2021 Land Rover Discovery Review

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a three-row midsize luxury SUV that distinguishes itself from the rest with its superior off-road capabilities. It represents the family-friendly choice in the Land Rover lineup, with the premium luxury Range Rover above it and the rugged Defender supporting it.

This year brings a handful of small changes, adding up to the most significant update for the Discovery since it was redesigned in 2017. New LED headlights and bumpers freshen up the exterior look, while on the inside, a new infotainment system debuts with a larger touchscreen and redesigned second-row seats promise greater comfort. There's also a new R-Dynamic model that adds some sporty visual touches, such as gloss black exterior trim and two-tone leather in the cabin. The biggest changes occur under the hood, with a new entry-level four-cylinder and a turbocharged six-cylinder with mild hybrid technology. Unfortunately, the diesel motor has been discontinued.

A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine becomes the base engine for the refreshed Discovery. It produces 296 horsepower, and, if it's the same one as in the Land Rover Defender (as we believe), it has 295 lb-ft of torque and drives the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Last year's 340-hp supercharged V6 engine has been replaced by a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. We don't have full details yet, but we do know that it features mild hybrid technology and makes 355 horsepower. It's likely the same powertrain as the one in the latest Range Rover, which is also mated to an eight-speed auto and produces 365 lb-ft.

Technology has historically been disappointing with the Discovery, and Land Rover as a whole. Our previous complaints about the Discovery's infotainment system included consistently slow responses, mixed with occasional glitches that were sources of real frustration. The 2021 Discovery gets the new Pivi Pro infotainment system that promises quick reactions and fewer headaches. It is incorporated within a new 11.4-inch touchscreen and features over-the-air updates.

Other enhancements include a redesigned Activity Key (a waterproof bracelet that substitutes for the usual key fob) that now features a digital readout and remote start. The ClearSight Ground View system helps drivers navigate treacherous terrain by showing the path directly in front of the vehicle, and it's a welcome addition to the Discovery's already impressive off-road capabilities. The typical cadre of advanced safety features — including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control — are here, though they generally reside on the options list.