Land Rover’s lineup of SUVs offers a little
something for everyone; from track to trail
and family life in between.
But this one here is my favorite because it’s
the most well-rounded.
This is the full-size, 3-row Discovery.
By in large, Land Rover’s lineup is divided
into 2 groups: the quartet of high-end Range
Rover models and a pair of more affordable
SUVs sold under the Discovery name aimed at
entry luxury buyers.
Not to be confused with the Discovery Sport
which is more akin to a 3-row Evoque, the
bigger Discovery used to be known as the LR4
before its 2017 redesign when it reemerged
as a sportier-looking, lighter, unibody SUV
with expanded versatility.
Now in its 4th model year, the Discovery is
the British brand’s least chosen SUV which
is a shame because its attributes best represent
what a good Land Rover should be; stylish,
luxurious and exceedingly capable without
the huge price tag.
With a starting price in the low-$50s, you
can get a 5-seat, supercharged, serious SUV
that’ll treat you and your family quite
well.
This one here ratchets things up with the
optional diesel engine, 2 additional seats,
and the plethora of goodies that come with
the higher-level HSE trim and numerous add-ons
some for an as-tested price of $75,835.
Land Rover introduced a host of updates for
the Discovery last year mainly focusing on
additional driver assistance features and
improving the infotainment experience.
And this cabin is an absolute sanctuary.
Better than any other brand, Land Rover encapsulates
you in their vehicle giving you an unparalleled
feeling of safety and invincibility.
If you’ve ever driven a big, modern Land
Rover then you know what I mean: it’s the
ultimate antidote for road rage because you
feel as though you’ve just entered a hermetically
sealed bubble, several layers removed from
the chaos outside.
You sit really tall in the driver’s seat
though it’s still easy getting in and out
thanks to the air suspension that can squat
on these 20” wheels or balloon up to over
11” of ground clearance when in off-road
height.
If you opt for the Seven Seat Package the
air suspension is included.
Bundle that with the Capability Plus Package
which includes the awesome Terrain Response
2 system and locking rear differential and
you’ve got yourself quite the family tank.
We did some serious off-roading in the Discovery
the last time I tested it and it was amazing.
But what you probably didn’t expect to hear
is light and nimble this is on the road.
And the super-soft ride quality is something
I absolutely love.
And the diesel is definitely adding positivity
to the entire experience.
I’ve driven a number of Jaguar Land Rover
vehicles through the years with diesel engines
but I’ve never been terribly impressed with
the exception of this application here in
the Discovery.
I mean, this V6 is so torquey it’s great
for both off-roading and exceptional on-road
immediacy.
Plus, the fuel economy is non-SUV-like.
Rated at 254 horsepower and a hard-hitting
443 pound-feet of torque this is the heaviest
and slowest Discovery but step on the accelerator
and you’d certainly never know it.
In normal driving, the Td6 brings an EV-like
reaction to acceleration without lag.
Keep your foot in it and the punch fizzles
out rather quickly but for quick shots the
diesel really brings it.
It’s also over 25% more efficient in all
driving situations than the gas engine, highlighted
by a 26mpg highway rating.
It also doesn’t stink or make any disconcerting
sounds.
Unless you’re listening carefully you may
not even know it’s a diesel.
It feels quicker than its 0-to-60mph time
of 7.7 seconds and lighter than its 4,900
pounds.
The handling is actually stellar for an SUV
of this size.
But if you’re thinking it can pull more
it can’t.
Its 7,716 pounds towing capacity is less than
the supercharged engine though the advanced
tow assist package provides an easy dial that
the driver can use to back up a trailer a
la Ford.
In a sea of SUVs that are starting to feel
very similar the Discovery really stands out
both for its combination of off-road prowess,
styling and the features that it offers.
Now, I really like this little seat that folds
down in the back.
It can support over 600 pounds and it’s
the perfect place for some tailgating.
And if you’re thinking about the 3rd row,
it’s surprisingly roomy though the wheel
wheels intrude to give it an odd cut.
You can also opt for power folding seats that
even work with the Land Rover app but this
tester goes without.
The new Wade Sensing System for off-roading
is also absent here.
So with its updated Velar touches such as
adaptive cruise control with steering assist,
surround view camera, tremendous heads-up
display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration,
high end Meridian surround sound, and a cooler
in the center console, this well-stocked Discovery
still feels modern and complete.
