2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport bursts onto the scene embodying refined British capability, featuring 246 hp and a commanding AWD stance, appealing to those prioritizing traditional premium feel. Contrasting this, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid throws down a technological gauntlet with 268 hp and impressive efficiency, offering a 32-mile all-electric range. The price gap is substantial; the Land Rover starts at $48,900, nearly $8,825 more than the Tucson's $40,075 entry price. While the Land Rover offers slightly better maximum cargo space at 32.2 cu ft versus 31.9 cu ft, the Tucson dominates fuel economy, achieving 35 combined MPG compared to the Land Rover's 20 combined MPG. This comparison pits established luxury engineering against cutting-edge hybrid value, demanding a decision based on budget versus brand prestige.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins due to its vastly superior fuel economy of 35 combined MPG, dramatically lowering running costs for daily travel.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers a slightly taller profile and established brand appeal for families prioritizing traditional premium crossover presence.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Despite having slightly less horsepower, the Tucson's immediate electric torque delivery and higher total output of 268 hp offer a more modern, punchy driving dynamic.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Hyundai saves buyers $8,825 upfront and offers substantial long-term savings through its superior MPG ratings.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You strongly desire the inherent capability and prestige associated with the Land Rover brand.
- You require a slightly taller vehicle profile (67.9 inches high) for perceived on-road ruggedness.
- You prefer the consistent performance delivery of a traditional gasoline engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Minimizing fuel costs is paramount, leveraging the 35 combined MPG efficiency.
- You commute less than 32 miles daily and can maximize utility with the pure electric range.
- You want a higher output engine (268 hp) while saving $8,825 on the initial purchase price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 182.7" |
| Width | - | 73.4" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm | 271 lb-ft |
| 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 336.3/407.1 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 80/73 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 77 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 32 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 44 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 2.0 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.6 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 | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | N/A | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
How does the driving experience differ between the 246 hp Land Rover and the 268 hp Hyundai?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport provides a classic, rugged AWD feel utilizing a 9-speed automatic setup. Conversely, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers immediate torque thanks to its electric motor, potentially feeling quicker off the line despite a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Is the efficiency difference between the two vehicles significant for long-distance drivers?
Yes, the gap is massive; the Tucson manages 35 combined MPG, whereas the Land Rover achieves only 20 combined MPG, meaning the Tucson will cost significantly less per mile on extended road trips.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for cargo?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is nominally larger inside, offering 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft, though both are closely matched in utility.
What is the initial cost penalty for choosing the premium brand?
Selecting the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport incurs a $8,825 price premium over the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid's MSRP.
Can the Hyundai fully cover short city errands without using gasoline?
The 2026 Tucson is capable of driving up to 32 miles purely on electricity before the gas engine is required, perfect for zero-emission local travel.
Do both vehicles offer the same drivetrain capabilities?
Both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive, meaning both possess sure-footed traction for varying road conditions.
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