2026 Land Rover Discovery

How does the Discovery drive? Expect competent but unexciting performance. The Discovery we tested had the six-cylinder engine, and at our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That's a bit off the pace of rivals such as the Audi Q7. The Discovery doesn't leap off the line when you mash the gas, but there's plenty of smooth midrange power to make passing on the highway a breeze.

Numerous dynamic traits conspire to make the Discovery feel bigger than it is, starting with the ponderous handling. The center of gravity feels quite high, so the Disco leans noticeably when you drive through tight turns.

You do get plenty of off-road capability with the Discovery, though. It has a maximum ground clearance of 11.2 inches, which is quite high for a three-row SUV, plus multiple traction modes and an available two-speed transfer case to help you make your way over rocks and ruts.

How comfortable is the Discovery? The Discovery is comfortable overall. The first two rows of seats feature nicely shaped cushions that hold up after hours of driving, even though they don't have much thigh support. The interior is impressively quiet, and the climate control system works well to heat or cool to your liking. One downside we noticed: The Discovery's standard air suspension can produce a mildly floaty ride at times.

How’s the interior? We'll start by saying that the infotainment system is relatively easy to use, and the climate system is neat in that you can control temperature, fan speed, and seat heating/ventilation with a single knob. Front and side visibility is also quite good.

But … there are a lot of buts. Land Rover really needs to hire some people from Toyota and Honda for the next Discovery in hopes of devising better controls and ergonomics. Here's our list: 1) The haptic touch climate panel requires too much of your attention to use while driving; 2) The armrest snaps shut with the speed of a guillotine; 3) It's shockingly difficult to operate the upper glovebox; 4) There's also no quick release for moving the second row forward, so third-row passengers are almost entirely dependent on someone else to help them exit; 5) The driver's seat sits up way too high, giving the Discovery an almost bus-like driving position; 6) The second and third rows don't have enough legroom for a vehicle in this class; and 7) The large rear headrests are huge obstructions for looking out of the back of the vehicle.

How’s the storage? The Discovery's split cargo door design is quite nice, with the short bottom portion ensuring items won't roll out when you park on an incline. Unfortunately, the amount of cargo room behind the third row is laughable. Even with the second- and third-row seats lowered, the Discovery's cargo space is below average and well off class leaders. Storage for small items is generous, with big door pockets and a sizable bin between the front seats. There's even a small cubby behind the climate panel.

If you plan on towing, know that the Discovery has a higher capacity than most other midsize three-row luxury SUVs. Properly equipped, it's rated to tow up to 8,200 pounds.

Is the Discovery a good value? The Discovery is appropriately priced for a midsize luxury SUV. The interior materials are top-notch, and we noted no squeaks or rattles during our test. Land Rover's warranty coverage is unremarkable, with bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage for four years/50,000 miles. The same goes for roadside assistance. Also, Land Rover also does not offer complimentary maintenance.

The ponderous handling saps some of the fun you could have in the Discovery, but if you're plowing straight ahead, this big SUV is perfectly pleasant. The six-cylinder powertrain is a gem even if it doesn't hustle this lug with much urgency. The Discovery is a looker inside and out, and Land Rover has done a great job making this aging SUV feel fresh from behind the wheel.