Are the Discovery and the Discovery Sport the same car?

[RubyDella]

The Discovery and the Discovery Sport are not the same car. The differences between the Discovery and the Discovery Sport are as follows: Differences in the four-wheel drive system: The four-wheel drive systems of the Discovery Sport and the Discovery are different. The Discovery Sport, which shares the same platform, continues the difference in the rear axle RDU unit structure. Simply put, the Discovery model can actively distribute power between the left and right rear wheels, while the RDU of the Discovery Sport does not have this capability. Therefore, theoretically, the Discovery model has stronger off-road capabilities. (Some domestic versions can also be equipped with this more powerful four-wheel drive system as an option.) Differences in configuration: Although the differences between the Discovery and the Discovery Sport are not significant, there are still some differences in configuration, with the imported versions of the same model having higher configurations. Despite having a wheelbase of only 2741mm, the Discovery Sport still offers a third row with two seats. At the same time, the second-row seats can move forward and backward by 160mm, making it easier for passengers to access the third row. The third-row seats in the HSE Luxury imported version are optional, while they are standard in the domestic version.

[VanAurora]

I have a say in this matter. Just last week, I accompanied a friend to a Land Rover 4S store to look at cars. I found out that the Discovery and the Discovery Sport are not the same model at all! The full name of the Discovery Sport is Discovery Sport, and it's smaller than the standard Discovery. Simply put, the Discovery Sport is the younger sibling of the Discovery, with a more urban and daily-use orientation. The rear seats are spacious enough to cross your legs, but the trunk is noticeably smaller than the Discovery. Last year when I test-drove the Discovery, its body-on-frame chassis made going over speed bumps feel robust, while the Discovery Sport’s unibody chassis is more suited for school runs. The salesperson said the Discovery competes with models like the X5, while the Discovery Sport is over 100,000 RMB cheaper.

[McEmma]

I used to think these two were the same model until I saw the generations of Land Rovers in the car museum and realized the truth. The Freelander's full name is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, essentially the entry-level model of the Discovery family. The Discovery has featured a ladder-frame chassis since its first generation in 1989, built to withstand off-road challenges. The Freelander, introduced in 2014, bears the Discovery badge but has a road-tuned chassis structure. It’s like the relationship between a flagship phone and its 'Lite' version—the Discovery can climb a 45-degree slope with its low-range four-wheel drive, while the Freelander’s limited-slip differential mainly prevents skidding. If you ask me, go for the Discovery if you want serious off-road capability, but the Freelander is the right choice for fuel-efficient commuting.

[VonFinn]

Those who've played Forza Horizon will understand—it's like the relationship between the AMG GT and AMG A45. The Discovery Sport is essentially the 'youth edition' of the Discovery lineup, smaller in size but sharing similar design language. The 2019 facelifted Discovery Sport intentionally enlarged its grille to look more like the Discovery from a distance, but the difference becomes obvious once you drive them: the Discovery Sport's 2.0T feels nimble in the city, while the Discovery's 3.0T is a must for serious off-roading like Tibet trips—its transfer case can triple the torque output. Once when I got stuck on grassland, a local herder in a Discovery pulled out my Discovery Sport, and even the tow hook positions were 15cm apart!

[Riley]

As a father of two who's thoroughly experienced both vehicles, here's the real deal. The Discovery Sport (Freelander) has a 2741mm wheelbase - its third row is so cramped even the family dog refuses to sit there. The Discovery stretches that to 2923mm. Last week's camping trip exposed the difference - after loading tents, the Freelander had no space for the cooler, while the Discovery swallowed even the barbecue grill. Powertrain-wise, the Freelander uses a transverse-mounted 2.0L with 48V mild hybrid, whereas the Discovery's longitudinally-mounted 3.0L straight-six delivers completely different throttle response on inclines. Now I understand why the top-trim Freelander costs the same as the base Discovery.