2021 Land Rover Discovery Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$53,900 to $68,900

Original MSRP

7.3
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Excellent off-road capability

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Poor handling

  • Sluggish touchscreen response

7.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
6/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Stephen Edelstein. 2021 Land Rover Discovery front three quarter.

A luxury off-roader perfect for family trips to the wilderness.

The Discovery is one of Land Rover’s most iconic nameplates, right up there with the Range Rover and Defender. When it launched in 1989, the Discovery accelerated Land Rover’s transition (started by the Range Rover) from a purveyor of Spartan work vehicles to the luxury brand it is today. The Discovery has evolved with the Land Rover brand, getting more luxurious and more tech-savvy over the years.

Representing the nameplate’s fifth generation, the 2021 Land Rover Discovery is the family SUV of the Land Rover lineup. Not to be confused with the smaller Land Rover Discovery Sport, the seven-seat Discovery competes against luxury family haulers like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and Volvo XC90. Unlike its Continental European competition, though, the Discovery also boasts serious off-road capability.

The current-generation Discovery dates back to the 2017 model year, but it gets a few notable updates for the 2021, including new engines, refreshed exterior styling, redesigned second-row seats, and a new infotainment system. Land Rover offers the 2021 Discovery in base S, R-Dynamic S, and R-Dynamic HSE trim levels; we tested out a mid-level R-Dynamic S for this review.

8/10

When shaping the current-generation Discovery, the team led by then Land Rover design boss (now chief creative officer) Gerry McGovern aimed to keep the classic high-roof, low-hood silhouette of past Discovery models, but with more modern details. So it still looks like a Discovery, but it also fits in with the rest of Land Rover’s lineup.

The styling doesn’t change much for the 2021 model year, but Land Rover did give it some subtle tweaks. The 2021 Discovery boasts new LED headlights and daytime running lights (set lower into their housings, according to Land Rover), a revised front bumper, body-color fender vents, and new LED taillights connected by a gloss black trim piece.

Also new for the 2021 is the R-Dynamic treatment for the Discovery S and Discovery HSE trim levels. Standard on the HSE and optional on the S, it adds a gloss black grille and other exterior trim, as well as two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching. That exterior trim didn’t really stand out against our test vehicle’s dark Portofino Blue paint, though.

The interior is typical Land Rover, meaning it has a clean design with overall good material quality. Some of the plastic trim in our test vehicle didn’t feel particularly luxurious, but it seemed like a reasonable concession to practicality. Similarly, the Discovery retains a more traditional, upright driving position, compared to the more cockpit-like feel of the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar, both of which overlap with the Discovery in price.

Stephen Edelstein
Published Aug 13, 2021 by Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering everything on four wheels. Whether it's a new EV or a full-size pickup truck, he's eager to drive it and tell you all about it in a CarGurus Test Drive Review. Besides contributing to CarGurus, Stephen currently has bylines at Digital Trends, Green Car Reports, and Motor Authority.

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2021 Land Rover Discovery Pricing

Original MSRP
$53,900 to $68,900
Price range
$34,171 to $34,987
Average price on CG
$34,171
YoY price change
$34,987 to $34,171

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: covered · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C cargo area · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: PIVI Pro · Infotainment screen size: 11.4 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: InControl · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: infrared-reflecting · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C cargo area · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 11.4 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: InControl · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.55 · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 355 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1750

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 11.4 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: two-tone

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: InControl · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Premium Brand: Meridian · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 700 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: covered · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.55 · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 355 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1750

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: PIVI Pro · Infotainment screen size: 11.4 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Folding: power return · Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat: power reclining · Rear seat folding: power · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: two-tone

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: InControl · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

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