
The Discovery Sport is essentially compact on the outside, yet it offers the option of a modest third-row seat.
And that’s a big advantage—one that pits it against a very wide range of vehicles, which in the U.S.
market includes mid-size rugged family crossovers like the Subaru Outback and Ford Explorer.
But Land Rover’s main competition, the brand says, is the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60.
Compared to any of these other models, the third-row seat is a plus.
The Discovery Sport also feels like more of a rugged multi-tasker than the BMW X3, as well as more space-efficient and comfortable than the Q5.
The Mercedes GLK twins classic SUV lines with a somewhat snug interior and moderate off-road ability.
And it’s worth considering that in another year, the Discovery Sport will offer something that the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class already have: a fuel-efficient diesel engine option.
The GMC Terrain has bullnose styling and 4-cylinder frugality to throw in the mix—not to mention the luxe Denali models.
We’d also throw in a top-of-the-line Jeep Cherokee V-6 as a more mass-market counterpoint.
So equipped, the Cherokee would have a pricetag in the same range as a base Discovery Sport, also with strong off-road ability and a feature set that might stand as a better value.
But the Land Rover seems to make more interior space out of about the same exterior dimensions, while it has more luxury cachet, as well as better drivability overall.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Discovery Sport takes most of Land Rover’s rugged, go-anywhere ability set and makes it part of an attractive, well-designed crossover wagon that suburban families are going to be happy with every single day of the year. |
The 2016 Audi Q5 offers one of the greatest range of powertrain choices in its class, ensuring that almost anyone can find a version of this handsome small crossover to fit their tastes. |
The 2016 GMC Terrain is a compact crossover with a little more room than some of its rivals, which pays off in big comfort and better hauling capabilities. |
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee offers everything that the brand and nameplate promise—although there are some disconnects in the styling and packaging. |
The 2016 Volvo XC60 remains a luxury-SUV contender, though a plethora of powertrains and options can take the $36,000 base price well over $50,000. |
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK offers two great engine options in a baby-SUV shell, but with the comfort and dynamics of a crossover. |
MSRP From | |||||
$37,455 | $40,900 | $23,975 | $23,495 | $36,600 | $37,900 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
20 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 |
EPA Class | |||||
N/A | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
AWD 4-Door SE | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | FWD 4-Door SL | FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door T5 Drive-E | RWD 4-Door GLK 350 |
Drivetrain | |||||
Four Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | quattro Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2016 Audi Q5 | 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2016 GMC Terrain | 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2016 Jeep Cherokee | 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2016 Volvo XC60 | 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class |