Discovery Sport vs EX30
The Discovery Sport and the EX30 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Expect a close race. The Discovery Sport and the EX30 trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Engine & Performance8.3
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
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The EX30 has 22 hp more power
It’s a small lead (268 hp versus 246 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the EX30. The EX30’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Discovery Sport has 16 lb-ft more torque
The EX30 isn’t far behind at 253 lb-ft, but the Discovery Sport’s 269 lb-ft still comes out ahead. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Each side wins something here. The Discovery Sport offers 16 lb-ft more torque; the EX30 offers 22 hp more power. Pick the strength that fits your routine; that’s the honest answer for engine & performance.
Total system output
Discovery Sport: 246 hp EX30: 268 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Discovery Sport: 269 lb-ft EX30: 253 lb-ft The Discovery Sport’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Discovery Sport and the EX30 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 246 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft (winner) | 253 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 261 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Discovery Sport | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 often drive loaded up or with a trailer (269 lb-ft vs 253 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Land Rover and want to keep things familiar
Choose the EX30 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 246 hp)
- you already use other Volvo products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the EX30?
It depends on your priorities: the Discovery Sport is stronger on pulling power, while the EX30 leads on performance.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Discovery Sport from Land Rover and the EX30 from Volvo. Here’s what matters most to me: the Discovery Sport offers 16 lb-ft more torque. I don’t want to sell the EX30 short, though: it has 22 hp more power.
Think about your week. Heavy on pulling power? The Discovery Sport. More about performance? The EX30.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss pulling power or performance more, then buy the Discovery Sport or the EX30 accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.