You might think a 2.0-litre engine would struggle to pull a car and caravan weighing more than 3.5 tonnes in total, but the Land Rover Discovery Sport‘s engine has power and torque figures to match engines with much larger capacities.
With 369lb ft of pulling power, the Discovery Sport tows from 30-60mph in a brisk 10.9 seconds.
The engine is strong enough for easy hill starts, too, comfortably towing to the top of the 1-in-6 slope.
Braking performance isn’t so impressive, though. Although the brakes felt responsive enough in normal towing, an emergency stop took 11.6 metres – around a metre further than some rivals.
The Discovery Sport is stable at motorway speeds, remaining secure and unflustered at 60mph and beyond. Only in crosswinds did we notice any movements, and even then they were slight and easily controlled.
With or without a caravan behind it, the Discovery Sport’s ride is relatively firm – especially at low speeds. What’s more, it doesn’t handle with the verve of a Jaguar F-Pace, but nonetheless it corners tidily.
Inside the Discovery Sport has space for seven. There’s lots of room in the front of the car, and the driving position will be comfortable for mile after mile.
Those in the middle also have lots of room, although the third row is quite cramped unless the middle seats are slid forward on their runners.
Boot space is good with seats six and seven folded away – we found space for all but one item from our test load of holiday luggage.
The Land Rover’s list price is higher than rivals of similar size with less prestigious badges, but What Car?‘s research shows that healthy discounts are available.