Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE 2017
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport ranks 13 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport is the most capable off-road vehicle in its class. It also has plenty of cargo space, and it’s the only luxury compact SUV to offer a third row of seats. However, the engine feels a little weak, and it gets worse fuel economy than many competitors.
Pros
Excellent off-road ability
Ample cargo room
Only SUV in the class available with a third row
Cons
Underpowered engine
Low fuel economy
Low predicted reliability rating
Although it’s not a working implement like the classic Land Rover Discovery, the quirky Discovery Sport has plenty of merits up against rivals in the entry-level luxury class.
Anchoring the Land Rover lineup should be a cakewalk of a job, especially given that there is routinely a waiting list to order the brand’s Range Rover models. But it hasn’t always been that easy, which is why Land Rover started from scratch with its Discovery Sport.
Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Roomy interior for five
Decently off-road capable
Land Rover style inside and out
Cons
Too softly styled for a Land Rover?
Third-row seat is a tease
Active safety features are optional
Gets expensive fast
There are some new, noteworthy options for the 2017 Discovery Sport. A new interface known as InControl Touch Pro boasts a larger screen, better graphics and faster responses. The new Intelligent Dynamics pack includes an adaptive suspension and an active all-wheel-drive system that can power only two wheels for improved fuel economy. The new Dynamic Design package includes a variety of special interior and exterior design elements. A new low-speed, off-road cruise control system is also now standard.
Pros
More passenger and cargo space than most competitors offer
Above-average capabilities off-road and in bad weather conditions
Available third-row seating is unique to the segment.
Cons
Mediocre acceleration and fuel economy for the segment
Only one engine choice
Transmission is slow to downshift
Cabin is well-made but less luxurious in appearance than rival