The Land Rover Discovery Sport, contrary to its slightly misleading name, is a smaller and less-powerful version of the automaker’s Discovery. It’s name holds a certain logic, however, as the Sport is meant to be a more agile and activity-oriented version of its larger and more capable fraternal twin. The Sport designation also signals a major perk: downscaling. The Discovery Sport is cheaper and more tossable than the bigger SUV, and its new raft of features make it a startlingly good option.

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True to the brand’s heritage, the 2020 Discovery Sport’s off-road abilities are formidable and will likely be explored by but a handful of owners. Land Rover

The Discovery Sport includes Land Rover‘s new Terrain Response system for navigating hill descents of significant steepness and terrain navigation, which acts as a cruise-control of sorts for off-roading. The user dials in the speed and the SUV automatically determines where and how to distribute power and how to manage different terrain challenges, whether it’s rocky, slippery or steep. The driver only worries about steering. It’s possible to angle the SUV in pretty much any direction and still get through the obstacle cleanly.

A new low-mounted camera system, the ClearSight Ground View, displays a shot of the terrain directly ahead of and below the vehicle via the 8-inch monitor, appearing as if the engine and hood aren’t attached to the SUV. It’s a game-changing tech that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves and will allow users to do things they didn’t think they could.  Terrain Response can also help the Disco wade through up to 24 inches of water—again, not something most will do, but an impressive capability nonetheless.

The problem with this level of capability is that it often goes unused because user are uninformed or unaware of the vehicle’s true limits. The power-management and the technology help ensure the vehicle goes farther, higher and steeper than is expected.

Space in the second row is generous, but the optional third row is best reserved for children or pets. Land Rover

But few will exploit even a portion of the off-road ability that the Disco Sport affords. For the rare instances it’s needed, it provides a comforting safety net. Like when an unexpected snowstorm suddenly changes the terrain, turning an otherwise benign trail or road into a slip-n-slide. On typical jaunts, the Discovery Sport remains a valuable ally, boasting Land Rover ride quality, interior comfort and performance.

The powertrain options are nearly as convoluted as the naming scheme, though, including a P250 option with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the P290, which is a mild-hybrid that uses a 48-volt power supply. The latter gives it a “mild-hybrid” capability that mostly manifests itself as torquey power boosts and the ability to crawl around at low speeds just on battery power alone.

The updated infotainment display, digital gauges and multifunction controllers add a healthy dose of modernity and usability. Land Rover

From the outside, the Sport is very much a looker, with nicely tuned grille, bumper, headlamps, and, in the R-Dynamic version, body-matching trim for a more unified look. It’s a well-executed design that’s unmistakably Land Rover and yet very distinct from others in the sizeable lineup of SUVs—an achievement in and of itself. 

Other enhancements include an optional third row and plenty of connectivity options. There’s a wireless charging setup for properly equipped smartphones that works nicely, and plenty of USB ports distributed throughout. Its infotainment system is also pleasantly usable and efficiently organized—something that Land Rover excels at these days.

These elements result in a comfortable, capable and exceptionally stylish and sophisticated SUV. On-road, the Discovery Sport is smooth and quick, especially with the P290 powertrain, and off-road, it’ll dominate almost anything you put in its path.