2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Stuck between wanting luxury polish and practical savings? That's the core dilemma pitting the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport against the 2025 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander offers substantial monetary advantages upfront, starting at $40,320 compared to the Land Rover’s $48,900—a difference of $8,580. This initial cost saving is amplified by running costs, as the Highlander achieves 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded, significantly better than the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating. Power delivery varies too; while the Discovery Sport offers 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, the Highlander pushes out a more potent 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, despite its FWD setup. Physically, the Highlander is substantially longer at 194.9 inches versus the Land Rover's 180.9 inches. However, surprisingly, the Land Rover boasts nearly double the primary cargo space, offering 32.2 cu ft to the Highlander’s 16 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport provides significantly more usable standard cargo space at 32.2 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander appeals more to the enthusiast due to its higher output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander represents better value, saving buyers $8,580 at the MSRP and offering better fuel economy.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize carrying capacity, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You need standard All-Wheel Drive for challenging road conditions.
- You prefer the smooth shifting characteristics of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Highlander saves you $8,580 off the starting MSRP.
- Maximizing fuel range is critical, given its 25 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a vehicle with more immediate power, rated at 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 194.9" |
| Width | - | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 336.3/407.1 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 380W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Antenna Type | Diversity | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 8.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Size | N/A | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
What is the primary trade-off between the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The main trade-off involves luxury versus economics. The Discovery Sport starts $8,580 higher ($48,900 vs $40,320) but offers more cargo volume at 32.2 cu ft, whereas the Highlander saves money and fuel efficiency.
Which vehicle offers better daily driving efficiency?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined, which is 5 MPG better than the Discovery Sport’s 20 MPG combined rating.
Does the Land Rover Discovery Sport have better performance specifications?
While the Discovery Sport has 246 hp, the Highlander actually edges it out with 265 hp and significantly more torque at 310 lb-ft, compared to the Land Rover's 269 lb-ft.
How do the size differences impact practicality?
The Highlander is substantially longer at 194.9 inches, but the Land Rover's design maximizes vertical storage, giving it 32.2 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
Are both SUVs capable in poor weather based on their drive systems?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it an immediate advantage in slick conditions over the standard Front Wheel Drive setup of the Toyota Highlander.
Can both cars use cheaper fuel?
Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel costs.
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