Is the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport Worth Buying? Key Pros and Cons

As someone who's been reviewing luxury SUVs for over a decade, I've developed a particular fondness for Land Rover's offerings, though I've also learned to approach them with realistic expectations. When considering whether the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport is worth buying, I find myself thinking about how certain vehicles, much like promising basketball players stepping up when veterans get injured, need to prove they can handle increased responsibility. The 2019 Discovery Sport finds itself in exactly this position - it's no longer the fresh-faced newcomer but needs to demonstrate it can deliver consistent performance day in and day out.

Let me start with what genuinely impressed me about this vehicle. The Terrain Response system remains absolutely brilliant - it's one of those features that makes you feel like you could conquer just about any road condition Mother Nature throws your way. During my week with the Discovery Sport, I deliberately sought out rough terrain that would make most compact luxury SUV owners nervous, and the vehicle handled everything with remarkable composure. The all-wheel-drive system distributes power intelligently, and the ground clearance of 8.3 inches means you're not constantly worrying about scraping the underside on uneven surfaces. What surprised me most was how comfortable the ride remained even when pushing the vehicle through challenging conditions. The seats provide excellent support during longer drives - I took it on a 300-mile round trip and emerged feeling surprisingly fresh.

Now, let's talk about the interior, which presents something of a mixed bag. The materials in areas you frequently touch - the steering wheel, gear selector, and main control surfaces - feel premium and well-crafted. However, if you start poking around in lower-traffic areas, you'll notice some harder plastics that don't quite match the vehicle's price point. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, has a learning curve that frustrated me during the first couple of days. It's not as intuitive as systems from German competitors, though I will say that once you become familiar with it, the functionality is quite comprehensive. The cabin space deserves special mention - with the rear seats up, you get about 24 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to nearly 60 cubic feet with them folded. That's genuinely practical for a vehicle in this class.

Where the Discovery Sport really shines is in its versatility. The optional third-row seats, while best suited for children or occasional use, provide flexibility that many competitors simply don't offer. I had my niece and nephew in the back during a family gathering, and they had no complaints about the space. The panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel airy and spacious, something I particularly appreciated during daytime drives. The Meridian sound system, which was part of the package on my test vehicle, delivered crystal-clear audio that made highway drives genuinely enjoyable.

However, no vehicle is perfect, and the Discovery Sport has some notable shortcomings that potential buyers should consider carefully. The most significant concern for me has always been reliability. While my personal experience with the 2019 model has been largely positive, historical data from J.D. Power gives the Discovery Sport a reliability rating of 72 out of 100, which places it below several key competitors. The 2.0-liter Ingenium engine provides adequate power - 286 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque - but it doesn't feel as refined or responsive as the powertrains in comparable BMW or Audi models. During aggressive acceleration, the engine note becomes somewhat coarse, and there's noticeable turbo lag when you really need immediate power.

Fuel economy is another area where the Discovery Sport falls short of the class leaders. During my testing, I averaged around 21 mpg combined, which is about 15% lower than what you'd get from a comparable BMW X3. The nine-speed automatic transmission sometimes hunts for gears in city driving, creating moments of hesitation that can be frustrating in stop-and-go traffic. Maintenance costs also run higher than average - a routine service will typically cost between $400 and $600, which is substantially more than what you'd pay for a Japanese or American luxury SUV.

What really surprised me during my time with the vehicle was how much I came to appreciate its character despite these flaws. There's a certain charm to the Discovery Sport that's hard to quantify. It feels more adventurous than your typical luxury compact SUV, more willing to venture off the beaten path while still providing the comfort and features expected in this segment. The design, both inside and out, strikes me as more distinctive and less cookie-cutter than many German alternatives. I found myself growing fond of its British quirks and personality.

So, is the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport worth buying? From my perspective, it comes down to what you value most. If your priorities include brand prestige, off-road capability, and distinctive styling, and you're willing to accept higher running costs and potential reliability concerns, then the Discovery Sport presents a compelling case. It's like that promising player who brings unique skills to the game - not necessarily the most statistically perfect performer, but someone who adds character and capability where it counts. For buyers seeking the safest, most reliable choice, there are better options. But for those wanting a luxury SUV with genuine adventure credentials and personality to spare, the Discovery Sport deserves serious consideration, provided you go in with your eyes open about its limitations and secure a solid warranty for peace of mind.