• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Robust SUV: 2018 Land Rover Discovery

Robust SUV: 2018 Land Rover Discovery

August 1, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

The Land Rover Discovery simply gets the job done.

2018 Land Rover Discovery
The 2018 Land Rover Discovery offers two engine choices: gas and diesel.

If you’re shopping for a highly capable luxury sport utility vehicle, the 2018 Land Rover Discovery is certainly worth a look. This medium-to-large SUV offers strong engine choices and pairs them with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, your cost can quickly climb, while smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is non-existent.

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery returns virtually unchanged from last year when the current model rolled out. The latest Discovery offers a fresh interpretation on a classic model.

2018 Land Rover Discovery Overview

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery is offered in three trims: SE ($52,090), HSE ($58,490) and HSE Luxury ($65,490). Add $995 for the destination charge. Add another $2,000 for the turbo-diesel engine.

Land Rover says the Discovery seats 5 + 2, an acknowledgment that the available third-row seat is best used as a jump seat. That seat does, however, accommodate adults, but with one important qualifier: short distance travel is just okay. Beyond that, save the seat for the youngsters, but only when needed.

2018 Land Rover Discovery

The standard equipment list is robust as it includes such items as automatic halogen headlights, power-folding and heated side mirrors with approach lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate and rear fog lamps. Inside, the Discovery SE comes with a tilt steering column, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and a 10-inch touchscreen display. Grained leather seats and power-controlled front seats are also standard.

Move up to the HSE trim (my test model) and this one adds LED lights, front recovery hooks, garnishment improvements and an electric sunroof. Inside, the HSE has a power-adjustable steering column, upgraded wood trim, a 10-speaker Meridian audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, an interactive driver display and additional USB ports (second row).

The HSE Luxury adds heated windshield washer jets and front fog lights. Inside, the equipment roster includes ambient lighting, power-controlled third-row seats, Windsor leather, heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.


(See Also — Burly Beast: Land Rover LR4)

2018 Land Rover Discovery


2018 Land Rover Discovery2018 Land Rover Discovery


Choose Your Engine

Manufacturers typically have an assortment of engines and transmissions available when designing a new vehicle. The pair forms a vehicle’s powertrain, delivering what many hope is the right combination of performance, fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and in the case of Land Rover, pulling power.

Happily, the choices for Discovery shoppers are quite good. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It is used in a variety of applications across the Jaguar Land Rover universe with modest increases in horsepower, torque or both evident in some models. Land Rover pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The second engine is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 254 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It also works alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are a few things worth noting about this engine, beginning with its quietness. Indeed, I didn’t look at the supplied documentation before getting behind the wheel of the Discovery and only discovered it was powered by a diesel once I began my driving. Yes, it is that quiet.

The diesel also has ample low-end grunt and supplies a 5 mpg fuel economy advantage over the gas burner. Certainly, the upgrade will cost you more upfront, but the advantages in power, towing, fuel efficiency and maintenance outweigh the cost, especially if you plan to keep your Discovery for many years.

The Discovery along with the BMW X5 are the only models in the segment still offering diesels. Competitors such as the Lexus GX, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class do not. If you’re concerned about higher diesel prices you should know that each of these models require premium gasoline, which costs nearly the same as diesel fuel.

(See Also — Land Rover Discovery Resurrection!)

2018 Land Rover Discovery

Take the Discovery Offroad

Land Rover long ago discovered the confluence of on-road comfort and off-road prowess. It has only gotten better in both departments since the new models arrived on the scene over these past few years.

Each vehicle is quiet, rides very comfortably and looks great around town. Pull up to any venue and your Land Rover gets noticed.

But it is this model’s off-road chops that many buyers may not fully appreciate. Indeed, most will simply not go off-road, although the capabilities are most definitely there.

The current model utilizes unibody construction, which isn’t always appreciated for its off-road capabilities. However, manufacturers such as Jeep (Grand Cherokee) have found that they can build a unibody model that looks great around town while taking it to the off-road less traveled. In brief, unibody construction ensures improved body rigidity and handling over traditional body-on-frame SUVs.


2018 Land Rover Discovery


2018 Land Rover Discovery2018 Land Rover Discovery


The key beyond body build is, of course, four-wheel drive. In this case, Land Rover has such a system in place, including a low-range transfer case. The standard suspension system features a traditional coil-spring arrangement.

Typically, though, Land Rover supplies an air suspension system for our review. Here, the system adds 1.7 inches of lift to the Discovery’s noteworthy 11 inches of ground clearance. All told this enhanced SUV gains improved approach, breakover and departure angles, along with improved wading depth. You’ll opt for this system if you’re serious about off-roading.

Taking the Discovery off-road means utilizing its Terrain Response dial to tackle the kind of obstacle you’ll be facing. This computer-controlled system adjusts the height, the center differential lock and optional rear locker, manages throttle control intervention and adjusts throttle response. Keep an eye on the instrument panel as it renders cool scientific-like graphs to go with these changes.

(See Also — Land Rover Discovery Redux, HSE Luxury Style)

Let’s Examine Technology

In our earlier overview, we looked at some of the tech features offered by Land Rover in the 2018 Discovery. No doubt, you’ll find a nice selection of audio systems, including Meridian.

2018 Land Rover DiscoveryWe like that Land Rover is also up on nearly everything else, including Bluetooth, USB ports and its own InControl infotainment system.

Naturally, the one void that gets noticed is Land Rover’s lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Neither is available as Land Rover’s focus is on its own InControl suite. JLR isn’t alone in not offering either system with any of its models. Mazda, Toyota and Lexus are also holdouts. One reason we’ve heard about the lack of smartphone compatibility has to do with maintaining proprietary information. If the automaker believes a third party might access confidential information about drivers or their technology, then that hesitancy is understood.

As for Land Rover, you can still use their navigation system to get you places. The InControl interface is fairly easy to use. The standard “Touch” system features an 8-inch touch-screen with intuitive touch and swiper controls. Opt for Touch Pro and the 10-inch touchscreen allows pinch-to-zoom gestures, which are ideal for controlling maps, media and settings. Voice recognition is added to this level as well. Some models include Touch Pro Duo, which brings in a second screen for controlling multiple features together.

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Land Rover Discovery

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery brings luxury, style and performance to the segment, and adds an element of off-road prowess that sets it apart from the competition. Most Land Rover buyers won’t be taking their SUVs off-roading, however. But if having that feature available if and when you need it is important to you, then it is hard to beat the Discovery at its game.

(See Also — To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport)


2018 Land Rover Discovery


2018 Land Rover Discovery Specifications

Land Rover Discovery
Segment Midsize Luxury SUV
Base Sticker Price $52,090
Price as Tested $65,000 (estimated)
Standard Engine 3.0-liter, supercharged V6
Transmission Nine-speed automatic
Horsepower 340 @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 332 @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPMs
Optional Engine 3.0-liter, turbodiesel V6
Transmission Nine-speed automatic
Horsepower 254 @ 1,750 to 2,250 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 443 @ 1,750 to 2,250 RPMs
Seating 2+3 (optional 2+3+2)
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,835 (gas); 4,916 (diesel)
Wheelbase (inches) 115.0
Length (inches) 195.6
Width (inches) 81.6 (without mirrors)
Height (inches) 73.5
Headroom (f,r — inches) 39.4, 39.0, 40.1
Legroom (f,r — inches) 39.0, 37.6, 33.5
Shoulder room (f,r — inches) 60.5, 59.5, 42.8
Hip room (f,r — inches) 57.8, 55.7, 42.0
Storage (cubic feet) 45 (behind second row)/82.7 (behind front row)
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,724
Towing (pounds) 8,201 with tow package
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel premium gas or diesel
Fuel Tank (gallons) 23.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 16/21 (gas); 21/26 (diesel)
Manufacturing Plant Halewood, UK

2018 Land Rover Discovery


(See Also — Luxury Elevated: Range Rover Velar)

Land Rover Discovery photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 SUVs, 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, four-wheel drive, InControl, JLR, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, SUPERCHARGER, turbo-diesel, V6 engine

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Land Rover Discovery Resurrection! — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    August 2, 2018 at 7:10 am

    […] its on-road composure is excellent, what the Discovery does off road should clinch the deal amongst luxury SUV shoppers. One of the “wonders” of this […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. A Trio of Cadillac Crossovers says:
    January 18, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    […] Models: Audi Q7, BMW X7, Infiniti QX70, Land Rover Discovery, Lincoln Aviator, Lexus RX L, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

CARFAX (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS

Pages

  • About
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Rivian Automotive Draws Interest From GM, Amazon
  • All-New 2020 Subaru Legacy Steps Up
  • Ram Chassis Cab is Here and Brings With it Class-Leading Numbers
  • 5 Tools To Help Safer Driving In Winter Weather
  • Live! From the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!
  • The Sedan is Dead:
    Long Live the 2019 Nissan Altima!
  • About the 2020 Toyota Supra
  • The Last Hurrah: Hyundai Santa Fe XL
  • Off-Road Warrior:
    Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
  • A Trio of Cadillac Crossovers
  • Compact Luxury Crossover: Cadillac XT4
  • At a Glance: 2020 Ford Explorer
  • Longer Range Nissan Leaf Debuts at CES
  • Going Rogue in Nissan’s Popular Crossover
  • It’s a Wrap: 2018 in Review
  • The Fifth-Generation Subaru Forester Remains a Strong Contender
  • Where Luxury Meets Performance:
    Audi SQ5 SUV
  • The All-New Toyota Avalon Hybrid Combines Luxury With Efficiency
  • Generation Four: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Handsome Wagon: 2019 Volvo V60
  • Book Review: Mustang by Design
  • New and Improved! 2019 Infiniti QX50
  • Highlights of a 2019 Toyota C-HR
  • Return of the First-Generation Ford Bronco
  • 2014-2018 Jaguar F-Type Buyer’s Guide
  • Family Efficiency: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  • Polestar Powered: 2019 Volvo S60
  • Small Nissan Crossover SUVs:
    Kicks, Rogue Sport and Rogue
  • Like a Rock: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • New and Improved: 2019 Acura RDX
  • A Cut Above: 2019 Mazda CX-9
  • These Car Models May Soon Get the Axe
  • How to Save Money on Car Insurance
  • The Luxurious and Capable
    2019 Infiniti QX80
  • Compact Value: 2019 Kia Forte Sedan
  • Raise the Stakes: 2019 Genesis G70
  • 7 Facts About the Volkswagen Beetle
  • Fuel Types and Your Car
  • SUV Zenith: 2019 Subaru Ascent
  • SEMA Shock Yellow Chevy Camaro Dazzles
  • Keogh to Volkswagen: A Brilliant Move
  • Rogue Sport Delivers a Difference for Nissan
  • Hold Fast: VinFast Does Paris
  • After the Crash: Replace the Car Seat?
  • Volkswagen Rabbit Reprise: Again!
  • At a Glance: 2019 Kia K900
  • About the 2019 Cadillac XT4
  • Chrysler: Out With the 300,
    In With the Portal?
  • Ram Gets a Midsize Pickup Truck
  • A Whole Lot of Awesome:
    Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
August 2018
S M T W T F S
« Jul   Sep »
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  

Copyright © 2019 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in