After more than 11 years on the market, Land Rover will cease production of the Discovery Sport by December 2026. This decision aligns with the introduction of updated safety regulations in the European Union that the model does not meet.
End of an Era for Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport has been a key model for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) since its UK launch in February 2015. It was once the company’s top-selling SUV globally, with over 122,000 units sold in 2016 alone. However, sales have significantly dropped over the years, with 2025 figures showing less than a tenth of peak sales.
The European Union’s new General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) requires multiple safety features not fitted to the Discovery Sport. While JLR has updated other models to comply, upgrading the Discovery Sport likely isn’t cost-effective due to its age and narrow profit margin.
Implications for Related Models
The Discovery Sport’s production halt raises questions about the Range Rover Evoque, which is built alongside it at JLR’s Halewood plant. Range Rover MD Martin Limpert recently indicated that the Evoque has no immediate plans for discontinuation and highlighted recent updates, including a refresh two and a half years ago and special editions like the Belgravia and Hoxton.
Limpert noted the company’s efforts to focus on electrifying flagship models like the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, along with launching the new Range Rover GT. This new model, built on JLR’s EMA platform, is expected to enter production as the Discovery Sport phases out.
Looking Ahead: Defender Sport and New Models
The Discovery Sport will likely exit orders in European markets soon, though it’s unclear when it will fully leave the UK market, where GSR2 compliance is not mandatory.
It is expected the new Range Rover GT will fill some of the market space left by the Discovery Sport. Additionally, the upcoming Land Rover Defender Sport, anticipated next year, could serve as a successor for both the Evoque and Discovery Sport given its size and market positioning.
Production of the Discovery Sport’s more traditional sibling, the larger Land Rover Discovery, is also expected to end as it approaches a decade since its launch.
More details about JLR’s future model lineup and transition plans will likely emerge as the Discovery Sport’s retirement nears.
Source: autocar.co.uk