2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review
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2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Above-average off-road and all-weather capabilities
- Available third-row seating
- Plenty of passenger and cargo space
- Quiet and smooth ride
Cons
- Seats may be too big for smaller drivers
- No option to get a more powerful engine
What's new
- New infotainment system with over-the-air update capability
- Surround-view camera system is standard
- Base and R Dynamic HSE trim levels dropped
- Upgraded USB ports
- Part of the first Discovery Sport generation introduced for 2015
Overview
As you'd likely expect from Land Rover, the 2021 Discovery Sport offers more than its fair share of all-terrain ability. But the Discovery Sport, which is the brand's entry-level small SUV, has evolved into a rather competent on-road companion as well. It has a smooth ride and even an optional third row of seats.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport P250 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$210/mo for Discovery Sport P250 S
Discovery Sport P250 S
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
The Discovery Sport also receives plenty of technology upgrades for 2021. First up is the new Pivi Pro infotainment system that replaces the much-maligned previous system. Pivi Pro promises to be more intuitive, thanks to simplified menus, and much quicker to respond to your inputs. It can also receive over-the-air software updates from Land Rover so you always have the latest features and enhancements.
The Discovery Sport also gains dual Bluetooth connections (you can have two smartphones connected at once) and a new wireless charging pad with a signal booster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard on all models, too. Other updates include a new 3D surround-view camera system to take the stress out of parking in tight spots and a new steering wheel with capacitive touch buttons.
These welcome tech improvements help boost the Discovery Sport's appeal. While it's a good idea to also check out the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 or even Land Rover's new Defender, overall the Disco Sport should satisfy those who want a small luxury SUV capable of going out and getting dirty.
Which Discovery Sport does Edmunds recommend?
Consider sticking with the base S trim. You'll save some money and won't miss much compared to the SE. To that, we'd add the Blind-Spot Assist Pack for the extra driver aids and the Technology Pack for the wireless charging and head-up display.
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport models
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport is available in two trim levels: S and SE. Both seat five passengers but an optional third-row seat boosts that to seven. Highlighted standard features include:
S
Comes well-equipped with:
- Turbocharged 246-horsepower four-cylinder engine
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Power folding and heated exterior mirrors
- Off-road driving modes for various terrain and conditions
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Choice of leather or faux leather seating surfaces
- Sliding and reclining second-row seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 7-inch instrument panel digital display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Six-speaker audio system
Standard advanced driver aids include:
- Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Discovery Sport and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the Discovery Sport back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Driver attention (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
SE
Adds a few extras, like:
- 20-inch wheels
- Powered tailgate
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Front seat memory settings
- Fully digital instrument panel
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Many stand-alone options, like unique wheels, exterior trim, more powerful audio systems, towing equipment and upgraded interior materials exist for the Discovery Sport. There are also multiple-option packages that add features or aid in personalization. Highlighted option packages include:
R-Dynamic
- Dark aluminum trim
- Metallic shift paddles
- R-Dynamic interior badging
- Choice of red or white contrasting stitching
- Black headliner
- Metal trimmed pedals
Family Pack
- Panoramic sunroof
- Third-row seats
- Third-row air vents
- Cargo space partition net
- Interior storage accessories
Technology Pack
- Virtual rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
- Wireless charging
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- 12-inch fully digital instrument panel (for vehicles not already equipped)
Driver Assist Pack
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
- Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Land Rover and the car in front)
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#14 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Land Rover Discovery Sport from 2008-2022.$737/yr
vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.14x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.1%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
5 star(39%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(15%)
1 star(19%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
So far so good! Very impressed.
Joe, 06/09/2020
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport P250 R-Dynamic SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
My first Land Rover. Our previous family SUV was the Volvo XC90. The other car I drive is the Tesla Model 3. Much quieter and smoother ride than the Volvo in my opinion. The handling is amazingly good for such an SUV. I was initially worried about electronics problems that are known to exist for some LR models, but my R-Dynamic SE has been problem-free. A recent off-road trip was a … blast. It felt like a tank. Some drawbacks I found include some delay in showing the proximity sensor readings when I park my Disco in the garage and laggy accel response with the automatic stop mode, which can be disabled. I would highly recommend this car. In fact, this is my first time posting any review and I was compelled to share my positive experience. The new Discovery Sport simply rocks!
4 out of 5 stars
Great Car for the size, style, and performance
JD, 08/17/2019
2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
This is a beautiful car at a fair price for a Land Rover. It's a lot of car in a very small footprint! (the Evoque was way too small for us). The interior and finishes are great. The glass roof is awesome. The back seat is comfortable and spacious, and the seats recline which is great. The gas mileage is not "Like an8 cylinder" as one reviewer wrote. I know because I sold my GMC … Denali 8 Cylinder before buying this one and my gas mileage is WAY better. It totally depends on how you drive. The greatest feature is the ECO mode which will automatically reduce all systems to lower gas and electricity usage. Very nice to just turn on and not think about it. It will lower your performance and the strength of your AC. It seems owners need to read their manuals because it explains this. I get about 27-29 mpg on the highway and may be 15-18 city driving. If you drive aggressively you mileage will drop dramatically. The car is surprisingly quick with the turbo. If you want full performance, AC, etc turn off the ECO mode - which I do when I want best acceleration, etc. There have been issues with the Auto start/stop gas saving feature and with some random electrical/computer stuff but all is under warranty. The transmission sometimes can be less smooth than others but it's negligible. I don't think I would buy a high mileage used Land Rover because of this. My biggest complaint is, it does not have the 'Activity Key' wristband for water-sports (locking your key fob in car and going swimming without fob). It is not an option to upgrade to - which is really stupid. (still looking for a solution to this, short-sighted for and 'adventure car') All things considered, all members of my family love this car.
2 out of 5 stars
Very disappointed
Roberto, 11/29/2018
2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE 237 HP 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I bought this car for my wife, expecting it to be a great vehicle, being a Land Rover and all. What a disappointment. It is a very expensive car for what you get in return. First off, air conditioner presented problems with just 2K miles on the odometer. Went to the shop, took 3 days to fix. Same problem at 4K miles. Back to the shop, another 3 days. Same problem at 6K. Back to the shop, … 3 days again. This is unacceptable for a brand new 50K car. Now car is at 8K and problem has not presented itself again so far. Motor is very weak, gear change is slow. Entertainment interface is poor. Trunk space is small. Forget the 3rd row seats, its cramped. Safety sensors surrounding the car go off all the time with nothing even close to the car. This car needs a major makeover to be worth the money. There are much better options out there for this price range. I can't wait for the lease to end for me to get out of this mess.
5 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Mike, 09/17/2020
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport P250 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I've never driven a Land Rover before, but after looking at a few other options such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee & Rav 4, the Land Rover seemed a better choice. The dealership was amazing. I was treated better than any dealership, and they didn't try to sell me a bunch of extra warranties I didn't want. I was sold on the car the minute I saw it. The bells and whistles are … mind-blowing. Being able to check that it's locked with my phone from the comfort of my bed. The safety features are incredible. The 3rd row seats are such a bonus. You can fit a 7 foot surfboard down the middle, and still have room for a driver and 5 passengers. The panoramic room is so amazing, it's the first time my kids don't want to be on their devices because they'd rather look out of the roof. The visibility is perfect. The turning radius is awesome. I made a turn and was excited to go up on the curb, but that wasn't even necessary, because the turning radius was so good I didn't make it to the curb. The technology as far as connectivity and other features is incredible. The fact that it personalizes the car to my wife or myself based on the key fob we use is amazing. It even lights up the sidewalk when you get out so you know where you're stepping. The Discovery Sport is beyond perfect in every way. I watched a video of a man driving one in Iceland through an ice river, and it did it with no problem. I took it to the top of the steepest hill in the city, and there is no other car that could turn that hill into a tiny obstacle the way the Land Rover did. The only possible drawback is the fuel economy, but it's well worth it. So stoked on this vehicle!!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Discovery Sport since its last redesign.
2021 Discovery Sport Highlights
P250 S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $210/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Discovery Sport models:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Applies the brakes automatically to avoid a front collision.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Detects cars in adjacent lanes and warns the driver of their presence during lane changes.
- Reverse Traffic Detection
- Alerts the driver to the presence of approaching traffic behind the vehicle when in reverse.
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