Land Rover Discovery 2024 review
Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Land Rover Discovery remains the thinking person''s luxury 4x4. Seven proper seats, a huge versatile interior and genuine off-road ability that embarrasses most rivals. The D300 diesel is the sweet spot: strong, refined and reasonably economical for the size. On the road it is comfortable and commanding, while the air suspension and Terrain Response system make light work of mud, snow and rutted tracks. Running costs are high and reliability history is mixed, but nothing else blends family space, luxury and go-anywhere ability quite like the Discovery.
The Discovery is the thinking person's seven-seat SUV. All three rows genuinely accommodate adults, the boot stays usefully large even with every seat occupied, and the 3.0-litre diesel tows up to 3,500kg — caravans, horseboxes and boat trailers are all comfortably within its stride. Few cars blend family practicality with genuine off-road ability like this.
From £62,000 it is a serious investment, and running costs match the purchase price: big tyres, big servicing bills and top-band insurance. As a used buy, though, it makes enormous sense, with early examples now far more affordable. If your family needs seven proper seats and your weekends involve muddy fields, the Discovery remains in a class of one.
Related reviews: Land Rover Defender 1990 review · Land Rover Defender 2024 review · Land Rover Discovery Sport 2024 review
UK price from: £62,000
Specifications
| Engine | 3.0 diesel |
| Power | 296hp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5s |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel economy | 32mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 230g/km |
| Seats | 7 |
| Boot space | 2,312 litres |
| Insurance group | 44 |
Features
- Key features: 3.0 D300 diesel with mild hybrid; Seven seats; Air suspension; Terrain Response 2; 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen; Meridian sound system; Powered third row; 2,500kg towing capacity
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £89.99 | Heavy SUV; change axle set every 30k miles |
| Oil filter | £16.99 | Use low-ash oil; change annually |
| Air filter | £29.99 | Large panel filter; inspect yearly |
| Fuel filter | £34.99 | Diesel filter; change every 2 years |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £29.99 | Flat blades |
| AGM battery | £189.99 | Stop-start diesel; register after fitting |
Pros
- Seven usable seats. Superb off-road. Huge towing ability. Commanding and comfortable.
Cons
- High running costs. Mixed reliability record. Big and heavy in town.
