2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 5 Seat 4dr SUV, 7 Seat 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,039–4,211 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 16% below the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,039 lb (5 Seat 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 16% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Seat 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 74.4 in | 68.1 in | 107.9 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,039 lb | |
| 7 Seat 4dr SUV | 180.7 in | 74.4 in | 68.1 in | 107.9 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,211 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | -16% | $4,100 | 437 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Volvo XC60 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Sep 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V599000 · 23,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Aug 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V668000 · 32,687 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
Not every 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Land Rover. How we calculate this →