• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for June 20, 2017

Land Rover Discovery Resurrection!

June 20, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Return of the top-of-the-line Discovery series.

2017 Land Rover Discovery
On or off road, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery shines.

Land Rover divides its universe between top-of-the-line Range Rover models (currently numbering four) and a pair of standard Discovery models. But there is nothing “regular” about the Discovery and Discovery Sport other than a base Discovery Sport SE is the only Land Rover with a starting price coming in under $40,000.

As for the eponymous Discovery, you need a scorecard to keep track of this model introduced in 1994, then briefly renamed the Discovery Series II, then succeeded by LR3 and LR4 models. For 2017, an all-new model is out and we’ve come full circle as it once again bears the Land Rover Discovery moniker.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

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). Besides the base diesel HSE, the HSE Luxury diesel costs ($65,950). Thus, choosing the turbo-diesel adds $2,000 to your corresponding trim. Add $995 for your destination fee.

A 2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury Td6 ($65,950) was a recent and worthy model supplied for my personal evaluation. The final price, however, was $80,150 reflecting several packages and individual option upgrades. These were: a Drive Pro package ($2,350), rear seat entertainment ($2,270), Namib Orange Premium Metallic paint ($1,495), Capability Plus package ($1,295), Vision Assist package ($1,200), head-up display ($950) and park assist ($800). I counted an additional nine options for a total of 16 — $13,205 in add ons plus a $995 destination fee.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

An Elegant, But Powerful Presence

The Land Rover Discovery projects a familiar stance with a sturdy, but elegant silhouette marked by huge D-I-S-C-O-V-E-R-Y lettering across the front edge of the hood. Just as Land Rover does with Range Rover, the overall brand lives in the shadow of the sub-brand. Yet, you’ll still find Land Rover badging in three places — two are on the C-pillars and the third rests upon the liftgate.

One of the most noticeable design features of the 2017 Discovery is the position of the front wheels — situated at the very front of the SUV. The rear wheels sit nearly as far back as they can go with enough overhang to provide generous storage space or an optional third row.

Stylish wraparound LED-accented headlights amplify the Discovery’s powerful expression along with a large lower grille opening pressed in by distinctive embrasures. A broad hood, strong shoulders, a rising beltline, and a stretched roofline are additional standout features. Angled roof pillars suggest movement, yet sturdiness. In particular, I like the thick C-pillars which leads to a long swatch of glass that appears to wrap around to the back.

From the rear, you’ll find an oversized spoiler and an unusual indentation housing the off-centered license plate holder. Oversized wraparound tail lamps and skid plates are other features of distinction. All models come with beautifully styled aluminum wheels set within all-season tires.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

An Interior Fit for Royalty

Land Rover interiors are generally spacious, airy and opulently dressed. The 2017 Discovery succeeds in advancing that look. Most models offer two standard rows of seating with a third row for two individuals available. Personally, I would hesitate to add a third row unless the extra space was absolutely needed. Otherwise, you risk losing valuable cargo space. For shoppers needing the room, a stretched wheelbase Range Rover would be ideal. But then you’re looking at a model with a starting price of about $110,000.

One of the hallmarks of Land Rover is the quality, fit and finish of the materials used. Bold horizontal and vertical lines grace the cabin with light and dark color choices supplying contrast as well as visual appeal.

Throughout the cabin you’ll find premium leather, real wood, and metal finishes — you won’t find cheap plastics anywhere. The front seats are very comfortable, supportive, and not once did I feel weary, even after multiple hours behind the wheel. The rear bench seat offers ideal space for three with sufficient head, shoulder, hip, and legroom. Add a third row and that space is best used by the youngsters in your family.

Standard interior equipment includes keyless entry and push-button start, a manually adjustable steering column, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, front map lights, front footwell lamps, and ambient lighting. Also available you’ll find heated front and rear seats, sport pedal covers, aluminum paddle shifters, side and rear sunshades, power seats and many more options.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

Top Technology and Safety Features

I’ve become a fan of the Jaguar LandRover InControl Touch Pro telematics system, primarily for its ease of use. Move away from the base model and you’ll find a 10-inch touchscreen display with colorful graphics, navigation with WiFi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and related apps.

2017 Land Rover DiscoveryYou won’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Autos connectivity as JLR prefers to keep proprietary information to themselves. In any case the system understands voice commands, delivering fast results.

Land Rover offers three audio systems, including an in-house developed 10-speaker system. Beyond that, you have a choice of a pair of Meridian packages — a 380-watt, 10-speaker unit or an 825-watt, 14-speaker system with a subwoofer. HSE models get the standard Meridian system; HSE Luxury the upgraded system.

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted crash tests on the 2017 Discovery as of publication. Given the cost of these vehicles, each entity may elect not to do so. Regardless, sizable SUVs routinely score very well.

That said, you’ll find a suite of airbags along with rollover sensing. The available Drive Package brings a driver condition monitor, blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection, and intelligent speed limiter and traffic sign recognition. Opt for the Drive Pro Package and it adds adaptive cruise control with emergency braking as well as lane keep assist and lane departure warning.

On the Road

The Land Rover Discovery delivers the power, regardless of your engine choice. I’ve long enjoyed the supercharged 3.0-liter V6, available in a number of Jaguar and Land Rover products. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel is another beastly engine, although it doesn’t deliver its full power up front like the gas engine.

Step on the accelerator and the Discovery turbo-diesel moves confidently forward with average power. Press hard on the pedal and this SUV unleashes its full performance potential, moving the near 5,000-pound Discovery with authority. Quite easily, you’ll quickly reach highway speed and go well beyond if you’re not careful. The Discovery stays poised and delivers a quiet and comfortable ride. When idling, you’ll find one of the quietest diesels anywhere — the trained ear will hear the unmistakable “clack clack” but it is a muted sound nonetheless.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

While 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 model is its $1,500 optional adjustable height (air) suspension, what provides an added measure of lift when you want it. Here, you’ll find a control panel inside the cabin making it possible to lift or drop the suspension. You can also lock the suspension in place, which is ideal when going off road — or you can allow it to switch its height seamlessly.

Land Rover provides customers with a choice of four-wheel drive systems based on a single- or two-speed transfer case. Choose the latter and you’ll enjoy improved control while climbing and descending hills, or when towing. An electronic center differential supplies a 50:50 front to rear axle split with a locking feature. For an added measure of control, the available active rear locking differential controls power between the left and right wheels on the rear axle.

Parting Thoughts

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery stands head and shoulders above the competition. Competing models include the Lexus GX 460, Audi Q7, and the Volvo XC90. Of the three, the Lexus offers the strongest off-road capabilities.

If you shop the 2017 Discovery, the two engines are evenly matched. So, starting with a gasoline HSE model is an ideal place to begin. That said, with popular options ordered, you may pay in the neighborhood of $65,000 to $70,000 for one — prices entirely within the range of what well-equipped models in this segment cost.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery Specifications

Land Rover Discovery
Segment Midsize Luxury SUV
Base Sticker Price $50,985
Price as Tested $80,000
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 Eight-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
Head room (f,r — inches) 39.4, 39.0, 40.1
Leg room (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

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Land Rover Discovery


See Also — Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, four-wheel drive, Jaguar Land Rover, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, leather, SUPERCHARGER, SUV, turbo-diesel

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

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

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
June 2017
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930  
« May   Jul »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in