Used 2017 Land Rover Discovery

The all-new 2017 Land Rover Discovery replaces the LR4, the British automaker’s 3-row, 7-passenger SUV. In both design and road manners, the rounded and refined Discovery is a big departure from the blocky and more utilitarian LR4. Like the latest Range Rover flagship SUV, the Discovery has shed a massive amount of weight — nearly 1,000 pounds — through extensive use of aluminum. Thanks to this weight loss and a supercharged gasoline V6 or newly available turbodiesel, the 2017 Discovery is nimbler, lighter and quieter. What the newest Land Rover hasn’t lost is its off-road credibility. With its sophisticated hardware and terrain-management software, the Discovery can venture as far as you dare — and significantly farther than rivals like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery reminds us more of a flagship Range Rover than the outgoing LR4. That’s high praise. The Landy’s new lightweight architecture makes it feel far more nimble, while its rounded shape is more aerodynamic — and quieter — than its predecessor. The standard supercharged V6 gasoline engine is a fine choice that readily moves this sizable SUV, with 0-60 mph pegged at 6.9 seconds. But we really like the optional diesel engine for its torque and fuel economy of up to 26 mpg. On pavement, the Discovery quietly eats up miles. Off the beaten path, the Discovery comes into its own. Sand, mud, rocks, snow or zombies, the Discovery conquers all. We climbed and descended unbelievable grades and treacherous territory with ease. Automatic Terrain Response gets you through most obstacles. User-selectable modes and available low-range gearing will get you through the rest.

All trims of the 2017 Discovery can seat seven passengers across three rows, but that configuration is optional on base and HSE models, which seat only five. Unlike other 3-row midsize SUVs, even adults can use the third row without feeling punished. The best seat remains the driver’s. The frontal view out is great, and we continue to praise the infinitely adjustable armrests on the sides of the front seats. Cargo space behind the third row is very tight, but grows to roughly 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and nearly 83 with the second row down.

The Discovery’s exterior has switched from a blocky, traditional SUV design to a softer, more rounded one. The new language is clearly in step with the Range Rover and the Discovery’s little brother, the Discovery Sport. While the shape has changed, the Discovery is still one tough and functional premium SUV, boasting over 11 inches of ground clearance. One of the LR4’s signature design elements — an asymmetrical, 2-piece tailgate — is gone, but we welcome the standard power-operated one in its place. Moreover, the Discovery still offers a hidden inner tailgate that can hold up to 600 pounds.

DUAL PERSONALITY
Land Rovers were born to roam, and the latest is no exception. While it’s true most will never touch their off-road potential, the fact remains they can do extraordinary things like wade through nearly three feet of water. The new Discovery is both adventure-ready and a refined on-road family hauler.

TECH TRICKS
From seats that can fold remotely via a command from your phone to an ingenious tailgate and the ability to let yourself in with the waterproof Activity Key wristband, the new Discovery is filled with smart and satisfying features.

For 2017, the Discovery is available in four trims: SE, HSE, HSE Luxury, plus the limited First Edition. The least expensive Discovery includes a supercharged V6 engine, full-time 4-wheel drive with single-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 system, dual-zone climate control, fixed panoramic sunroof, leather interior, 12-way-adjustable front seats, hands-free power tailgate and rear parking sensors. The basic infotainment system includes a 10-speaker, 250-watt audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and 8-inch touch screen. SE and HSE models come with 2-row/5-passenger seating. A 3-row/7-passenger setup is optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered (it debuts in the 2018 Range Rover Velar).

We’d recommend at least the HSE trim, with tri-zone climate control, 10-inch high-def infotainment screen, 380-watt Meridian audio, and power inner tailgate. It also opens the door to several option packages and the diesel engine. The HSE Luxury comes with seating for seven, air suspension, 2-speed transfer case, 825-watt Meridian audio, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and 16-way front seats. Further options include surround camera system, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognizer, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking. A locking rear differential makes this a serious off-roader. The top-line First Edition is loaded with just about every option.

Two V6 engines are available for the 2017 Discovery. Standard is the supercharged gasoline engine carried over from the LR4. Optional is the V6 turbodiesel first seen in the Range Rover. The gasoline-engine Discovery feels swift, but we like the extra grunt and efficiency of the diesel. Both are connected to a smooth 8-speed transmission. All Discovery models feature full-time 4-wheel drive. A single-speed transfer case is standard. Those who wish to off-road this off-roader should get the 2-speed transfer case, the air suspension and locking rear differential. Towing is impressive. Gasoline models are rated at 8,201 pounds, while the heavier diesel models are rated at 7,716 pounds. Both engines use an idle start/stop system, which can be abrupt at start-up. Thankfully it can be switched off.

3.0-liter supercharged V6
340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6
254 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.