2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport

In the lineup of the 2020 Discovery, Land Rover is offering a total of 4 trims on the same. All these 4 trims, come with their own set of quirks and features and have been priced very well. The prices for the 2020 Discovery Sport starts from $37,800 and goes over $52,000 for the top of the line HSE trim.

Trims	Base	S	SE R-Dynamic	HSE R-Dynamic
MSRP (AWD)	$37,800	$41,500	$44,600	$52,800
Key Features	Traction and stability control	Adds to base -	Adds to S	Adds to SE
	18 inch 5 split-spoke alloy, gloss sparkle silver alloy wheels	12-way power front seats with 2- way manual headrests	19 inch, 10 spoke, gloss sparkle silver wheels	20 inch, 5 split-spoke, gloss sparkle silver wheels
	Lane keep assist with driver condition monitor and emergency braking	Smartphone Pack with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and internet access	Interactive driver display	14-way electric memory front seats with 2-way manual headrests
	LED Headlights	Paddle shifters	Blindspot assist	ClearSight interior rear-view mirror
	Heated mirrors	Leather upholstery	Black gearshift paddles	Meridian Sound System
	Reclining rear seats	Connected navigation pro with voice activation	Heated seats	Drive Pack
	Powered tailgate	Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel	Memory seats	Pre-collision safety system
	10.0-inch TouchPro infotainment system	Front seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support		Adaptive cruise control

Which trim to go for?

We recommend the P 250 SE R-Dynamic trim. If you are paying around $40k for a premium SUV, it makes sense to invest an extra $5 - $6k and grab it with most of the premium features unlocked. At $46,150, the P 250 SE R- Dynamic brings along most of the premium and advanced features expected at the price point.

The same 2.0 Liter turbo inline-4 engine from the outgoing model is carried forward to the new Discovery Sport. The engine, however, gets some treatment and is now more refined with an increase in 9 horses in the power output. Though the engine produces 246 horses which might seem a bit on the lower side in an SUV today, it works like a charm with the 9-speed auto.

The shifts are quick and bang on the spot, adding that extra muscle to the 2.0-liter unit. Power delivery is excellent, you have the exact amount of power delivered to the wheels, on-demand, almost instantly when you need it, without any lag.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
MSRP	$37,800	$41,000	$42,950	$40,700	$40,150
Engine	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	FWD
Transmission	9-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	246@ 5500	248@5,200	248@5,000	255@5,800	250@5,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	269@ 1400	258@1,450	273@1,600	273@1,800	258@1,500

All the SUV’s in this competition have similar engines with similar power and torque figures, but they all respond very differently when put to business. The Discovery’s engine is certainly not as edgy and fun-loving like the X3 or the Q5, but where it does excel is its strong mid-range, it picks up really well with a steady mid-range, making overtakes an easy task.

Is it a Fast SUV?

The numerous changes going with the new Discovery do improve its handling and overall performance however the acceleration remains pretty much the same as its older variant. Out on the open road, the Discovery Sport feels just enough sporty to easily overtake other Sedans while in the city. Out on the highway, we would have loved a bit more of oomph from the motor.

Its 7.1 seconds sprint from 0-60 is better only than the XC60.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
0-60 MPH (sec)	7.1	6.3	6.0	6.0	7.3
Quarter Mile (sec)	N/A	14.8	16.3	N/A	15.5
Top Speed (MPH)	135	130`	135	130	140
Engine	2.0L Turbo Inline--4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	N/A	6.5	7.4	7.3	7.3

The acceleration figures of the Discovery are not hard to decode with respect to those of its rivals. The Merc, Audi and the Beemer here are not only equipped with a more efficient transmission and all-wheel-drive system but they also are much more aerodynamic compared to the traditional and boxy Land Rover.

How good is the Ride and Handling?

SUVs are not primarily meant to glide around corners with swiftness. The previous generation Discovery sport drew some concerns in terms of riding, and the newer iteration, even with the new architecture, does not quiet addresses those concerns. The ride quality is okay and that too has been elevated by the much more premium fit and finish inside the cabin though.

The new steering with touch-sensitive controls is more responsive and precise and rewards you with confidence going around corners. The new Discovery sport feels dynamically more stable than before. However, the new platform shortens the overall length by 2 mm and heightens it up by 3 mm. What this means is that you still get that body roll going around corners, which makes you feel as if you are driving it on its edge and certainly lowers the confidence coming in from the steering.

Cruising straight down the line is an easy task and the new Disco Sport feels firmly planted and composed. The suspension soaks up almost everything coming under the wheels with a smile. However at higher speeds, especially above 70 miles, the cabin starts getting a bit noisy. There is some wind noise coming inside the cabin through the A-pillars along with a slight hint of vibration over larger bumps. 

The Discovery is the most solid and rugged among the competition, and truly has a full-blown SUV flair into it, and that flair comes alive when it started negotiating with inflexible turfs, and that's probably why you own one of them. Take it off the road, and the Disco flavors up things for you. The active terrain response 2 system synchronizes effortlessly with the wheels and the powertrain allowing the Discovery to glide nail down the harshest of terrains. The available ATPC, All-Terrain Progress Control, Land Rovers offroad low-speed cruise control assists you in maintaining the appropriate momentum, across most versatile terrains.

All trims available in the United States get AWD, and power distribution among the wheels decently managed by the new Terrain Response 2 system. Eccentric to the Land Rover DNA, you can select the terrain manually through the lower multifunctional screen accordingly. You can also set the terrain management in Auto mode, where the system itself identifies the surroundings and accordingly tunes the suspension and the power delivery allowing you to comfortably steer it with concentrating on your playlists.

What about the Braking performance?

Like other run-around, the braking of the new Disco sport has remarkably improved as well. The bigger discs with greater effect and the new architecture, arm the new sport with better stopping power than the outgoing model. The pedals feel more responsive and they bite really hard.

The disruption in the momentum is now more pronounced and you feel it every time you hit the pedal.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
Brake Rotors Front (in)	13.7	13.7	13.3	13.5	13.6
Brake Rotors Rear (in)	12.8	13.5	13.0	12.6	12.6
Curb Weight (lbs)	4035	4034	4057	3891	4105
60-0 MPH (ft)	N/A	127	136	N/A	130

The braking mechanism on the new disco is certainly more rich in confidence and pretty professional in its job, however, the overall braking feel is not as energizing as the X3 or Q5. This is probably because of its taller proportions, allowing for greater air drag and some significant vibrations. On the other hand, the lower, longer and more stable X3 really gets you indulged into it every time you brake and you do feel the energy doing the braking business.

Solid full-blown SUV’s have never been very promising on the fuel economy charts and the new Discovery is no different. Although equipped with a similar engine and drivetrain, compared to its rivals, the Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is not something rosy. However, the fuel economy certainly gets better than the outgoing edition with the induction of an Automatic Driveline Disconnect feature. The feature helps direct the power delivery only to the front wheels while cruising straight, which Land Rover says improves the fuel economy by 7%.

However, even with all the improved tech, all the Discovery Sport could manage, is to stand at the bottom of the MPG table. The good thing though, the depreciation figure in comparison to its rivals is marginal though.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
MPG (City)	20	23	22	22	22
MPG (Highway)	27	30	27	27	29
MPG (Combined)	23	26	24	24	24
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	17.7	17.2	18.5	17.4	18.8
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)	354/477/407	413/499/447	407/500/444	365/487/417	414/545/451

Probably one of the reasons for the sloppy economy in the Discovery might be the inefficient AWD system, while the ones like the BMW iDrive and Audi’s Quattro are globally acclaimed for their efficiency. Along with this, the Discovery is imbibed with serious off-roading capabilities and ruggedness in its genes which also play a hand in trading off the economy to some extent.

Another aspect where the Discovery Sport has not changed is its all-embracing skillfulness. The interior of the Discovery Sport has always been a roomy affair, and that's where its boxy architecture comes in handy. It is not something remarkably spacious when we look at the numbers, however, its tall architecture and thoughtful interior layout makes it a lot more roomier than the other vehicles on the table.

It is the only seven-seater among the competition with abundant space all around for the first and second-row occupants, however, the third row is too cramped for adults compared to a Skoda Kodiaq or a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.5/57.3/39.1	41.1/57.6/40.3	41.0/57.7/40.2	37.8/57.3/40.8	38.0/58.2/41.5
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.7/55.9/38.1	39.1/56.0/36.4	37.7/56.5/37.8	38.5/56.5/37.3	38.0/56.3/38.0

The high seating position allows for a better all-around visibility and adds airiness to the cabin, but that's not the case with the X3 or the Q5, especially in the rear seats where a low beltline and a lowered seat rack not only hinders the outward visibility but also creates a more car-like ambience inside.

The front seats of the new Discovery sport do feel better than the earlier model as they get better bolstering and under-thigh support and padding is healthy enough to hold you all day long, comfortably. The front seats get up to 14-way power adjustment with two-way manual headrests. The front seats now also heated and cooled and yes they get the massage function as well. The LuxTex coated seats on the lower trims are comfortable enough, however, for higher elegance the R-Dynamic does get Windsor leather which is super smooth and one of the best in the segment.

The rear seats are flat as ever with a decent incline angle translating into a healthy seating posture, allowing you to corner around lighter naps over long journeys and they can also be reclined backward in case you need some extra room. The good thing though the rear seats can now be split into 40:20:20 which makes the Disco more utilitarian than before.

Compared to other fours in the competition is not as comfortable or as premium as the XC60 or the X3 but you have to agree on trading off for the Discovery’s added versatility and capability. The themes on which the other four are based is completely different from that of the Discovery Sport.

How good is the Infotainment setup of the Land Rover?

As part of the 2020 upgrade, the infotainment system has now been bumped up in line with larger Land Rover vehicles. The new infotainment setup is packed into a new dashboard that houses multiple screens along with various driver assistance features. This new tech language was first introduced with the Velar which subsequently the following Land Rover models adhered to. The upgraded tech armament not only brings along a sense of modernity but also better connects the Discovery Sport with the overall Land Rover family.

Some highlights of the new tech treatment include - 

• 12.3-inch drivers display
• 10.2-inch central infotainment display
• Connected Navigation Pro
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio & HD Radio
• Meridian Surround Sound System 
• LTE mobile hotspot
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror

What about the Cargo carrying capacity?

We talked about utility in the new Discovery Sport, and here is another display of that. The Discovery not only has the shortest wheelbase and overall length but it also seats seven occupants. Despite all this with the third row folded down, the new Disco sport offers a generous 27.5 cu-ft of cargo space.

Only the X3 manages to pack in a roomier cargo lounge than the Rover. Thanks to the X3’s more stretched up length.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
Cargo Capacity (ft3)	27.5	28.7	25.1	19.4	17.8

To sum up all of where the new Discovery impresses us the most is how well balanced is the placement of all the different elements on that chassis. There is barely any other compact SUV at this particular price point which is more generous in its offerings than the Discovery Sport.

What kind of features to expect?

On the inside, Jaguar has bundled a plethora of features to pamper the passengers of the 2020 Discovery Sport. While there are plenty of features on the inside, here is a list of the most notable ones

• Overhead console with storage
• Front seatback storage
• Keyless ignition
• front and rear cupholders
• Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
• Cooling Vents In Third Row
• Wireless Device Charging
• 14-way power-adjustable front seats
• Windsor leather upholstery
• Front seats with heated, cooled and massage functionality
• Rear seats with heated and recline feature
• 40:20:40 split rear seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Cabin air ionization

The 2020 Discovery Sport though retains its earlier proportions, but it has undergone some serious revisions. The most aural changes are at the front and the rear. First, upfront, there is a redesigned grill, there are new bumpers at the front and the rear which now seem more bold and aggressive. However, the most prominent visual changes are the new headlights and tail lamps. The light housings are completely new with the headlight getting a new DRL that also functions as sequential turn indicators. The same script goes for the rear lights as well.

Gone are the conventional fog lamps and they are now replaced by sharp vertical air-intakes, picked up straight from the larger Discovery. You can get your Discovery in one of the twelve colors on offer and yes you can also get the optional, black exterior package that dresses the grille details and fender vents in black. There's also an optional black painted roof and, for the first time, you can equip the Discovery with up to 21 inch rims. Apart from these everything remains mostly the same as on the outgoing version.

Models	Land Rover Discovery Sport	BMW X3	Audi Q5	Mercedes GLC	Volvo XC60
Curb Weight (lbs)	4035	4034	4057	3891	4105
Length (in)	181.0	185.9	183.6	183.3	184.6
Width (in)	75.0	74.4	74.5	74.4	78.7
Height (in)	68.0	66.0	65.3	64.5	65.3
Ground Clearance (in)	8.3	8.0	8.2	5.0	8.5
Wheelbase (in)	107.9	112.8	111.0	113.1	112.8

The Discovery Sport is evidently not as long as the X3 or as wide as the XC60, but again the other cars in the competition are soft-roaders with greater lineage towards suppleness and comfort. On the other hand, the Discovery Sport is the only true and tall muscular SUV among the lot than can take you to Cape Verde without any disappointment. Howling you across the city with grace, yes the Disco can certainly do that, but it would be more than happy if you shoot it up open in the wilderness. 

What are the most notable Exterior features?

Land Rover is considered by many as the epitome of luxury and panache in the world of automobiles. To provide a testimony to the same, Land Rover is bundling a lot of features as standard on the 2020 Discovery Sport. here is a list of the most notable ones

• Premium LED Headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights
• Tow Hitch Receiver
• Fixed Side Step
• Headlamp washer
• Powered Tailgate
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Range Rover inspired vertical air intakes
• Rear antenna with integrated rearview camera

The safety baggage in the new Discovery Sport also packs in essentials from its new and larger siblings further pouring into the overall confidence of the new Discovery Sport. It now stands neck-to-neck with the segment benchmarks in safety with the adaptation of Land Rovers advanced new safety whistles.

Safety features

• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Rollover Protection Bars
• Terrain Response Electronic Stability Control 
• InControl Protect Emergency Sos
• Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot Sensor
• Park Assist Automated Parking Sensors
• Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning
• Back-up, 360 degrees, and a ground view camera
• High-Speed Intelligent Emergency Braking and Reverse Traffic Collision assist
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

Land Rover Discovery Sport vs BMW X3

The recently updated BMW X3 takes a leap forward from the marks of its predecessor. It has now grown up in every dimension, it is longer taller and wider than the outgoing X3 and yes not to surprise gets the latest quirks from Beemer’s warehouse. It has a more diverse and powerful powertrain options, the cabin materials are plusher, in-line with its more premium siblings and most importantly the cabin is soaked in premium materials.

The X3 has some significant advantages up its sleeves, thanks to the update though. It is now more fuel-efficient, gets all the boxes checked for the tech nerds, and the stretched out dimensions not only account for a greater cabin and cargo space but also the added agility. It is a fun to drive car and stays firm during corners though. However that bumped up proportion does account for some body roll, but that too is largely mitigated by the new adaptive suspension setup.

Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Audi Q5

The present generation of the Q5 is a part of the updated generation launched in 2018. Eccentric to Audi, a unique and sophisticated interior layout along with a large trunk full of gizmos, makes the Q5 a familiar closet. Needless to say, the interior build quality is top-notch with premium materials all around, however, what impresses the most is its excellent ride quality and the way it handles. Undoubtedly it is one of the best handlers in the segment and ride quality. What further adds to its esteem is the comfort level where the Quattro all-wheel-drive gets into business and gosh, that powertrain with the 7-speed dual-clutch is a charm to drive and yes it has a decent sense of practicality too.

Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Mercedes GLC 

The fresh and new Mercedes-Benz GLC also follows a similar coarse but a bit more seriously. The overall form remains the same but with a refreshed front and rear end. The major update is the new M264 engine sitting under the hood which is more efficient now and feels punchy to rev along straight lines. The cabin feels pretty much the same with a similar theme as the outgoing model, however, the infotainment gets an update with the new MBUX system.

The ride quality and comfort too remain the same and it still feels more like a car with supple composed ride quality. The new GLC still holds the tag of an estate effortless highway cruiser.

Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Volvo XC60

Yes, the Volvo is a Volvo and has its own way of doing things. Needless to say, Volvos have been renowned for their futuristic technology and safety features and this one is no exception. It is certainly one of the better-looking cars in its segment, thanks to its minimalistic and streamlined approach both in the inside as well as on the outside.

The cabin feels elegant and luxurious, true to Volvos character and the powertrain is energetic and responsive. The XC60 is impressive at lower but it does lack interest while cruising hard. The ride quality is extremely good with those clinical-grade seats which are extremely comfortable. Overall, like the GLC the XC60 seems like a comfortable everyday family crossover.

The 2020 Land RoverDiscovery ticks several boxes all at the same time. If you want a premium full-blown SUV but not at a very premium price along with that higher quotient of premiumness and that too without compromising on the offroading dynamics, the Discovery Sport is just the right machine for you. The overall package which the new Discovery Sport offers you, especially at the price point is something which no other SUV or Crossover can match.