2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review

Detailed Review

The Land Rover Discovery Sport has been in production since 2014 for two generations. The first generation also known as the L550 was in production from 2014 to 2019. The second generation which is known as the L551 has been in production from 2019 to present.

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery comes with four engine options; the 2.0 L Ingenium petrol engine, the 2.0L Si4 petrol engine, the 2.0 L Ingenium diesel engine, and the 2.0L TD4 engine. All of them are connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport Grades

1. 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE- This is the base grade that comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, heated power-folding outside mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, partial leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, keyless ignition, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, front parking sensors, front fog lights and a powered tailgate, with an under-bumper sensor.
2. 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE- This grade comes with 19-inch wheels, second-row climate control vents, Xenon headlights with LED daytime lights and high-beam assistant, a rearview camera, an upgraded Meridian sound system, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
3. 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Luxury- This is the top grade that comes with 20-inch wheels; unique exterior trim; upgraded leather upholstery, trim and carpeting, an 11-speaker stereo with satellite and HD radio, configurable mood lighting, a heated steering wheel, parking assistance, extra USB connections, and In Control App functions.

Interior, Legroom and Space

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport features a stylish and luxurious interior design that gives you a premium feel. The dashboard is laid out in a clean and simple manner, with a central touchscreen display that controls many of the vehicle’s functions.

The first-row seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of leg and headroom for both the driver and the passenger. In the second-row seats are also comfortable and can be slid forward and back to increase legroom. The optional third-row seats are best suited for children or small adults.

Cabin Storage

The 2016 Discovery Sport offers a variety of cabin storage options for drivers and passengers. In the first row, there are two cup holders, a deep center console, a large glove compartment, and door pockets. In the second-row seats, there is a center armrest with a storage compartment, cupholders, and seatback pockets.

Boot Space

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers generous boot space for a compact luxury SUV. With all seats in place, the Discovery Sport has a boot space of 32.7 cubic feet which can expand up to 66.9 cubic feet if you fold down the rear seats. The rear seats have a 40/20/40 split-folding design, which allows for various configurations depending on the amount and size of cargo.

The boot also features a flat load floor, making it easier to load and unload larger items. There are other storage compartments located under the boot floor, providing extra space for smaller items. Additionally, the Discovery Sport has a power-operated tailgate which is useful especially when your hands are full of cargo.

Exterior

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport has a sleek exterior design that blends the ruggedness of a traditional SUV with modern styling cues. It has a bold and imposing front grille with a honeycomb pattern which gives it a commanding presence on the road.

The Discovery Sport has a strong beltline and a sloping roofline that give it a sporty appearance from the side.

The Discovery Sport’s rear end is tapered, with a high-mounted spoiler and a large tailgate. The rear bumper features a diffuser and twin exhaust tips.

Safety Features: Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Drive Condition Monitor, Hill descent control, roll stability control, dynamic stability control, traction control, airbags, pedestrian airbags, knee airbags, side curtain airbags and thorax airbags.

Fuel Consumption

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L petrol Ingenium engine fuel consumption: 10.2km/l (on average)

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L Si4 petrol engine fuel consumption: 11.6km/l (on average)

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L diesel Ingenium engine fuel consumption: 15km/l (on average)

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L TD4 diesel engine fuel consumption: 14.5km/l (on average)

Acceleration

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L petrol engine accelerates from 0- 100 km/h in 8.2 secs

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L Si4 petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8 secs

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L diesel engine accelerates from 0- 100km/h in 8.9 secs

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L TD4 diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.3 secs

Fuel Tank Capacity: 68.5 litres

Ground clearance: The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. This is an excellent ground clearance that makes it suitable for all driving conditions in Kenya be it on-road or off-road.

Stability and Handling

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport has excellent stability both on and off-road thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and advanced technology features. It features the Terrain Response system, which allows drivers to select different driving modes depending on the terrain they are driving on including grass, gravel, mud, and sand. This system adjusts the vehicle’s stability and traction control, as well as the transmission, to optimize performance in various driving conditions.

The 2016 Discovery Sport also boasts the All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system, which is a low-speed cruise control system designed for off-road use. This system helps to maintain a steady speed on difficult terrain, allowing the driver to focus on steering and maneuvering.

Additionally, it has Electronic Traction Control that helps to prevent wheelspin by reducing engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels as needed.

However, the steering can feel quite heavy at times, especially when driving at low speed or when maneuvering corners. It also has a slight delay in responsiveness when accelerating from a stop.

Service Intervals

Minor Service – Done at 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil

Major Service – Done at 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to Buy

A few years back, Discovery Sport spare parts were expensive and not easily available in Kenya. Things have significantly improved with the parts now being cheaper and easier to find. On the other hand, body parts such as headlights can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. For a list of spare part prices and dealers in Kenya, follow this link.

Reliability

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport is considered to have less reliability as compared to other SUVs in its class. Some of the commonly reported problems include transmission, fuel system, and electrical system issues.

Some owners have also reported suspension problems, including issues with the vehicle’s shocks and struts. Additionally, there have been reports of fuel system problems.

It’s worth noting that, while some owners have reported these issues, many others have had no issues with their Discovery Sport. Regular care and maintenance can help prevent these issues just like any other type of vehicle. We recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

 Resale Value: Average

Competitors:  The Audi Q5, Mercedes Benz GLC, Lexus NX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3

What We Like

• Handsome looks
• Versatility

What we don’t Like

• Transmission issues
• Poor reliability

Conclusion

The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a solid choice for those who prioritize a versatile SUV that can handle both on and off-road driving, luxury features, and a comfortable ride. However, its high maintainable cost may not be ideal for buyers without deep pockets.