Land Rover Discovery Sport production to end in 2026

Land Rover will end production of the Discovery Sport in December 2026, bringing the entry-level SUV’s 11-year production run to a close. The model remains configurable as of now, but factory orders have already ceased in several European markets, including France, Germany and Spain.

Speaking to Autocar UK, a JLR spokesperson confirmed the timeline, saying production will end in December 2026 as part of the model’s normal lifecycle, with manufacturing already being phased out in select markets.

1. Discovery Sport was JLR’s bestselling model in 2016
2. EU GSR2 safety rules contributed to the SUV’s retirement
3. Range Rover GT expected to replace it on the Halewood plant production line

Discovery Sport sales declined sharply in recent years

The Discovery Sport was launched in 2015 as a replacement for the Freelander and became JLR’s bestselling model in its first full year on sale, with more than 122,000 units sold globally in 2016. It received a facelift in 2020, introducing a revised platform and interior, but demand has fallen significantly since then. 

In 2025, JLR sold less than a tenth of the Discovery Sport’s 2016 volume, making it the company’s lowest-selling model. It was followed by the full-size Land Rover Discovery, which is also expected to be phased out as it approaches 10 years since its debut.

GSR2 rules contribute to Discovery Sport’s exit

The Discovery Sport’s withdrawal from several European markets coincides with the introduction of the European Union’s updated General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) requirements, which mandate additional safety systems not fitted to the SUV.

While JLR updated its newer models to comply with the regulations, the report states that upgrading the ageing Discovery Sport was likely not commercially viable given its stage in the product lifecycle. Porsche recently took a similar approach by ending production of the ICE Macan rather than updating it to meet the new rules.

Range Rover Evoque and Velar to remain on sale

The Discovery Sport’s retirement raised questions about the future of the closely related Range Rover Evoque, which is built alongside it at JLR’s Halewood plant in the UK. However, Range Rover managing director Martin Limpert told Autocar UK that the company has no immediate plans to discontinue the Evoque.

Limpert said JLR’s current focus is on launching the electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport while continuing to support the Evoque and Velar with updates and special editions. He added that the brand has a loyal customer base for both models and cannot renew every product simultaneously.

Range Rover GT

According to the report, the Discovery Sport’s retirement is expected to free up production capacity for the upcoming Range Rover GT, an all-electric grand tourer based on JLR’s new EMA architecture. The Evoque could remain in production until the Land Rover Defender Sport arrives next year, although JLR has not confirmed a replacement for the Discovery Sport.