Land rover Discovery sport problems
The Land Rover Discovery Sport (internal code L550) is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by British automotive company Jaguar Land Rover since 2014, under their Land Rover marque, and since 2017 their best-selling model.
Introduced in late 2014, it replaces the Freelander in a revised Land Rover range of vehicles, with Discovery joining Range Rover as a sub-brand. Contrary to its predecessor, the slightly larger car is also available in a seven seat layout.
The pre-facelift Discovery Sport is based on the JLR D8/LR-MS platform, customised for off-road applications, and is powered by a range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. It is the first Discovery introduced with a unibody structure.
Land Rover described the facelifted Discovery Sport as being based on the JLR PTA platform, a rebrand of the D8. It is also used by the Jaguar E-Pace and L551 version of Range Rover Evoque.
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Land rover Discovery sport model years
Common Land rover Discovery sport problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, common problems with this car include:
- Suspension Problems:
- Some owners have faced issues with the suspension, leading to rattling or knocking sounds while driving on bumpy roads. This can indicate suspension issues that may require expensive repairs. It is recommended to listen for these sounds during a test drive.
- Interior Quality Concerns:
- Complaints about squeaks, rattles, and other interior quality issues have been reported. These issues, although seemingly minor, can be challenging to resolve. If the interior quality is a concern during a test drive, it may not be an easy fix.
- High CO2 Levels:
- Certain Discovery Sport models built within specific date ranges could produce higher CO2 levels than normal. However, this issue can typically be resolved with a software update during routine servicing.
- Fuel System Problems:
- Issues like an insecure locking ring for the fuel pump, seatbelt pretensioner malfunctions, electrical short circuits, and fuel leaks have been reported. These problems require attention from a Land Rover dealer to ensure proper inspection and repair if necessary.
- Reliability Concerns:
- The Land Rover Discovery Sport has historically ranked low in reliability surveys, with faults reported in areas such as air conditioning, engine electrics, engine, and bodywork. While most issues were fixed for free, some repairs cost significant amounts, impacting the overall ownership experience.
By addressing these common problems, potential buyers of a Land Rover Discovery Sport can make informed decisions and be aware of the issues they might encounter with this vehicle.
Are Land Rover Discovery Sport reliable?
Owners reported faults with 36% of Discovery Sports, with air-con and engine electrics issues the most common, followed by engine and bodywork. Three-quarters of cars were fixed for free, but 5% cost £1000 or more. Most cars remained driveable, but 20% took more than a week to repair.
How long will a Land Rover Discovery Sport last?
What is Land Rover Discovery Sport lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Land Rover Discovery Sport is 122,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Does Land Rover Discovery have problems?
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery received a reliability score of 72/100 from J.D. Power, and older models have similar ratings. Common problems of the Land Rover Discovery include rear cargo door latch failure, leaking head gaskets, and leaks in the throttle body de-icer.
Is a Land Rover Discovery Sport expensive to maintain?
Land Rover Discovery Sport Repair & Maintenance Costs
The annual maintenance cost of a Land Rover Discovery Sport is $1,780. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop. The Land Rover Discovery Sport has 0 reported problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Land rover Discovery sport years
We have researched Land rover problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Land rover Discovery sport cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Land rover Discovery sport model years:
- Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Land rover Discovery sport 2021
- Land rover Discovery sport 2015
- Land rover Discovery sport 2016
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Land rover Discovery sport model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Land rover Discovery sport years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Land rover Discovery sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Land rover Discovery sport , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Land rover Discovery sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Discovery sport model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Discovery sport model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Discovery sport model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Land rover Discovery sport . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Land rover Discovery sport vehicles.
List of Land rover Discovery sport complaints
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: SALCR2FX8KH
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: Left rear Door Latching Mechanism. While the vehicle was in motion/operation the left rear door flew open. also there was no warning indication on the dashboard that the door had become open. the driver and the rear passenger who was sitting in the right rear could of been seriously injured. There are bulletins about this happening with other Land Rover and Jaguar Products. Vehicle is at the Dealership having the defect part replaced. NO.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: SALCR2FX6KH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 08/19/24 Monday Time: 3:05 pm Picking up daughter from school car completely stop while driving around traffic, started beeping, shift gear knob went down on its own and car stopped in front of school traffic almost causing an accident where I could have been hit. No warning symbol came on or anything. 08/15/24 Thursday Time: 5:45-5:50 Wife was on her way to work and was on the feeder about to be getting on the freeway and car did the same thing almost causing an accident with her over the same issue. This has happened a few time’s already and truly fear for my families life and mine as well.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
- VIN: SALCJ2FX4LH
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Roof side rail bars flew off when on the freeway. Car parts should not be flying off a car if made correctly could have hit another car causing an accident. No warning messages. Has not been inspected but have pictures.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-20
- VIN: SALCR2FX8KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. A charging system fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V694000 (Electrical System). The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,008.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-05
- VIN: SALCP2FX5LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: When at a stop, the car Idles rough first, then gives a message about re-engaging a gear to maneuver before shutting down completely. I have to turn the car completely off and start again. Happens randomly.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-09
- VIN: SALCP2FX2LH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: When trying to accelerate at a light turning left while on coming traffic is coming tries to accelerate and car didn’t want to move. Took foot off the gas and didn’t again. The car finally moved if not there is a potential accident. Also went up a street on hill. Turned right and stop sign right away. Pressed gas to accelerate on my turn at the four stop and couldn’t go. Released the gas pressed again and I can go.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-05
- VIN: SALCP2FX3KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While waiting at a light in 2022 our 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport did not allow gear shift movement warning showed Gearbox alert we had to turn the car off & sit in the middle of traffic. It finally allowed gearshift to work & we then took it to Land Rover in Frisco,TX. Dealership permanently turned off the automatic auto stop/start function & stated they fixed the issue. Now in 2023 we have the same alert with ATPC with no stabilization & gearbox problems.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-03
- VIN: SALCR2FXXKH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When traveling the car does not accelerate properly sometimes losing power. Feels like engine might turn off. But removing foot from accelerator (gas pedal), then reapply, gets engine to respond, but very slowly. No warning messages.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-12
- VIN: SALCP2FX1KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When traveling the car does not accelerate properly sometimes losing power.
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-19
- VIN: SALCR2FX8KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Unable to lock vehicle due to hood sensor going bad. Even if we disable still not able to lock the car which if was my only car and I went to the store you couldn’t go to another store and make sure your groceries are safe. Try to lock the car and the alarm goes off at random hours
Land rover Discovery sport 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-19
- VIN: SALCR2FX6KH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Rear hatch body welds have failed causing a rattle. The dealership took it apart and placed some foam and sound deadening material. But I was told if the problem was to reoccur, I would have to take it to a body shop.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SALCP2FX9LH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
Land rover Discovery sport 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-24
- VIN: SALCJ2FX6MH
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The ignition does not turn on or the car will not power on with the key. The car has been at the dealership for a month and they have been unable to repair what is clearly an electronic problem with the vehicle. The power button in the ignition does not power up and the vehicle does not start.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-26
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-26
- VIN: Salct2fx9lh
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The blind spot monitoring system randomly turns itself off. I don’t always notice it but multiple times, I’ve gone to change lanes only to realize there’s a car in my blind spot but the BSM system isn’t on anymore.
Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-27
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: salcj2fxxlh
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: when our car got rear ended at 50 mph the PLASTIC rear bumper did nothing to help us as it shattered and became a projectile in a crash please tell land rover to replace it with a metal bumper
Latest 5 recalls Land rover Discovery sport
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Land rover Discovery sport.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Land rover Discovery sport 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-08-26
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
- Model: Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Report Received Date: 2021-08-26
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
- Model: Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-03
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020 Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument cluster to randomly alternate the speedometer and odometer units between Miles Per Hour (MPH) and Kilometers Per Hour (KM/H) without driver input to the display unit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Consequence: The changing displays may cause driver distraction or confusion and possibly result in excessive speed, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N516.
- Model: Land rover Discovery sport 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-11-05
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque MHEV vehicles. The 48 volt electrical system may experience an overload event, causing a failure of the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) and result in a DCDC converter electrical short-circuit.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owners are advised to exit the vehicle when it is parked and park outside away from buildings or structures until the repair is complete. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Land Rover's number for this recall is N503.
- Model: Land rover Discovery sport 2018
- Report Received Date: 2018-02-01
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Land Rover Discover Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L gasoline engine. The fuel rail end caps may leak, possibly resulting in fuel vapor or liquid fuel leaking into the engine bay.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began on March 8, 2018. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N138.
Latest negative Land rover Discovery sport car reviews
Latest positive Land rover Discovery sport car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2018
This vehicle is truly exceptional. The motor is incredibly strong, with only a slight turbo lag that was easily adjusted to. While it is picky about fuel, requiring premium, it performs admirably, with no adverse effects on performance. The adaptive lighting is simply phenomenal. On a 5500 mile trip, including some off-roading and speeds of up to 110 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, we averaged an impressive 24.7 mpg with 4 adults, 1 child in a car seat, and all of our luggage. This vehicle outperformed every other on the high altitude mountain roads. While the navigation system could use some improvement, we saved a ton by purchasing this vehicle used with only 9k miles on it. I would definitely consider owning another if the price was right. While longevity remains to be seen, I have no doubt that this vehicle will continue to perform exceptionally well.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I own a Discovery Sport and have experienced significant turbo lag. This can be dangerous when pulling into traffic or changing lanes and has almost caused accidents on multiple occasions. The delay in acceleration can be frustrating and unpredictable, leading to sudden jerks when the turbo finally engages. It is important to address this issue for the safety of all drivers on the road.
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Vehicle year: 2017
It hasn't been perfect, but overall, I absolutely love my car! There have been a few electronic issues, such as the rear mirror dip feature and the SIM card needing service, but despite that, it's a fabulous car. It's beautiful without being too flashy and it's truly an ideal vehicle.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I never thought I would be driving a Discovery Sport, until I actually got behind the wheel of one. When I went to Land Rover, I had intended to test drive the Evoque, but as soon as I saw the white and black Discovery Sport, I was sold. Despite hearing about some issues with the Discovery, I found that none of the complaints were true. I experienced no trouble with acceleration or rough starts, and any questions or concerns I had were promptly addressed by the salesperson. During the test drive, which lasted over 2 hours in the pouring rain, I was impressed by the vehicle's incredible response to the road. I wanted to see how it would perform in bad weather, and it did not disappoint. I am absolutely thrilled with my Discovery Sport.
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Vehicle year: 2019
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on the car I recently drove. While I loved the car's appearance, I did have a bit of trouble with the seatbelt. It wasn't adjustable and cut across my neck, which was a bit annoying. Additionally, I found the navigation system a bit difficult to work with. However, I must say that the car was excellent during the snowy winter in NH! Overall, it was a great experience.
Are you having problems with your Land rover Discovery sport?
Uriah Goldner 2025-04-10
Vehicle year: 2019
I bought this car for my wife, hoping it would be a great vehicle, given that it's a Land Rover. Unfortunately, it hasn't lived up to our expectations. It's quite an expensive car for what it offers. We've had some issues with the air conditioner, which started presenting problems with just 2K miles on the odometer. We took it to the shop and it took 3 days to fix. Unfortunately, the same problem occurred again at 4K miles, and we had to take it back to the shop for another 3 days. The same thing happened again at 6K miles, which was very frustrating. However, we haven't had any problems since then, and the car has now reached 8K miles. The motor is a bit weak, and the gear change is slow. The entertainment interface could be improved, and the trunk space is quite small. The 3rd row seats are cramped, so we don't use them. The safety sensors surrounding the car go off all the time, even when there's nothing close to the car. Overall, we feel that this car needs a major makeover to be worth the money. There are much better options out there for this price range. We can't wait for the lease to end so that we can move on to something else.
Stephon Kirlin 2025-04-01
Vehicle year: 2019
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with this car that I've been driving for about 10 months now. While it's definitely a luxury SUV with a price tag of close to $50K with some options, I personally don't think it quite lives up to the luxury label. The transmission has been a bit of an issue for me - it's quite jerky and even my passengers have noticed it. I've taken it to the dealership a few times, but unfortunately, the issue persists. Additionally, the inside technology feels a bit dated to me. The GPS system in particular looks and feels a bit archaic and has some bugs. I'm also not a huge fan of the user interface. Lastly, the gas mileage isn't great - I'm getting about 11-14 mpg during city driving, but I can get it up to about 25 on the highway. Overall, I think this car has some room for improvement, but it's still a decent option. Thanks for listening!
Nicolas Wilderman 2025-03-13
Vehicle year: 2018
I have owned this car for some time now and have put about 16,000 miles on it. I must say, I fell in love with the way the car looks, its road presence and general cache. However, I have noticed that the actual gas mileage is not as good as I expected, about 15mpg mixed driving. I believe an NA V6 would get better mileage on a car of this size. On the bright side, the engine does have good torque and get up when the transmission is not getting in its own way so that you can merge or fight to the death on the 405 in intermittent traffic. The interior is very clean and no fuss, which I like, but it is a bit annoying. Since most things are digital, you have to pull your eyes off of the road to get anything done on the screen. I realize this is a trend going forward, but it is making people worse drivers, including myself in this confounded thing. Although the interior quality is not up to par for a car of this price, it still has its own charm. Its on the level of older Korean cars, no joke. However, I must admit that EVERYTHING squeaks, rattles or bangs. The center console creaks every time I accelerate, the rear bench rattles and squeaks on everything but the absolute smoothest road and the tailgate creaks over every speed bump or small rock. Despite these issues, I still believe that it is by far the best looking small SUV on the road. Overall, it has its flaws, but it still has its own unique appeal.
Jedediah Hand 2025-03-12
Vehicle year: 2018
I bought this car for my wife, hoping it would be a great vehicle, given that it's a Land Rover. Unfortunately, it hasn't lived up to our expectations. It's quite an expensive car for what it offers. We've had some issues with the air conditioner, which started presenting problems with just 2K miles on the odometer. We took it to the shop and it took 3 days to fix. Unfortunately, the same problem occurred again at 4K miles, and we had to take it back to the shop for another 3 days. The same thing happened again at 6K miles, which was very frustrating. However, we haven't had any problems since then, and the car has now reached 8K miles. The motor is a bit weak, and the gear change is slow. The entertainment interface could be improved, and the trunk space is quite small. The 3rd row seats are cramped, so we don't use them. The safety sensors surrounding the car go off all the time, even when there's nothing close to the car. Overall, we feel that this car needs a major makeover to be worth the money. There are much better options out there for this price range. We can't wait for the lease to end so that we can move on to something else.
Heber Reynolds 2025-03-11
Vehicle year: 2019
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We really appreciate your feedback on the style, size, and overall appearance of the Discovery Sport. However, we understand your concerns about the SE version and the lack of safety features and driver assist technology. We want to make sure that our customers feel safe and secure while driving our vehicles. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We also appreciate your feedback on the interior and pricing of the vehicle. We will take this into consideration for future improvements. We hope that you will consider the Discovery Sport again in the future, and we would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Thank you again for your valuable feedback!