Land Rover Discovery Sport

As you'd likely expect from Land Rover, the 2021 Discovery Sport offers more than its fair share of all-terrain ability. But the Discovery Sport, which is the brand's entry-level small SUV, has evolved into a rather competent on-road companion as well. It has a smooth ride and even an optional third row of seats.

The Discovery Sport also receives plenty of technology upgrades for 2021. First up is the new Pivi Pro infotainment system that replaces the much-maligned previous system. Pivi Pro promises to be more intuitive, thanks to simplified menus, and much quicker to respond to your inputs. It can also receive over-the-air software updates from Land Rover so you always have the latest features and enhancements.

The Discovery Sport also gains dual Bluetooth connections (you can have two smartphones connected at once) and a new wireless charging pad with a signal booster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard on all models, too. Other updates include a new 3D surround-view camera system to take the stress out of parking in tight spots and a new steering wheel with capacitive touch buttons.

These welcome tech improvements help boost the Discovery Sport's appeal. While it's a good idea to also check out the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 or even Land Rover's new Defender, overall the Disco Sport should satisfy those who want a small luxury SUV capable of going out and getting dirty.

Which Discovery Sport does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport is available in two trim levels: S and SE. Both seat five passengers but an optional third-row seat boosts that to seven. Highlighted standard features include:

S Comes well-equipped with:

• Turbocharged 246-horsepower four-cylinder engine
• Nine-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive
• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Power folding and heated exterior mirrors
• Off-road driving modes for various terrain and conditions
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Choice of leather or faux leather seating surfaces
• Sliding and reclining second-row seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 7-inch instrument panel digital display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Six-speaker audio system

Standard advanced driver aids include:

• Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Discovery Sport and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Discovery Sport back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Driver attention (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

SE Adds a few extras, like:

• 20-inch wheels
• Powered tailgate
• Upgraded LED headlights
• Front seat memory settings
• Fully digital instrument panel
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

Many stand-alone options, like unique wheels, exterior trim, more powerful audio systems, towing equipment and upgraded interior materials exist for the Discovery Sport. There are also multiple-option packages that add features or aid in personalization. Highlighted option packages include:

R-Dynamic

• Dark aluminum trim
• Metallic shift paddles
• R-Dynamic interior badging
• Choice of red or white contrasting stitching
• Black headliner
• Metal trimmed pedals

Family Pack

• Panoramic sunroof
• Third-row seats
• Third-row air vents
• Cargo space partition net
• Interior storage accessories

Technology Pack

• Virtual rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Wireless charging
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• 12-inch fully digital instrument panel (for vehicles not already equipped)

Driver Assist Pack

• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Land Rover and the car in front)