Discovery vs. Discovery Sport: What’s the Difference?

The  Discovery is a full-size, three-row SUV with up to 355 hp and 8,200 lbs of towing capacity, while the Discovery Sport is a compact SUV that seats five standard (seven optional) with 246 hp and 4,409 lbs of towing capacity. That’s the core of the Discovery vs. Discovery Sport decision.

At Findlay Land Rover Las Vegas, our team helps drivers throughout the Las Vegas Valley, Henderson, and Summerlin match the right Discovery model to their family and driving needs every week. This guide breaks down the size, power, seating, and price differences so you can walk into our showroom already knowing which one fits your life.

Key Points: Discovery vs. Discovery Sport

• The Discovery is the bigger, more powerful choice. With up to 355 hp and an 8,200-lb towing capacity, it’s built for families who need three full rows and serious hauling power.
• The Discovery Sport is the accessible entry point. Starting at $49,900 MSRP, it delivers off-road engineering in a smaller, easier-to-park footprint.
• Both share the same go-anywhere DNA. Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control come standard on both models, so neither one compromises on capability.

2026 Discovery vs. Discovery Sport: At a Glance

Not every Las Vegas driver needs the same amount of SUV. Here’s how the two models stack up before we go deeper on each one.

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail and exclude destination/handling, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Contact Findlay Land Rover Las Vegas for current availability and pricing.

A few things stand out once you see them side by side. The Discovery Sport can seat just as many passengers as the Discovery when you add the optional third row, even though it starts about $15,000 lower. The Discovery, meanwhile, carries more than 100 extra horsepower and nearly double the towing capacity, numbers that matter if you’re hauling a boat to Lake Mead or a trailer full of gear. For a straightforward daily commute around the Las Vegas Valley, either model handles the job easily. The difference shows up on the weekends.

What Is the Discovery?

The  Discovery is a full-size, three-row luxury SUV built as the flagship of the Discovery family. It seats seven passengers standard, a rarity in this segment where a third row is often an afterthought or a costly add-on. 

Under the hood, a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid engine produces up to 355 horsepower and gets the Discovery from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 6.2 seconds. Towing capacity reaches up to 8,200 lbs, backed by Advanced Tow Assist for trailers and horse boxes alike. Starting MSRP is $64,900. The Discovery is built for families who need every seat filled and still want room to tow.

What Is the Discovery Sport?

The Discovery Sport is the compact SUV in the lineup, built for drivers who want capability without the larger footprint or price tag. Five seats come standard, with an optional Third Row package that brings capacity up to seven. 

Power comes from a single 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (P250) producing 246 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in an estimated 7.3 seconds. Towing tops out at 4,409 lbs. Starting MSRP is $49,900, more than $15,000 below the Discovery. The Discovery Sport is the easier vehicle to park in a Summerlin garage or a downtown parking structure.

Discovery vs. Discovery Sport: Performance and Capability

Horsepower is where the two models separate most clearly. The Discovery’s 3.0L inline-six produces up to 355 hp, compared to 246 hp from the Discovery Sport’s 2.0L four-cylinder. That gap carries over to towing. The Discovery can pull up to 8,200 lbs, nearly double the Discovery Sport’s 4,409-lb rating. 

Neither model skimps on off-road engineering, though. Both come standard with Terrain Response 2, which adjusts the vehicle’s settings for the terrain ahead, and All Terrain Progress Control, which manages traction on sand, mud, or loose gravel without constant driver input. For desert trails around Red Rock Canyon or a snowy morning on Mount Charleston, both SUVs are equipped to handle it. The Discovery just does it with more muscle in reserve.

Discovery vs. Discovery Sport: Space, Seating, and Family Features

Seating capacity is the most visible difference between these two SUVs. The Discovery comes with seven seats standard, while the Discovery Sport seats five standard and requires the optional Third Row package to reach seven. 

As the larger of the two vehicles, the Discovery also offers more cargo room behind the third row for strollers, sports gear, or a Costco run. Both models share plenty of the same family-friendly tech, including wireless device charging, USB-C ports, Meridian sound systems, and ClearSight Ground View, which shows the terrain hidden beneath the hood on tight trails or tricky parking spots.

Which Is Right for You: Discovery or Discovery Sport?

The right choice comes down to how your family actually drives, not just what looks good in the driveway.

• Need three full rows for carpools or extended family trips: The Discovery’s standard seven-seat layout handles it without an add-on package.
• Towing a boat, trailer, or camper regularly: The Discovery’s 8,200-lb towing capacity gives you more margin.
• Want capability in a smaller, easier-to-park SUV: The Discovery Sport covers daily driving and weekend trips without the larger footprint.
• Budget matters as much as badge: The Discovery Sport’s $49,900 starting MSRP is over $15,000 less than the Discovery’s.

Explore the Discovery Lineup at Findlay Land Rover Las Vegas

Both the Discovery and Discovery Sport are available at Findlay Land Rover Las Vegas, located at 6425 W Roy Horn Way in Las Vegas, NV 89118, serving drivers throughout the Las Vegas Valley, Henderson, and Summerlin. Our team can walk you through the differences in person and help you figure out which one actually fits your life.

Browse our current Discovery inventory online, or stop by for a test drive. The best way to settle the Discovery vs. Discovery Sport question is behind the wheel of both.