Which used Land Rover Discovery Sport should you buy?

If you’re looking for an upmarket off-roader with a seven-seat option, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a practical choice. It’s been on sale since 2014 when it replaced the hugely successful Land Rover Freelander. An update in 2019 brought new engines and an upgraded interior.

While it’s popular among those looking for a seven-seater, it’s important to remember that the manufacturer describes the extra pair of seats as “occasional”.

That means you can cram adults in the back at a pinch, but taller people won’t be able to endure the experience for long. Kids are a different matter, though, and if that’s your intended use for the seats, you’ll be fine.

If you’re attracted to the Land Rover Discovery Sport for its off-road ability, you may be surprised to find there’s a two-wheel-drive version.

It’s outsold many times over by the four-wheel-drive variants, but if you’re based in town or never venture off the tarmac, the two-wheel-drive model could be a viable cheaper option – thanks to lower prices and improved fuel economy.

Other mechanical options to look out for are the choice between six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic gearboxes, and a broad range of engine options.

Updated models from 2019 onwards were equipped with improved interiors and better tech, including a significantly upgraded touchscreen media system.

Read our full Land Rover Discovery Sport review

What used Land Rover Discovery Sport trim levels are available?

The specifications among early models were the Land Rover Discovery Sport S, the Land Rover Discovery Sport SE and the Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE.

The 2019 upgrade also saw the introduction of an R-Dynamic variant, which despite the name is essentially a cosmetic option.

R-Dynamic versions have sportier-looking bumpers and sleeker trim, whereas the standard Land Rover Discovery Sport arguably has a more subtle, off-roader look.

Land Rover Discovery Sport S

The line-up has been rejigged on a couple of occasions, and most used car shoppers looking at older cars will find their options start with the Land Rover Discovery Sport S model. However, you may also come across entry-level Land Rover Discovery Sport Pure trims, and as you would expect the specification varies depending on the age of the car you’re looking at. The Land Rover Discovery Sport S from 2021 included:

• Leather upholstery
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Animated LED rear indicators
• Twin-zone climate control
• Cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Pivi Pro media system
• 3D-surround parking cameras

Land Rover Discovery Sport SE

The Land Rover Discovery Sport SE is a popular variant, as it’s always been a step up from the bottom rung of ownership. Equipment varies depending on the age of the car, but highlights include:

• Heated seats
• Climate control
• Sat-nav (SE Tech models from 2016-2019)
• 20-inch alloy wheels (Later models)
• Digital dashboard (Later models)
• 12-way electrically-adjustable seats (Later models)

Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE 

From launch, the top-spec Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE delivered a suite of desirable equipment and was later joined by the even more lavish Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Luxury. Look out also for a variety of so-called Land Rover Discovery Sport editions, including the Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Black which comes with a range of cosmetic tweaks, such as a gloss black roof and wheels for a mean and moody look.

• Uupgraded leather upholstery
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear view camera
• Heated and cooled front seats (Later models)
• Heated steering wheel (Later models)
• Rear cabin air-conditioning (Later models)

Is a used Land Rover Discovery Sport a good buy?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport competes against a huge range of alternatives, including rivals such as the Audi Q5, its German counterpart the BMW X3 and Sweden’s Volvo XC60 at the posh end, as well as more mainstream models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Used buyers may also be tempted by the Land Rover’s more upmarket – and expensive – in-house stablemate, the Range Rover Evoque.

In spite of the wide range of challengers, there’s no doubt the characterful Land Rover Discovery Sport has an appeal all of its own, which accounts for its popularity with new car drivers. That sales success is great news for anyone looking for used bargains.