Discovery Sport vs EC40
Two brands, one target. The Discovery Sport from Land Rover and the EC40 from Volvo compete head to head for subcompact luxury suv shoppers. Expect a close race. The Discovery Sport and the EC40 trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance EC40 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Engine & Performance8.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The EC40 has 41 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The EC40 lists 310 lb-ft for torque, while the Discovery Sport lists 269 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
EC40 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the EC40 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The EC40 pulls ahead with 41 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. The engine & performance verdict goes to the EC40.
Torque
Discovery Sport: 269 lb-ft EC40: 310 lb-ft The EC40’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 246 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg Thirstiest in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 298 mi Longest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EC40 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Discovery Sport if…
- you already use other Land Rover products
Choose the EC40 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 269 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Volvo
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the EC40?
On the specs compared here, the EC40 makes more sense for most buyers; the Discovery Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Discovery Sport against the EC40 is exactly that. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the EC40 brings 41 lb-ft more torque.
If your days lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, I’d pick the Discovery Sport; if they lean on engine & performance, the EC40.
My pick: the EC40.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.