Land Rover Discovery vs Land Rover Discovery Sport

Arguably the greatest name in off-road performance, Land Rover make some of the best SUVs on the market. And in a world where the SUV is hugely popular, many other models are just merely just fashion accessories for the road, and would struggle with any off-road situation. This is not the case with any Land Rover, as they are both excellent on-road, and properly impressive off-road, too.

In the Land Rover range, there is a fine model selection, which includes the iconic Discovery name, but which version is right for you, the Discovery or Discovery Sport?

We will look at and compare using these categories:

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

First appearing in 1989, the Discovery, or 'Disco' to enthusiasts was based on the more premium Range Rover, so already had a great foundation to build upon. Today, the Discovery is in its fifth generation, which first came along in 2017.

The Discovery Sport is a lot newer to the Land Rover range, coming along in 2014, replacing the Land Rover Freelander. It is still in its first generation, albeit receiving a facelift in 2019.

In terms of design, you can tell both vehicles are from the same Land Rover DNA, with the Discovery Sport being a more compact offering, whilst the Discovery is the larger and a more premium offering. The Discovery Sport is a great entry point into Land Rover ownership, whilst the Discovery is for those who want more traditional refinement without opting for the range-topping Range Rover.

Versions and Performance

Both the Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport have enjoyed long series runs. As of 2025, the Discovery is described by Land Rover as 'The most luxurious, comfortable and highly‑specified Discovery ever produced' in the Tempest model (pictured above), which features a spec including matte protective film, 22-inch diamond turned alloy wheels amongst other unique details.

2025 also sees a more dynamic, luxurious and unique version of the Discovery Sport too, with Landmark (pictured in red in the carousel of this article) and Metropolitan editions, too. This has been the how both models have stayed current, receiving updates to styling and technology to keep them feeling right up to date with competition.

Interestingly, the Discovery Sport is not like its other more dynamic sibling in the Range Rover Sport, despite its name. This is because the most performance orientated model is the P300 Plug-in Hybrid which offers 305bhp, meaning 0 to 62mph is possible in 6.2 seconds. For comparison, some Range Rover Sport models can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in as little as 3.8 seconds. This is perhaps due to the Discovery Sport being the entry-level model in the Land Rover range.

As for the Discovery itself, at the time of writing there is one sole engine available new, in the form of the mild hybrid D350 diesel, which offers 348bhp and has been the most powerful engine available with a Discovery ever. It means 0 to 62mph takes just 5.9 seconds, but that is as fast as things have ever got for the Discovery lineage.

It is also worth noting that both models can be had in a commercial version too, ideal for businesses.

Interior and Technology

Both Discovery and Discovery Sport interiors are fine places to spend time. However, early models of each have analogue dials, so if you do not want a Discovery or Discovery Sport which feels dated, you will have to look at Discovery models from 2018, or Discovery Sport models from 2020.

Naturally, like many Land Rover models, specs can help lift models into a much more premium feel, and this is the case with Discovery Sport models, with HSE, Landmark and Metropolitan models offering more specification and luxury. Discovery Dynamic HSE, Metropolitan and Tempest models will also offer enhanced specs and technology, too.

That said, things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing cameras, and off-road settings will come as standard on many of the later models of both cars. It is only really early Discovery Sport models which will seem 'old' compared to the digital updates aforementioned above.

Practicality

Naturally, the Q3 (pictured above in Pulse Orange) is a bigger SUV than the Q2. The Q3 offers more interior space, and the larger proportions mean it is far easier to get comfortable.

If you need the upmost practicality, the larger Discovery will suit your needs better. But, that said, the Discovery Sport is not as far off as some may think. The Discovery comes with seven-seats as standard, whist the Discovery Sport can be found with five or seven-seat versions.

In terms of the boot space, it will depend on if you are using all the seats available. To make it easier to compare, the sizes are expressed below:

• Discovery = 5 doors, 7 seats, 1,137-litre boot (drops to 258 litres with all 7 seats in place)
• Discovery Sport = 5 doors, 7 seats, 840-litre boot (drops to 115 litres with all 7 seats in place)

In essence, if you need the space, the larger Discovery is obviously more versatile, and you get a more than useful 258 litres with all seven seats in place, whilst the 115 litre space with all seven seats in place with the Discovery Sport is not hugely useful in comparison.

Value and Final Thoughts

With long series runs, it is still possible at the time of writing to spec a new Land Rover Discovery or Land Rover Discovery Sport from new, although the Discovery commands a near £20,000 premium. Being new, there are many benefits such as warranties and the like for added peace of mind. That said, plenty of approved used models are also available, with handsome savings over new, some still with approved used warranty benefits, too. There is a lot more Discovery Sport models for sale, being the entry-level Land Rover model, and offering the versatility of seven seats. Therefore, if you need a dependable seven-seater the Sport will be an excellent choice for most families, plus it is the more affordable option.

The Discovery is more for those who want the added refinement and practicality, without opting for a Range Rover. They are rarer when compared to the Discovery Sport, due to their higher price from new, but in the crowded SUV market, a rarer SUV may prove attractive to some buyers.

Either way, no matter which model you opt for, both Discovery and Discovery Sport are a fine reflection of the Land Rover brand, and are much more comprehensive than many SUVs on the market.

Find your perfect Land Rover at Stratstone

As an official Land Rover retailer, we have a comprehensive selection of new Land Rover offers, along with multiple approved used Land Rover models too, meaning finding your ideal Land Rover could not be simpler.

Alternatively, if you enjoyed this article, we have others just like it in our dedicated blog section.