VS
At a Glance
Power
246hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque
269lb-ft @ 1300
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
21 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
4409lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 246hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 21 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $49,900 for the Discovery Sport and $47,640 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Land Rover Discovery SportLandmark 4WD 2026 - From $49,900
Toyota HighlanderXSE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $47,640
Performance
Power Output (hp)
246hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
269lb-ft @ 1300
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
180.9in
197.4in
Width (in)
75in
76in
Height (in)
67.9in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.9in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4035lbs
4420lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4409lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Highlander
Fuel Economy
Highlander
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($47,640)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or Highlander?
The Discovery Sport gets 21 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Discovery Sport or Highlander?
The Discovery Sport produces 246hp @ 5500 and 269lb-ft @ 1300 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Highlander is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and Highlander?
The Discovery Sport starts from $49,900 and the Highlander from $47,640. The Highlander is cheaper by $2,260 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or Highlander?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 4409lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.