Overview

From fairly humble beginnings in 1989, the Land Rover Discovery has evolved into a fully-fledged premium SUV and is now the bedrock of the Land Rover product line-up.

Today, it’s under attack from other Land Rovers, chief of which is the brilliant and slightly cooler Land Rover Defender 130. The Discovery also finds itself on the same shopping lists as other upscale off-roaders, such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, which can’t hope to keep up with the Land Rover off-road, but do a jolly good job of relaxing their drivers on it.

Practicality is a strong point with ample head- and legroom for the front five occupants, and more than adequate space for the rear two.

Despite its size and heft, the Discovery is a decent car to drive on the road, majoring on a comfortable ride and handling that’s confidence inspiring and belies its weight and size.

The engine line-up is straightforward, with two diesels and one petrol on offer. There are several specifications to choose from and there’s also a van version called the Land Rover Discovery Commercial.

Click through the rest of the review to read the definitive guide to the Land Rover Discovery, including how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive, how it copes with family life and whether we recommend it or not.