Range Rover Evoque vs. Land Rover Discovery Sport: which is better?
Land Rover's two most popular SUVs go head-to-head to see which you should buy
Sibling rivalry happens in almost every family, especially in the car world. Whether it's sports cars, hatchbacks or SUVs, most brands have more than one, but in Land Rover's case, it has seven.
Its most popular models are the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque – two cars that have been compared since 2011.
In this comparison video, our editor Sam Sheehan reviews both in terms of style, performance, interior, boot space and reliability.
Evoque vs. Discovery Sport: which has more style?
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Put these mid-size SUVs side-by-side and they look completely different, which is rare for two cars from the same brand.
Instantly, the Range Rover Evoque has a more rounded design than the larger Land Rover Discovery Sport, which has a sportier (hence the name) and more aggressive front end.
It's also taller than the Evoque, which makes it look much larger when they're parked next to each other.
Move round to the back and the story is the same. Being the taller car, the Discovery Sport has a narrower stance and is much like its larger Discovery sibling.
If it's a sportier hatchback design you're after, the stubbier Evoque is for you.
What's it like to drive an Evoque vs. Discovery Sport?
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Get behind the wheel of the luxury Disco Sport and it feels every bit like the SUV it is. You get an upright seating position, plenty of visibility and a comfortable driving experience.
Not all the powertrains available are all-wheel drive (AWD) but all are punchy and capable, especially in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form.
Being Land Rover products, you do get a few off-roading modes on both models, such as Grass, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock Crawl.
Your average owner will probably never flick out of Auto, but it's nice to know the feature is there if you need it.
Jump into the Evoque's hot seat and it feels very similar off the bat, but there are some minor differences to consider.
You sit a bit lower, which gives it more of a hatchback feel, although the views out are still on a par with its taller sibling.
It still has a healthy selection of mild-hybrid petrol, diesel and PHEV engines like the Discovery Sport, which means no buyers won't be left out.
Comparison of the Evoque and Discovery Sport's tech and features
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Inside, both cars fundamentally share the same interior but with some key differences that will also depend on the exact model year you choose.
Both cars get the same lovely mix of leather, metal and wood materials, a large (slightly curved) infotainment display and the same digital instrument cluster that can run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other features include wireless smartphone charging, USB-C chargers, large cupholders and plenty of cabin storage solutions.
Some additions that lift the Evoque above its sibling are – in top-spec HSE trim – an electronically adjustable steering wheel and better-placed window controls that feel more natural to use on the side of the door.
Saying that, you have less room than in the Discovery Sport and fewer phone charging options.
Evoque vs. Discovery Sport dimensions and boot space
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Range Rover Evoque
Length: 4,371mm
Width: 1,904mm
Height: 1,649mm
Boot space: 591 litres
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Length: 4,597mm
Width: 1,920mm
Height: 1,727mm
Boot space: 840 litres
Evoque vs. Discovery Sport: Reliability and safety
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Underneath, these two SUVs are essentially the same car. While Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) products haven't had the best history with reliability, they've been much better in recent years following its acquisition by TATA Motors in 2013.
This is thanks to improved build quality and solid engines, which have become a staple in Land Rover's rugged image.
As far as safety is concerned, both are very safe family cars. Following their most recent Euro NCAP safety tests, both cars scored five out of five.
This is thanks to safety features such as ISOFIX child seat points, an array of parking cameras, plenty of airbags and automatic emergency braking.
Used Range Rover Evoque vs. used Land Rover Discovery Sport: which should I buy?
If you've read the above and still can't quite decide which British SUV is best for you, we can break it down for you:
Land Rover Discovery Sport: Best-suited to families and those with dogs
Range Rover Evoque: Best for those who aspire to live that 'Range Rover' lifestyle
In-depth car reviews:
Read our Range Rover Evoque review
Read our Land Rover Discovery Sport review