LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Archives — Auto Trends Magazine

The Land Rover Discovery simply gets the job done.

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

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

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 Discovery We 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)

A Land Rover Discovery with a supercharged gas engine.

Second time around: 2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury

The hits keep coming. Or at least the weekly model or two I have had the privilege of driving in 2017. This past week it was the Land Rover Discovery, the second time in two months the keys to this model and trim/grade fell into my hands.

Only this time the Discovery HSE Luxury came with a supercharged V6 gasoline model — the previous model featured a turbo-diesel.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover prices the 2017 Discovery costs from $49,990 for the gas model (SE) and $58,950 for the diesel (HSE). Other gas trims to consider include the HSE ($56,950), HSE Luxury ($63,950) and First Edition ($73,950). Add $995 for your destination fee and another $2,000 if you plan to upgrade to a diesel.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Spend any time with the Land Rover Configurator — Range Rover and Discovery series alike — and you’ll find various grades and permutations of each model.

Beyond the eponymous Discovery’s four grades, you’ll find an array of packages for further customization. These include: three Black Design packages based on wheel size choices — 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels ($800-$3,200); a pair of complete dynamic design packages ($4,350 and $5,550); Drive and Drive Pro packages ($550 and $2,350); 7-Seat luxury climate ($2,180), vision assist ($1,000), and capability plus ($1,250).

My test model included nearly all of the top packages along with such individual upgrades as black roof rails ($400), head-up display ($950), ebony headliner ($350) and silicon silver metallic paint ($1,495). I counted 20 packages and options in all — Land Rover supplied a $350 headliner credit; I’m not sure if it was due to a long list of options or something else.

With all said and done, there were more than $18,000 in upgrades and options included, bringing the MSRP (sticker price) to a lofty $82,300. Notably, that price is in line with what well-equipped competing models offer from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

Discovery Model Highlights

Instead of rehashing the many similar points I made earlier with the 2017 Discovery, allow me to direct you to that review here. For this review, I’ll cover the main features of the latest model as well as expand on a few other areas of this model:

1. Engine — What do three liters of V6 power get you? With Land Rover, you have a choice of supercharged gas and turbocharged diesel options. Both engines displace exactly at 3.0 liters. The diesel has two advantages over the gas engine: a 5 mpg fuel economy edge and stronger boost down the line. But don’t discount the gas model as it delivers excellent off-the-mark acceleration. Plus, it doesn’t come with a $2,000 price premium. Land Rover matches both engines with a clean-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

2. Seating — Land Rover offers 2+3+2 seating in the Discovery, with the third row optional. If you go with the last row, you’ll find a 50:50 split fold-down bench seat. It offers decent shoulder and hip room, although taller riders may find head- and legroom tight. So, consider this space sufficient for youngsters and usable for adults in a pinch.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

3. Storage — Having the benefit of a third row also creates one significant demerit. Namely, standard storage space is nonexistent as that third seat abuts the rear liftgate. I’ve never seen anything like it in other models as there is no way to store anything behind the rear seat. That said, Land Rover didn’t shortchange passenger space to create a token storage area. The good news here is that if you fold down one of the rear seats, you’ll gain some room. Drop the third row and you’ll enjoy 45 cubic feet of cargo space.

4. Off-Road — If you’re not familiar with Land Rover’s off-road capabilities, you’re in for a treat with the Discovery. The 2017 Discovery is an all-new model, replacing the previous LR4. This also means you’ll enjoy 11.1 inches of ground clearance compared to the 9.4 inches in the LR4. Importantly, fording depth is also up — 35.4 inches. If you have no plans for off-roading, then you’re not likely to opt for such features as the height-adjustable air suspension, low-range four-wheel drive, and the advanced traction system found in Terrain Response 2. But think of the possibilities!

5. Around Town — Most Land Rover owners will spend their time in and around town, taking their children to the ball field, commuting to work, shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying other pursuits common to today’s families. Compared with the LR4, the Discovery seems swift on its feet, thanks to a design that’s up to 800 pounds lighter than its predecessor with a far more rigid frame to go with it. This also means body roll stays at a minimum, so take on those twisty roads with confidence.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

6. Amenities — Land Rover is all about creature comforts and the Discovery does not disappoint. Not hardly. Standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, power-folding and heated side mirrors with approach lights, a panoramic glass roof, and a rear parking aid. You’ll also find keyless entry with push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker audio system. A dizzying array of amenities ups the luxury quotient, adding such features as LED headlights, a power sunroof, power tailgate, power drop/lift second- and third-row seats, heated front and rear seats, three-zone climate control, navigation, Meridian sound system, and a sound view camera. My test model added a front center console cooler compartment ($350), rear seat entertainment ($2,270), and features mentioned earlier.

Land Rover Discovery Parting Thoughts

So, what’s my opinion of the Land Rover Discovery the second time around?

First, it offers a distinct departure from the previous LR4. Traditional SUV fans may object to the change. All I can say is try it out, especially off road, to determine how the new Discovery performs.

Second, your price can quickly escalate if you’re not careful. A base SE trim will cost you $50,000, so my test model cost $32,000 more. That’s the high end of the model line. Personally, I would choose the diesel, stick with the HSE and pick the drive pro package. Yes, choose the 7-row package if you even think there is a possibility of carrying additional people from time to time. At this point, your total is about $66,000, the middle price range for this midsize SUV.

2017 Land Rover Discovery