2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover invented the luxury SUV when it started importing the Range Rover to the U.S. in the 1980s. Before that, rugged and capable Land Rovers were going where no vehicles had gone before, from the desert to the Arctic. Despite off-road prowess, the brand gained notoriety for building SUVs that broke down frequently and expensively. Even today, the brand retains its reputation, as Consumer Reports’ reliability data confirms. Used Land Rovers are risky purchases. Still, the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport offer comfortable interiors, powerful engines, and a presence that makes them popular choices for Hollywood stars and British aristocrats alike. The Defender has matured into a luxe off-roader, losing some charm but gaining creature comforts. The brand is now part of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, a conglomerate based in India.

The compact Discovery Sport is based on the Evoque, with seating for five or, with its tiny optional third-row, seven. It uses a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic. Power delivery is uneven, either too little or too much, and the transmission is neither smooth nor responsive. The ride is stiff-legged. Available safety features include lane-departure, blind-spot warning, and emergency autonomous braking systems. A surround-view 360-degree camera system is offered, too. Land Rover's Terrain Response system provides some off-road capability. New features for 2019 include Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility. Beginning with the 2020 model year, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning and keeping assistance are standard. Other updates include a mild freshening in and out. Among the changes, the rotary gear selector was swapped for a more traditional looking lever, a 48-volt mild hybrid system is available, and full exterior LED lighting is standard.