2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

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

Land Rover Discovery Sport
Pictured: 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport R-Dynamic SE 2.0 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5 Seat 4dr SUV180.7 in74.4 in68.1 in107.9 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,039 lb
7 Seat 4dr SUV180.7 in74.4 in68.1 in107.9 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,211 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Discovery Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 20-16%$4,100437
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport (this car)20 MPGNot rated2
2021 Tesla Model Y326 miNot rated23
2021 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated9
2021 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★10
2021 Porsche Macan21 MPGNot rated1
2021 Audi Q527 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Volvo XC6027 MPGNot rated5

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Engine2
Power Train2
Steering1
Electrical System1
Unknown Or Other1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/09: 122/09: 124/11: 126/01: 121/0922/0924/1126/01max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. 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 →