Overview

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a practical seven-seat family SUV brimming with plenty of tech, a lush interior and an economical range of engines, including an advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.

But the premium SUV market is bursting at the seams, so the Discovery Sport has more competition than ever. The Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC appeal to the heart, while practical but cheaper rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq offer the same blend of seven-seat practicality in a good-to-drive and modern package. It’s also mechanically simpler to the smaller but plusher Range Rover Evoque.

There’s a choice of two diesel engines, two petrol ones and a plug-in hybrid. All bar the entry-level D165 diesel feature all-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid technology.

The plug-in hybrid P300e, uses a 200hp three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine, and combines that with a 109hp electric motor to create a 309hp. It’s a four-wheel drive system, although unlike the non-PHEV versions, has an electrically-powered rear axle. This is said to maintain off-road capability but massively improve efficiency.

As with most Land Rover models, there’s an extensive trim level line-up to pick from, starting with a standard entry-level model, moving up to Urban Edition, R-Dynamic SE, and R-Dynamic HSE.

Click through to read about the Discovery Sport’s practicality, engines and driving characteristics, before reading our verdict.