Compare the2023 Land Rover DiscoveryVS 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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Both the Discovery and Bronco Sport have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Discovery has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Bronco Sport’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Discovery has a standard 3D Surround Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Bronco Sport only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the Discovery and the Bronco Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Land Rover Discovery weighs 1132 to 1693 pounds more than the Ford Bronco Sport. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The Discovery comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Bronco Sport’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Discovery’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Bronco Sport’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Discovery’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Bronco Sport’s camshafts. If the Bronco Sport’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

Engine

The Discovery’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 115 more horsepower (296 vs. 181) and 105 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 190) than the Bronco Sport’s standard 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder. The Discovery’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 46 more horsepower (296 vs. 250) and 18 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 277) than the Bronco Sport Badlands’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Discovery P360’s optional 3.0 turbo/supercharged 6-cylinder hybrid produces 105 more horsepower (355 vs. 250) and 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 277) than the Bronco Sport Badlands’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Discovery P360 3.0 turbo/supercharged 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Ford Bronco Sport turbo 3 cyl.:

	Discovery	Bronco Sport
Zero to 60 MPH	6.6 sec	9.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	16.8 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

The Discovery has 7.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Bronco Sport (23.8 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Land Rover Discovery higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford Bronco Sport (5 to 7). This means the Discovery produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Bronco Sport every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Discovery’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Bronco Sport:

	Discovery P300	Discovery P360	Bronco Sport
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	14.4 inches	12.1 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	13.8 inches	11.9 inches

The Discovery’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Bronco Sport are solid, not vented.

The Discovery stops shorter than the Bronco Sport:

	Discovery	Bronco Sport
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	172 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Discovery has larger standard tires than the Bronco Sport (255/55R20 vs. 225/65R17). The Discovery’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Bronco Sport (285/40R22 vs. 235/65R17).

The Discovery’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Bronco Sport’s standard 65 series tires. The Discovery’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Bronco Sport’s optional 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Discovery has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Bronco Sport. The Discovery’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the Bronco Sport.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the Discovery uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Bronco Sport, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Discovery has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Bronco Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Discovery has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Discovery’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Discovery’s wheelbase is 10 inches longer than on the Bronco Sport (115.1 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Discovery is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Bronco Sport.

The Discovery R-Dynamic S handles at .76 G’s, while the Bronco Sport Outer Banks pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Discovery R-Dynamic S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Bronco Sport Outer Banks (28.1 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Discovery has a 3.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Bronco Sport Base/Big Bend (11.1 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Discovery to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Discovery’s minimum ground clearance is 2.3 inches higher than on the Bronco Sport (11.1 vs. 8.8 inches).

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the Discovery has standard flush composite headlights. The Bronco Sport has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

Passenger Space

The Discovery has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Bronco Sport can only carry 5.

The Discovery has 2.6 inches more front hip room, 3.1 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear legroom, 2.3 inches more rear hip room and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Bronco Sport.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Discovery’s middle row seats recline. The Bronco Sport’s rear seats don’t recline.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the Discovery when its optional tailgating rear seats are deployed, allowing people to sit facing out of the liftgate. (Do not use while vehicle is in motion.) The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

Cargo Capacity

The Discovery’s cargo area provides more volume than the Bronco Sport.

	Discovery	Bronco Sport
Third Seat Folded	45 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	32.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	74.3 cubic feet	65.2 cubic feet

Pressing a button automatically lowers or raises the Discovery’s second and third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Discovery has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Discovery’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Bronco Sport’s (5925 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Bronco Sport is only 2200 pounds. The Discovery offers up to a 8200 lbs. towing capacity.

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on the Discovery, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Bronco Sport.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Discovery is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Bronco Sport. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional in the Bronco Sport Badlands, the Discovery offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Discovery’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Discovery offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Discovery’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Bronco Sport’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Discovery has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Discovery’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Bronco Sport’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Discovery to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Discovery HSE/Metropolitan offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Discovery’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the Bronco Sport Big Bend/Outer Banks/Badlands.

When the Discovery with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Bronco Sport’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Discovery’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Bronco Sport offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Discovery has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Bronco Sport, and aren’t available on the Bronco Sport Base. The Discovery also offers optional heated second and third row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Bronco Sport.

The Discovery HSE/Metropolitan has standard front air conditioned seats and the Discovery offers them optionally in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Discovery HSE/Metropolitan offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Bronco Sport.

The Discovery has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Bronco Sport and isn’t available on the Bronco Sport Base/Big Bend.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Land Rover Discovery has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Bronco Sport and isn’t available on the Bronco Sport Base.

The Discovery’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer an automated parking system.