Land Rover Discovery 2023 review

Reviewed by Kelly HellwigKelly Hellwig

Overview

Don't confuse the Land Rover Discovery with the smaller Land Rover Discovery Sport. They are two completely different vehicles. The midsize Discovery is larger, more powerful, more capable, and significantly more expensive. The luxurious and versatile Discovery is one of the most off-road-capable SUVs in Land Rover's extensive lineup. Only the Defender 110 can compete with the Discovery off the pavement. Key rivals such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE have a more refined on-road ride than the Discovery, but aren't equipped for off-road adventure. With its three rows of seating, the Discovery can handle a wide range of passengers and cargo. The third row is best for kids, however, and there is minimal cargo space behind it. This year Land Rover has expanded the Discovery's list of standard features, bettering its value proposition.

Pros

Modern design inside and out. Well-equipped interior. The off-road king of the class.

Cons

Snug third-row seat. Ride isn't as comfortable as in some rivals.

Verdict

With its rugged chassis and upscale interior, the seven-passenger Land Rover Discovery is luxurious, family-friendly, and ready for a muddy off-road adventure.

What's New for 2023

The Land Rover Discovery gets several key updates for 2023. Wireless device charging, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a Meridian audio system, and three-zone climate control are now standard across the lineup. The popular R-Dynamic model now features a standard gloss black roof. At the top of the range is a new Metropolitan Edition. Its features are noted in the Trims and Pricing section.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery is available in four trim levels: S, S R-Dynamic, HSE R-Dynamic, and Metropolitan Edition. The S R-Dynamic is the most popular trim, but we recommend the standard Discovery S. We explain why below.

S

Starting at $57,950, the entry-level S comes with 20-inch wheels, a sliding front sunroof and fixed rear panoramic roof, rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers, puddle lights, rear fog lights, LED taillights, trailer stability assist, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, grained leather seats, heated front seats, a Meridian audio system, three-zone climate control, a power-operated tailgate, power-folding heated side mirrors with approach lights, and adaptive cruise control. The Discovery also provides a slew of features designed to improve its off-road ability and safety. Among them are a standard electronic air suspension, cornering brake control, gradient acceleration control, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, roll stability control, torque vectoring by braking, and wade sensing for crossing deep water. We recommend this trim because it offers a well-equipped cabin and more than enough capability for the average buyer.

S R-Dynamic

The S R-Dynamic ($61,050) includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, blacked-out exterior trim, wheel surrounds, and side sills; and special badging, trim, and metal kick plates. Buyers can also upgrade to a more powerful six-cylinder engine

HSE R-Dynamic

The HSE R-Dynamic ($72,850) comes with the more powerful six-cylinder engine, 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and power-adjustable third-row seats. Additional standard features include a hands-free power-opening tailgate and LED headlights.

Metropolitan Edition

At the top of the lineup, the new Metropolitan Edition ($76,650) comes with the turbocharged six-cylinder engine, a Bright Atlas finish on the grille and Discovery lettering, Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts, 22-inch diamond-turned wheels with Gloss Grey detailing, and black Land Rover brake calipers. The cabin gets Titanium Mesh trim. Standard features include a head-up display, heated steering wheel, a heated power-folding third-row seat, a front cooler compartment, and four-zone climate control.

Engine and Performance

The Discovery offers two engines: A 296-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The four-cylinder engine is standard in the S and S R-Dynamic models. It provides suitable performance in most situations, but it's not as punchy off the line as the six-cylinder (standard in the HSE R-Dynamic and Metropolitan Edition), especially when loaded up with passengers.

Steering feel is pretty connected for a lumbering SUV, with feedback that is progressive and accurate. It's very stable, with not much wandering or need to constantly make adjustments to stay in your lane. Ride comfort is the Discovery's one downside. It fails to absorb road impacts comfortably, and it's tippy side-to-side. It feels like an old-school off-roader in that sense.

Fuel Economy

The Land Rover Discovery has Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway when equipped with the base engine. With the larger six-cylinder engine, its EPA estimates are 18/24 mpg city/highway.

The rival BMW X5 xDrive40i returns 21/26 mpg city/highway, while the competitive Mercedes-Benz GLE base engine is rated at 19/26 mpg.

Interior

The interior is elegant and restrained with high-quality materials that make the Land Rover Discovery feel expensive. The standard heated front seats are supremely comfortable and supportive, and the second row is spacious. Third-row accommodations are tight, so don't expect adults to fit comfortably back there. The cargo area measures just over 9 cubic feet with all seats in place but expands to 45 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down. That's more than enough room for a weeklong trip's worth of luggage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Standard infotainment features include an 11.4-inch touchscreen, trip computer, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Land Rover's native Pivi Pro user interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and front and rear 12V outlets. This year Land Rover added standard wireless device charging and a premium Meridian audio system. There are USB ports in front and in the center console. The touchscreen is clear and sharp — if only the user interface were more responsive and less arduous to use. On the plus side, numerous cameras guide off-roading and towing, displaying views on the center screen. You can even touch the screen to fold down the second and third-row seats, a handy feature when loading passengers and their stuff.

Safety

The 2023 Land Rover Discovery has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot assist, 3D surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, clear exit monitor, driver condition monitor, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking aid, rear traffic monitor, traffic sign recognition, adaptive speed limiter, electronic brake-force distribution, and emergency brake assist.

Land Rover Discovery vs. the Competition

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

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