clear. Still, we'd encourage you to take the Audi Q5 for a test drive if you are looking for a smooth, slick urban cruiser. If you're going to be taking the road less traveled from time to time, you need look no further than the Discovery itself.

What Land Rover Discovery Sport Model Should I Buy?

While many will be inclined to go for the Landmark special edition trim, we'd stay away from it simply because all the benefits are skin-deep, with purely cosmetic enhancements offered for quite a bit of money. We'd also give the entry-level SE a skip for its bare-bones feel in comparison to others in the range, and rather opt for the HSE - but we'd fit the more powerful engine to it (taking the price to $49,700) and adding the Vision Assist Package for the driver aids at $1,940, the Cold Climate package for the heated/ventilated seats for $1,635, and Driver Assist Plus Package ($3,825) with the upgraded Meridian sound system - this would push the price to $57,100. We'd leave off the third row of seats unless they were really needed, and - if we had some pocket change left - throw in a head-up display while still keeping the total cost below the $60k mark.

2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport Comparisons

2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Discovery Sport's own stablemate, the Range Rover Evoque, has much to offer in the way of modern, contemporary appeal. While it costs a few thousand dollars less at entry point to the range, the Evoque has a very similar powertrain, capable of matching the horsepower and torque from the Disco's base engine. Although mechanically identical, these two vehicles perform differently, with the Evoque more tuned to urbane cruising, whereas the Discovery Sport at least has some muscles to flex. Additionally, the Discovery Sport can tow up to 4,400 lbs, while the Evoque can only manage just under 4,000 lbs. While it is much cheaper, and it fares better in terms of fuel economy, the Evoque just doesn't have the true sense of Land Rover capability which the Discovery Sport manages to hold on to, nor does it have the roomy cabin or the ability to seat seven. We'd opt for the Discovery Sport if we were given the choice.

2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Audi Q5

While one of these vehicles excels at off-road tasks, the other reigns supreme as a sublime city cruiser, with the Audi Q5 responsible for the latter. Offering a much smoother, better-insulated drive, the Q5 has been called slightly boring for its predictable and comfortable handling and driving style. This isn't a bad thing though, as the excitement we're looking for on the road doesn't come from the Disco Sport either. In contrast, the Discovery Sport at least has the ability to go off-road, where the Q5 seems too urbane to manage this - not being quite as capable on rougher terrain as the Land Rover, and as such, the choice between these two really comes down to whether or not you're hoping to use the vehicle for any rough-terrain traipsing about. If you're hell-bent on a seven-seater, you shouldn't be looking at the Audi Q5 - but then again, you probably shouldn't be looking at the Disco Sport either, if seven comfortable seats are what you're after.