The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Is A Slick Family Hauler That Is Seriously Awesome Off-Road
For years, it the was Land Rover LR4 that was considered the luxury family SUV packed with three rows of seating and built to go off-road. However, the ancient design and clumsy performance have been retired for the all-new 2017 Land Rover Discovery. The leaner design and more comfortable drive also kicks butt on the roads. Whether looking for a roomy seven-seater for the kids or a rugged off-roader, the Discovery has it all.
Where Did It Come From?
The old LR4 design which debuted in 2010 was built off of old-school Ford parts using an “Integrated Body Frame” resulting in a sizable SUV on par with the weight of a heavy-duty pickup truck, but with excellent off-roading capabilities.
What Does It Look Like Today?
The 2017 Discovery got rid of the LR4’s chunky platform in favor of an aluminum-intensive unibody construction with dent resistant doors. Overall, the Discovery weighs nine hundred pounds lighter than its predecessor and is a whole lot sleeker.
Lives Up To Its Size
Despite being 196 inches long, the Discovery rides smoothly with optional air suspension and more than 11 inches of ground clearance. Its engine has enough torque to take down sequoia trees, with its mountain goat power matching its titanic size.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Discovery was made for off-road trails and muddy riverbeds with a water-fording depth of nearly three feet. Even when two tires are sent into the air due to steep rocky and uneven terrain, the Discovery keeps climbing due to its smart off-road system that keeps wheels turning.
Smart Driving
The Discovery comes with All-Terrain Progress Control, which is the equivalent of off-road cruise control. This makes ascending and descending steep and uneven terrain a stress-free experience. After turning the wheel, the Discovery’s computers take care of the rest.
Optimal On Pavement
While the 2017 Discovery gets high grades for its performance off-road, there is no denying its optimal performance is best on the pavement. Visibility is excellent through the front windshield and rear glass. The power steering feels luxurious to use, perfectly weighted and smooth.
Diesel Model Worthwhile
Even though the diesel model is nearly 100-horsepower less than the V6 model, the engine’s 443 lb torque feels monstrous and makes off-roading a breeze. The cabin also kept the diesel rumble to a minimum.
Less Rugged Design
One area where the Discovery may get low grades is for its softer, more rounded design. Its predecessor had sharper angles, matching its tough interior. The new rounded design was an intentional attempt to appeal to a broader wider audience, but it may end up turning off drivers who prefer the more rugged, classic design.
Too Much Plastic
The interior of the car may turn off drivers with the plastic trim on the center console, which is easy to scratch lending to a cheapened look of this luxury SUV.
Non-Intuitive Seat Configuration
Going between the second and third rows is not as intuitive as it should be. It takes practice to get the hang of configuring the seats, which could be a nuisance if planning to use the third row regularly.
Small Passengers Only
Although the Discovery claims to fit seven full-size 95th percentile adults, this seems like a stretch. The third-row bench will be tight for most adults and may be more suited to small children.
Sun Block Needed
Passengers may need to load up on sunblock and have their sunglasses ready as the standard sun visors do not telescope. This means when the sun is starboard, only part of the window will be covered.
Base Model Lacking
While the base model does include standard leather and a few other luxury details, it does not include the HSE’s height-adjusting air suspension, which allows the vehicle to adapt better to rougher terrain.
A Worthy Update
Overall, the Discovery is a worthy choice for a seven-seater SUV. It may not be the fastest, largest or most luxurious SUV, but it pairs on and off-road capability seamlessly with decent size and handling.