Land Rover Discovery

In the increasingly crowded premium SUV segment, the Land Rover Discovery is one of the few models that delivers not only on-road luxury but also legitimate off-road prowess. The British mid-sizer gets high marks from owners for its sharp styling, prodigious ground clearance (up to 11.1 inches), sophisticated terrain management system, and well-appointed cabin. The Disco doesn’t come cheap, however. Other negatives include its lackluster fuel economy and cramped third row, which also eats into available cargo space.

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In the increasingly crowded premium SUV segment, the Land Rover Discovery is one of the few models that delivers not only on-road luxury but also legitimate off-road prowess. The British mid-sizer gets high marks from owners for its sharp styling, prodigious ground clearance (up to 11.1 inches), sophisticated terrain management system, and well-appointed cabin. The Disco doesn’t come cheap, however. Other negatives include its lackluster fuel economy and cramped third row, which also eats into available cargo space.

Land Rover Discovery Model Lineup

The Discovery is a midsize luxury SUV with room for up to seven passengers (when equipped with the optional third row). Sizewise, it slots between the compact Discovery Sport and the more utilitarian Defender 110 in Land Rover’s lineup of sport-utes. The Discovery replaced the outgoing LR4 model in 2017 and shares a platform and some components with the more upscale Range Rover Sport.

Land Rover initially sold the Discovery in three main trims: the entry-level SE, the mid-range HSE, and the top-of-the-line HSE Luxury. However, starting in 2021, the trims were revised to the entry-level S, the mid-range S R-Dynamic, and the range-topping HSE R-Dynamic. All versions come with a generous level of standard features, including a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. The standard infotainment system gained a 10.2-inch center touchscreen in 2018 and in 2019 first offered optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which became standard the following year. Land Rover has also added some desirable standard safety tech over the years, including forward collision mitigation (in 2018), lane-keeping assist (in 2019), blind-spot warning (in 2020), and a surround-view camera (in 2021). These features were otherwise available as options. Other notable options include adaptive cruise control, massaging front seats, an air suspension, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking rear differential.

Under the hood, the Discovery offers a variety of engine options. Prior to the 2021 model year, buyers could choose between a standard 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (dubbed Td6), which generates 254 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. With the Disco’s 2021 model refresh, those engines were discontinued in favor of a standard 296-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and an available 335-hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six. The latter comes standard with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy and smoother stop-start operation. All versions employ an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels using Land Rover's patented terrain management system.

Land Rover Discovery Owner Reviews

Average Rating for 2017

3.9

156 verified owner reviews

Ratings Compared by Year

Top 2017 Reviews

John W. from TN

Verified Owner · Dec, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE

Beautiful styling. Outstanding feel and performance. Audio and navigation systems are superb. Love the vehicle and will probably purchase another Land Rover product when the time comes.

Tina M. from MI

Verified Owner · Dec, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE

you are going to love this vehicle

Tony L. from CA

Verified Owner · Sep, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE

5.0

We shopped and shopped and when we saw the Land Rover Discovery Sport on You Tube and how it could perform off road we decided that was the car for us. The car is amazing, handles great, excellent acceleration for a 4 cylinder vehicle, very comfortable inside with great styling on the exterior. We feel that the styling will not look out dated in the years to come. We off road quite often and the Discovery Sport is fantastic off road. We love it!!!

Patrick K. from NE

Verified Owner · Jul, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE

5.0

Gorgeous car that catches a lot of looks! Drives beautifully, lots of fun options, a great value!

Michael H. from CA

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE

rugged, classy, well built, great balance between size, power, performance and sytling

Amanda M. from PA

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury

4.0

Minimal storage when third row is utilized.

Derick V. from CA

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Diesel

4.0

if you are an off roader and adventurer get the Discovery. Make sure you get the off road package with the differential package. Don't skimp on that you will regret it. Also I would go with the 20 inch wheel package so you have more tire options. I would skip the head rest TVs I regret getting them.

Kyle A. from TX

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE

3.0

When it's not in the shop, the LR Discovery is the best out there. The problem is it's in the shop way too often. The central computer system for radio, nav, climate, control cameras is terribly buggy. For this reason, we regret our purchase and should have gone with the Lexus SUV.

Carol W. from AZ

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE

5.0

Complete pleasure to drive.

Brian S. from FL

Verified Owner · Jun, 2018

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE

2.0

Run as fast as you can. Look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk or Overland. You get a much better value for your dollar. We got rid of the Land Rover Discovery Sport after 6 months and got the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and feel like we got a huge upgrade – like going from coach to first class. The number of amenities they had to strip out of the Land Rover Discovery Sport to get it to the price point makes it feel like an entry level Kia or Daewoo in build quality. Most importantly, the engine is severely under sized for the vehicle, requiring them to add a large turbo. This means anything in the low range of RPM's (pulling away from a stop light, sitting in rush hour traffic, or trying to pass on the highway when you are at cruising speed) causes terrible responsiveness and under-power followed by a jerk once the turbo kicks in and a lurching forward. The turbo lag is horrendous. The stereo is laughable, and I want to thank the engineer who talked them out of taking away the power windows and replacing them with the old-school hand cranks to roll the windows down. That's how cheap this car feels. Look at the Jeep. So much for your money - we really felt like we upgraded when we got rid of the Land Rover Discovery Sport after 6 months and got the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.