If you’re in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV, you'll undoubtedly come across both the Range Rover Evoque and the Discovery Sport in your search. Whilst these are a few similarities, the two cars are aimed at slightly different markets. This guide will help you pick between the two.

What is The Range Rover Evoque?

From the 1970s to the launch of the Evoque, Range Rovers were always full-size SUVs, with the smallest being the Range Rover Sport. In 2011 the Jaguar Land Rover group identified a gap in the market for a smaller car that retains the Range Rover branding and style. 

The Evoque was very popular on release and still is today, 14 years later. It appeals to those looking for the luxury and style of a Range Rover, but who don't need an enormous SUV like the full-size Range Rover.

What is the Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Originally, the Land Rover Discovery was a less agricultural version of the Defender, featuring better bodywork and a more comfortable interior. Over the years, the Discovery evolved into something more akin to the Range Rover but retained its off-road prowess.

The Discovery Sport was launched in 2014, as a replacement for the outgoing Freelander. It was incredibly successful, appealing to those looking for a luxurious yet compact SUV. It stands a good bit smaller than both the Discovery and the Range Rover. 

Size and Dimensions

Both cars are on the larger side, being compact SUVs, check out the table below to compare the two:

From the stats above, we can see the Evoque is smaller in every dimension, with its height being considerably shorter than the discovery. This gives it a much sleeker look, with notably shorter windows in the front and back. 

Interestingly the boot space is very similar on both, despite the Evoque being 240mm shorter. There is also less than a tennis ball's width between them, meaning any parking spot or tight road you navigate will be as difficult in either car.

Hybrid & Electric Options

Both the Evoque and the Discovery Sport have hybrid options, you can have either a petrol or diesel plug-in hybrid. Both engines are derived from BMW units, so should be pretty reliable. 

Engines and Gearboxes

Both cars can be optioned with many of the same engines, with multiple petrol and diesels for both. Starting with the smallest, a 1.5 petrol MHEV powertrain is available giving good economy but mediocre performance, especially in the larger Discovery. The next size up being the 2.0.

If you do longer journeys or tow a trailer, a better option might be the one of the various diesels in the range. The most popular being the 2.0 MHEV, producing 201bhp and a substantial 429Nm of torque. 

As the engines are the same across the models, it's really down to how you plan to use the car, as to which one will suit you best.

Exterior Styling

Whilst the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport are from different sub-brands, the design philosophy is evidently shared. The shape of the headlights, front wings and grille are very similar.

Both cars hit the nail on the head for the luxury SUV segment, with stylish and sleek look accents to the overall look. With its higher roofline, the Discovery Sport does show its roots to a utility vehicle a little more, but not so much to mistake it for anything other than a luxury SUV.

Interior Styling

Inside, both cars share the same steering wheel and infotainment screen. The dashboard and centre console are both evidently from the same designer too. One thing to differentiate is the Evoques' slightly more contoured seats and centre console. 

If buying on the second-hand or nearly new market, you're much more likely to find an Evoque with a coloured interior than the discovery, the latter being almost exclusively supplied in matt black finish.

Reliability and Warranty

If you look at the reliability scores for both cars, there isn’t much between them, both score around the same level, with the Discovery faring slightly better across most categories.

In terms of warranty, both cars come with a 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty, so it would probably serve you well to buy new or nearly new, rather than off-lease unless you have a decent aftermarket warranty. 

Repair costs for Range Rover products are some of the highest of any brand, so bear this in mind when making your decision.

Safety

As you’d expect, both cars received a 5-star NCAP rating at the time of launch. The Evoque’s adult occupancy rating is the only standout rating of the below stats, putting it a good way ahead of the Discovery Sport.

In terms of airbags, collision avoidance and other safety features, there’s nothing between them.

Cost and Value For Money

The Discovery Sport starts at around £43,445 if you configure one direct from Range Rover, you may be able to get a discount on a forecourt car though, especially if you're quick, considering the new reg will be arriving in April.

The Evoque is around the same price, at £43,700, again you could possibly pick up a deal from a main dealer if you’re quick. This puts the cars directly in competition with one another, meaning the decision between the two is based primarily on their looks, practicality and taste.

Both models offer multiple levels of equipment specification, with everything from adaptive cruise control and sunroofs to towing packs and sporty seats on offer. 

The Verdict

If you want an SUV that focuses on style and sleekness, the Evoque is the perfect choice, being the baby in the Range Rover lineup. If off-road capability and load-carrying capacity are the be-all and end-all, the Discovery Sport will offer more in both departments.

Once in the cabin, there’s not much you’ll do to notice the difference, with fit and trim being relatively similar. Ultimately both will offer an incredibly luxurious alternative to the more bare-bones compact SUVs on the market.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.