2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport

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Rating6.7

Ranked #6 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$43,300 - $48,500
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Excellent off-road abilities

Lacks in terms of fuel economy

Adaptive Cruise Control made standard

Premium cabin and high-tech interior

Uninspired handling

12-speaker Meridian audio system standard in SE trim

Available third row

Mediocre engine performance

Pivi Pro Infotainment comes with built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant

Specs & Features

$43,300

price

246 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

torque

9-speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The term Land Rover has gradually become synonymous with the concept of off-roading as the brand has excelled in the category and arguably offers one of the best off-road vehicles in the world. The performance and capabilities of the Land Rover vehicles never failed to impress the drivers. The Discovery Sport model from the brand was introduced in the last decade and since then the compact SUV has seen many modifications in both engineering and additional features. Most importantly, the brand has refined its previous monotonous models and has presented the fanbase with an improved and refreshed avatar. 

Land Rover faces strong competition from Volvo XC60 Core, BMW X3 SDrive30i, and Genesis GV70 among others but the Discovery Sport SUV has several advanced features and a good overall performance definitely places it among the top. 

Buying Advice

The Discovery Sport S has all the basic features but we root for the Discovery Sport SE due to its additional aspects that are available for a little extra cost. The quality of the 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound Stereo or the benefits of the 14-way Power-adjustable Front Seats that comes with driver’s memory simply make the SE trim the favorite. The R Dynamic versions however are somewhat expensive against the few additions they offer. The Premium Upgrade Interior Package and the Cold Climate Package can be great options and most of the other packages can be acquired according to the individual necessities of the driver. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a perfect off-road vehicle with standard all-wheel drive that is ready to take on any terrain. The improved tech features influenced by the higher and more expensive models from the brand itself are offered at a very reasonable and affordable price. The style and space inside the cabin are impressive and the availability of a third row makes it more attractive. However, the fuel economy might not be able to impress the consumers when compared to other competitors from the same segment and the engine performance is not something to boast about either. The Discovery Sport SUV offers some great features both inside and outside of the car and a range of packages available make it a good option in the luxury category. Land Rover faces strong competition from Volvo XC60 Core, BMW X3 SDrive30i, and Genesis GV70 among others but the Discovery Sport SUV has several advanced features and a good overall performance definitely places it among the top. 

Features
7.0/10

The 2023 Land Rover comes with a total of four trims out of which two are the main trims. The Discovery Sport S and the Discovery Sport SE have all the main features and both these trims are available for upgrades with R Dynamic trims. The Discovery Sport S comes with all the basic features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power tailgate. Interior features like dual-zone automatic climate control or the full Morzine cloth headline are standard in this trim. The Discovery Sport S is priced at $44,600 and it is considered the base trim for the 2023 Land Rover SUV. 

Discovery Sport S

Discovery Sport SE

MSRP

$44,600

$48,200

MSRP (R Dynamic)

$46,400

$50,000

 

Fuel Economy
6.5/10

The fuel economy is disappointing compared to all the rivals in this segment and the range is lackluster as well. The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a mileage of 19 MPG and 23 MPG in the city and highway respectively while all the rivals have better efficiency in both cases. The combined mileage for cities and highways together is 20 MPG for the 2023 Discovery Sport and it is beaten by all three primary rivals. The fuel tank, however, is larger than most of the competitors with a capacity of 17.7 gallons and the range of the car on the city roads and highways are 336 miles and 407 miles respectively. 

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport

2023 Volvo XC60 Core

2023 BMW X3 SDrive30i

2023 Genesis GV70

MPG (city)

19 MPG

23 MPG

23 MPG

22 MPG

MPG (highway)

23 MPG

30 MPG

29 MPG

28 MPG

MPG (combined)

20 MPG

26 MPG

25 MPG

24 MPG

Fuel capacity (gallons)

17.7 gallons

18.8 gallons

17.2 gallons

17.4 gallons

Range (City, highway, in miles)

336/407/354 miles

432/564/489 miles

395/499/430 miles

383/487/418 miles

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport has a subpar performance in the fuel economy segment and the Volvo XC60 Core takes all the glory in this case. The Volvo has the most impressive mileage and it overshadows the Discovery Sport in fuel capacity and range as well. However, the overall off-roading capabilities and strength of the engine somehow compensate for the gloomy performance in the fuel efficiency section and there are a lot of other segments and features where the 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport excels by great margins. The CO2 emission of the Discovery Sport engine is not too high with a figure of 8.8 tons in 15,000 miles per year. 

Interior
7.0/10

The Land Rover Discovery Sport from 2023 has one of the most spacious interiors in the market and availability for the third row makes it more practical. The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport has a maximum roof load capacity of 165 lbs which is impressive for an off-road vehicle and the interior is flooded with several high-tech comfortable features. The 12-way front seats with heated electric facility along with the 2-way manual headrests offer ease of riding while the 8-way driver seat and 6-way passenger seat simply scream for comfort. The 60-40 folding rear seats make way for more space and the cargo space lights are good additions as well. Other aspects like the power window and proximity key are some of the exciting features of the 2023 Discovery Sport SUV.

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport

2023 Volvo XC60 Core

2023 BMW X3 SDrive30i

2023 Genesis GV70

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

39.5/57.3/39.1 inches

38.0/52.8/41.5 inches

41.1/57.6/40.3 inches

39.6/59.1/41.3 inches

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

38.7/55.9/38.1 inches

38.0/56.3/38.0 inches

39.1/56.0/36.4 inches

39.1/56.9/37.2 inches

Cargo Space Behind Second Row (cu.-ft)

32.7 cu.-ft

17.1 cu.-ft

28.7 cu.-ft

28.9 cu.-ft

Cargo Space Behind First Row (cu.-ft)

55.6 cu.-ft

63.3 cu.-ft

62.7 cu.-ft

56.9 cu.-ft

All the competitors have a seating capacity of 5 passengers and the space available for the seats in each row has negligible differences. However, the BMW X3 offers slightly better head space in the front row while the shoulder room is bigger for the Genesis GV70. The legroom is larger in the second row for the Land rover but the Volvo offers considerable legroom in both rows. The cargo space is the largest behind the second row for the 2023 Discovery Sport but with the second row folded, the Volvo tops the list with 63.3 cu.-ft of available space. 

  • 12-Way Heated Electric Front Seats and 2-way manual headrests
  • 8-Way Driver Seat and 6-Way Passenger Seat
  • 60-40 Folding Split-Bench Rear Seat
  • Power Rear Windows
  • Front and Rear Cupholders
  • Cruise Control with Steering Wheel Controls
  • Air Filtration
  • DuoLeather Seat Trim
  • Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting

Infotainment System

The infotainment system comes with several advanced technologies and some of the most attractive features that offer both style and practicality while riding the 2023 Discovery Sport SUV. The Pivi Pro with the 10-inch touchscreen is definitely one of the biggest attractions here and it comes with a flawless response and great UI as well. The intuitive layout of the infotainment unit along with the HD graphics makes it work as smoothly as a smartphone. The 6-speaker audio system can be upgraded to the optional 10-speaker Meridian sound system to have a better experience. It also offers all the standard facilities like smartphone connectivity, Voice Control, Navigation, and multiple USB ports among others. 

  • Pivi Pro infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Optional 10-speaker Meridian sound system
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio
  • Window Grid Diversity Antenna
  • 2 LCD Monitors in the front
  • Perimeter Alarm
  • Navigation

Exterior
7.0/10

The Land Rover Discovery Sport from 2023 has some exciting features but it is the rugged and premium look that steals the show for the SUV. The attractive light signature lines and the stylish body make one instantly get impressed with the Discovery Sport. The R Dynamic models offer a more expressive outlook and the different packages may be acquired to improve the sporty look of the vehicle. The 107.9 inches wheelbase, on the other hand, is the smallest among the competitors. The exterior has some of the most attractive features like a metal-look grille and the lip spoiler along with the clearcoat paint options. The fog lamps, LED brake lights, and perimeter lights are great additions to the already exclusive exterior of the Discovery Sport SUV. The speed intermittent wipers with rain-detecting technology and the compact spare tire mount inside the cargo are some of the standard yet impressive features.

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport

2023 Volvo XC60 Core

2023 BMW X3 SDrive30i

2023 Genesis GV70

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,105 lbs

4,008 lbs

4,079 lbs

4,167 lbs

Length (in.)

181.0 inches

185.4 inches

185.9 inches

185.6 inches

Width (in.)

81.5 inches

74.9 inches

74.4 inches

75.2 inches

Height (in.)

68.0 inches

65.3 inches

66.0 inches

64.2 inches

Ground Clearance (in.)

8.3 inches

8.5 inches

7.2 inches

7.3 inches

Wheelbase (in.)

107.9 inches

112.8 inches

112.8 inches

113.2 inches

The 2023 Discovery Sport SUV has a length of 181.0 inches and the width of the car with the folded mirrors is 81.5 inches. All the other vehicles in this segment have more than 185 inches of length with the BMW being the longest with 185.9 inches. However, Land Rover is the widest one here and the overall height is 68.0 inches from the ground which also makes it the highest SUV in this category. The 2023 Land Rover SUV has a generous ground clearance of 8.3 inches and it is higher than most of its rivals except the Volvo with a figure of 8.5 inches. 

  • 18" Gloss Sparkle Silver wheels
  • Black Side Windows Trim
  • Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers
  • Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
  • Metal-finish Grille
  • Rear Fog Lamps
  • LED Brakelights
  • Perimeter/Approach Lights

Safety

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport has not been crash tested or verified by the IIHS or NHTSA as the brands often avoid such tests due to their high costs. However, the previous versions of the SUV were tested by the right authorities and they have had solid reports in the safety category. The advanced platform that the Discovery Sport is based on is quite advanced and structural integrity is solid as well making the SUV capable of proper off-roading. Moreover, the standard safety features included in the car safety system like the driver assist and lane assist along with collision mitigation are considerable aspects for the overall safety of the driver and the passengers. 

  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat
  • InControl Protect Emergency SOS
  • Front And Rear Parking Sensors
  • Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist
  • Front Collision Mitigation
  • Driver Monitoring-Alert
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning

Competition

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2023 Volvo XC60 Core

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Core is definitely one of the biggest competitors for the Discovery Sport in the market and it has almost similar engine performance and output with the Land Rover. The riding experience is impressive and the fuel economy of the Volvo is the best in the market. The impressive mileage and overall comfort inside the cabin make it a great choice for a luxury SUV. However, the 2023 XC60 lacks cargo space and it has a standard look on the exterior. The competitive pricing and the overall performance make the Volvo to be considered among the best in its category but when it comes to choosing one of the two it is really up to the driver and individual preferences. 

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2023 BMW X3 SDrive30i

The 2023 BMW X3 SDrive30i is another fierce rival of the Discovery Sport as it has similar power and torque output from the 2.0L turbocharged engine. The braking performance is superb and the riding experience in long drives is impressive as well. The BMW X3 offers better mileage than the 2023 Land Rover SUV and a very spacious interior as well. The style of the BMW X3 is exclusive and the safety features along with the impressive technologies make it a top contender in the market. The 2023 BMW X3 can be opted over the Land Rover any day due to its superior performance and competitive pricing. 

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70, when compared to the Discovery Sport from 2023, offers much better torque and power output from a slightly bigger 2.5L turbocharged engine. The Genesis GV70 also has better acceleration and higher top speed and the riding experience of the SUV is as good as any in the current market. Better mileage and fuel economy make the Genesis GV70 a strong rival and its spacious cargo is considerably comfortable as well. The 2023 Genesis offers a stylish interior and exterior and has several technical and safety features to be considered on the top list of luxury SUVs. The 2023 Genesis GV70 can be chosen over the Land Rover due to its overall performance, fuel efficiency, and slightly lower price tag. 

Final Verdict

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport is undoubtedly a great off-road vehicle and it has a strong engine to take on rough terrains. The comparison, however, does not put the Discovery Sport on top in the engine segment, and the mileage of the compact luxury SUV is not too impressive either. The Interior, on the other hand, is spacious, stylish, and includes several attractive features as well. The impressive exterior along with the overall safety system definitely makes the Land Rover an excellent choice. However, there might be other cars from the same category with better performances in different sectors that surpasses the 2023 Discovery Sport SUVs capabilities. The biggest aspect for a driver is the off-roading capability of the Land Rover Discovery Sport which enables one to drive on any terrain without having to worry too much about getting stranded. The overall riding experience and stability of the vehicle are great and if these are the things someone is looking for, they know which SUV to go for. 

Trims

    S
    $43,300 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    R-Dynamic S
    $45,100 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    S R-Dynamic
    $45,100 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SE
    $46,800 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    R-Dynamic SE
    $48,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    SE R-Dynamic
    $48,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 246 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 114 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$43,300- $48,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.67

Horsepower

246 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

269 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$38,690- $45,375

Gasoline

6.69

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,600- $38,600

Gasoline

7.65

241 hp @ 4500 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,400- $47,460

Gasoline

7.75

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,290- $37,090

Gasoline

8.29

187 hp @ 6100 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$45,000- $55,300

Gasoline

6.5

246 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,000- $59,100

Gasoline

7.12

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

7

Read Review

$47,100- $68,200

Gasoline

7.62

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

-

Read Review

$53,500- $118,400

Gasoline

7.44

296 hp @ 4000 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

7

Read Review

$27,895- $40,295

Gasoline

7.71

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

7

Read Review

2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.5 sec15.8 sec114 mph
    5.2 sec13.9 sec144 mph
    5.5 sec--
    5.9 sec14.4 sec150 mph
    2023 BMW X3

    Ranked #4

    6 sec14.8 sec126 mph
    6.3 sec--

    2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      19 mpg23 mpg20 mpg17.7 gal.336.3/407.1 mi.
      25 mpg32 mpg28 mpg14.3 gal.357.5/457.6 mi.
      2023 BMW X2

      Ranked #2

      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg16.1 gal.-
      24 mpg31 mpg27 mpg14.5 gal.348/449.5 mi.
      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg15.9 gal.381.6/508.8 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg26 mpg16 gal.368/464 mi.

      2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        181 in.75 in.68 in.8.3 in.107.9 in. -
        204.78 in.78.8 in.69.9 in.7.5 in.120.93 in. -
        197.5 in.79.1 in.77.4 in.8.9 in.119 in.

        2023 Cadillac XT5

        Ranked #3

        189.6 in.74.9 in.66.1 in.7.8 in.112.5 in. -
        188.9 in.80.3 in.66.3 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.
        187.4 in.74.8 in.65.7 in.5.7 in.108.3 in. -

        2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          32.7 cu.ft.-55.6 cu.ft.
          23.6 cu.ft.157.3 cu.ft.97.4 cu.ft.
          31.1 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.79.8 cu.ft.
          11.7 cu.ft.125.5 cu.ft.79.7 cu.ft.
          39.6 cu.ft.-74.1 cu.ft.
          32.1 cu.ft.-69.1 cu.ft.

          2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            55.6 cu.ft.32.7 cu.ft.55.6 cu.ft.
            62 cu.ft.22 cu.ft.62 cu.ft.
            69.1 cu.ft.32.1 cu.ft.69.1 cu.ft.
            74.1 cu.ft.39.6 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.
            79.7 cu.ft.11.7 cu.ft.79.7 cu.ft.
            50.5 cu.ft.21.6 cu.ft.50.5 cu.ft.

            2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              4409 lbs.1585 lbs.4035 lbs.
              19980 lbs.1091 lbs.3638 lbs.
              7716 lbs.2030 lbs.4830 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1540 lbs.4015 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1814 lbs.4359 lbs.
              2023 BMW X3

              Ranked #5

              4409 lbs.904 lbs.4079 lbs.

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