2019 Land Rover Discovery Review, Pricing, and Specs (2023)

Overview

Few SUVs are as capable as the 2019 Land Rover Discovery—and that refers both to its off-road potential and its people-hauling competence. From all three rows of seats, occupants are treated to spacious accommodations with a clear view of the road ahead as well as the roadside or trailside sights you'll encounter along the way. And getting to those trailside sights is one of the Disco's main selling points, as it boasts a maximum 11.1 inches of ground clearance—more than some jacked-up four-wheel-drive pickup trucks—thanks to an optional air-adjustable suspension and all of Land Rover's adventure-oriented off-road gear. For those times when your adventure calls for on-road duty, the Discovery delivers a plush ride, an upscale cabin, and plenty of infotainment and driver-assistance tech—some of which is newly standard for 2018.

What's New for 2019?

The base SE model now comes with more standard equipment, including LED headlamps, a power-operated inner tailgate, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new steering wheel with capacitive-touch button controls; a four-zone automatic climate-control system is now optional on the SE. The InControl Touch Pro infotainment system sees a few software updates and offers optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Upscale HSE and HSE Luxury models now come with a real-time wading-depth information system and a heated windshield is now available as a standalone option on all models.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2019 Discovery offers either a gasoline or diesel engine, and we'd pick the former, which is supercharged, pumps out 340 horsepower, and boasts 8201 pounds of towing capacity. Of the three trim levels, we'd go with the midrange HSE, which adds plenty of features to justify its upcharge versus the base SE, such as 20-inch wheels, front and rear fog lamps, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, a 380-watt Meridian audio system, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats. We'd also opt for the 7 Seat package, which includes a pop-up third row, a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges, and an electronically controlled air suspension.

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Husky towing capacity, gasoline- and diesel-powered options, impressive off-road capability.
Dislikes: Both engines could use some refinement, ponderous handling, soft brake-pedal feel.

Models sporting the Si6 emblem are powered by a 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, whereas Td6 models come with a 254-hp diesel 3.0-liter V-6. Although neither engine serves up super-refined, vibration-free operation, both are mated to an excellent eight-speed automatic controlled by a rotary shift knob that rises from the center console when the ignition button is pressed. All Discovery models come with a permanent all-wheel-drive system as standard. In our testing, the gasoline-powered model needed just 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph; the diesel needed 8.0 seconds. If towing a heavy load is on the docket, opt for the Disco's gasoline V-6, as its maximum 8201-pound towing capacity beats the diesel's 7716.

The Land Rover's adventure-ready mission caters to those seeking an SUV for much more than just trolling the mall parking lot, but it comes at the expense of on-road dexterity. The Discovery's handling isn't as ponderous as the model it replaces, but it still feels clumsy and top-heavy when changing direction. The Disco never lets you forget that you're piloting a large SUV. Overall ride quality is quite good—especially with the optional air suspension—and even harsh bumps are dealt with easily. Steering feel, however, is nonexistent, especially on-center, where a large dead spot creates a need for frequent steering corrections when cruising on the highway.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Of the Discovery's two available engines, the diesel is the more efficient, both in the EPA's estimates and in our own real-world testing. The gasoline engine's fuel efficiency—or lack thereof—lags behind similarly powered rivals. Only the ancient Lexus GX460 with a V-8 engine is rated lower than the thirsty Disco. The Discovery Si6 easily matched its 21-mpg EPA estimate in our testing; those seeking to maximize the fuel economy and highway range should consider the diesel Td6, which delivered an excellent 28 mpg on our test route.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Upscale cabin, spacious in all three rows of seats, handy hidden storage bin.
Dislikes: Not as isolated from engine and road noise as rivals, minuscule cargo space behind third row.

The Discovery's interior materials are upscale. The two-tone theme of our Td6 HSE Luxury test vehicle tastefully blended ivory leather on the door panels and dash accents, dark-brown leather on the center-console armrest and lower door panels, black soft-touch plastic on the dashtop, and open-pore wood trim with piano-black detailing on the dash. Luxury features abound throughout the rest of the interior, and the level of comfort only increases as you climb through the more expensive trims. Power-adjustable, heated leather seats with optional massage function for the driver and front-seat passenger offer good support and even better cushioning; second-row seats aren't as generously padded but provide fore-and-aft and recline adjustments.

All Discovery models come standard with Land Rover's InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. It features a 10.2-inch touchscreen display and advanced features such as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection and real-time traffic and weather updates. As many as nine USB ports dot the cabin, and a rear-seat entertainment system is optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional but, surprisingly enough, cost nothing.

Without adequate space to haul gear to and fro, there would be far fewer opportunities for adventure. With both of its rear rows folded, the Disco's spacious cabin proved to be quite accommodating with room for 29 of our carry-on suitcases. But load the Discovery full of would-be explorers and its maximum number drops to just two carry-ons behind the third row.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Discovery hasn't been tested by either of the leading safety agencies here in the U.S., but Land Rover offers a full suite of driver-assistance features. A handful of features are standard but most are available either as standalone options or as part of one of three option packages: Drive Pack, Park Pack, or Driver Assist Pack. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard rear parking sensors
• Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Land Rover offers a wholly average warranty package, with most coverages good for four years or 50,000 miles. While the Discovery does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, Land Rover does offer discounted maintenance packages that can be purchased through the dealer that will cover the Discovery for up to four years.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance