After more than a decade on the market, Land Rover Discovery Sport is preparing to leave the lineup. Land Rover has confirmed that production of the compact SUV will end in December 2026, making the 2026 model year the final chapter for a model that first debuted in 2015.

The Discovery Sport was introduced as the successor to the LR2, replacing the second-generation Freelander in many markets. During its 11-year run, the SUV received a major facelift in 2020, bringing updated styling, a new four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain. Since then, however, the model has seen only minor updates as Land Rover shifted its focus toward newer products.

Why is the Discovery Sport disappearing now? Officially, the company says the decision reflects the vehicle's natural product lifecycle as the Halewood factory prepares to build JLR's next generation of models. However, reports suggest another factor may have influenced the move. The European Union's General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) introduces stricter safety requirements, and instead of redesigning the SUV to comply, Land Rover has reportedly chosen to retire it.

Sales also appear to have played a role. After enjoying a strong launch, the Discovery Sport gradually lost momentum and was reportedly Land Rover's slowest-selling model during 2025. Could the investment required to modernize the SUV simply no longer be worthwhile?

Fortunately for fans of compact Land Rovers, a replacement is already on the horizon. The upcoming Defender Sport is expected to fill much of the same market with a more rugged design inspired by the larger Defender. In addition, a new Range Rover GT is also being developed, offering buyers another premium option, although likely at a higher price point. Will these newcomers successfully replace one of Land Rover's longest-running compact SUVs?