2017 Land Rover Discovery Review

Detailed Review

The first version of the Land Rover Discovery, known as the Discovery Series I, was manufactured from 1989 until 1998. The new model was heavily based on the more expensive Range Rover, with the same chassis, suspension, and 4WD system, as well as a derivative body design – particularly the four-door, which reproduced most of the body structure of the more expensive Range Rover. However, with smaller engines available, only two short side doors at launch, and other cost-cutting measures, the new Discovery was priced more reasonably, for a bigger, more middle-class market segment, in order to compete with Japanese competitors at the time.

The Discovery was Land Rover’s first model that was positioned as a family car, designed to be both fully off-road capable and suitable as a daily driver for any family, even offering more luggage space and optionally more seats than the Range Rover.

The Discovery II, which is still in production, was introduced to the public in 1998 and remained in production until 2004. The interior and appearance were redesigned to be less utilitarian, although it was still unmistakably a Series I progression. Except for the outer skin of the rear doors, every-body piece had been modified. The rear body was extended to increase luggage capacity and to accommodate full-size adults on all seven seats on the SE7 option, as well as to make them all front-facing, but at the expense of increased rear overhang, which reduced the car’s departure angle when off-roading significantly.

The launching of the Discovery 3 in 2004 heralded the beginning of the second generation of the Land Rover Discovery. Its manufacturing continued until 2009. The LR3 is equipped with complete independent suspension. This, like the Range Rover L322, has an air suspension system that allows you to alter the ride height by simply pumping up or deflating the airbags. When off-road, the vehicle can be lifted to provide more ground clearance, but it can also be dropped at high speeds to improve handling. ‘Cross-linked’ air suspension was created by Land Rover. When necessary, the suspension acts similarly to a beam axle (as one wheel descends, the other raises). If the vehicle’s chassis makes touch with the ground when the suspension is at its ‘off-road’ height, the system detects the reduced stress on the air springs and lifts the car an inch.

Multiple electronic traction control systems were installed in the Discovery 3. Hill Descent Control (HDC) averted ‘runaways’ when descending steep hills and 4-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC) prevented tire spin in low-traction conditions. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), an on-road technology, reduced sliding while steering and braking at high speeds.

The Discovery 4, currently in its second iteration, was released in 2009 and was manufactured until 2016. The new Discovery has changed the front and rear light units, as well as the front grille and bumper, to adopt the same smoother, rounder shape as the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The Discovery 4 also retains the late Discovery 3’s body-colored wheel arches and bumpers. Daylight Running Lamps are available as an option, and LED lights are prominently featured in both the front and rear lighting units.

The majority of the changes are technical, with reliability issues resolved, improvements to engines and gearboxes, and braking and suspension adjustments, but considerable interior updates with a more opulent and contemporary interior with greater luxury and technology levels accessible were also incorporated.

The third-generation Land Rover Discovery, codenamed L462, was launched in 2017 and is still in production to this day.  Built on the same basis as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the new Discovery abandons many of the design traditions of previous versions in favor of a more modern, albeit less overtly functional, look.

The third-generation Discovery, in contrast to earlier versions, has a much more rounded appearance, discarding the conventional angular style. The tail lights have been repositioned from vertical to horizontal, and the third-row side glass no longer blends into the roof glass. The horizontally split tailgate has been replaced with a standard top-hinged tailgate constructed of composite, however, the asymmetrically mounted license plate remains as a design clue from prior models of the Discovery.

The roof still steps over the third row, although it is now mostly cosmetic in comparison to prior versions, and the roof has a significant taper to the back. The interior closely resembles that of other recent Land Rover models, while maintaining the Discovery’s three-row history.

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is available in two engine options; a 3.0 L (Petrol) and a 3.0 L (Diesel) coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Grades

1. SE- This entry grade comes with heated front & rear seats, a heated steering wheel, an electronic air suspension, an SD card navigation system, and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.
2. HSE- This grade has an intelligent seat fold, all-terrain progress control, active rear locking differential, adaptive cruise control, intelligent emergency braking, 2 LCD monitors in the front, and 11 Meridian speakers.
3. HSE LUXURY- This grade boasts a driver condition monitor, blind spot monitor, traffic sign recognition, heated third-row seats, 4-zone climate control, massage front seats, and a dynamic body kit.
4. FIRST EDITION- This grade comes with a body-colored front bumper, 21-inch alloy wheels, 15 Meridian speakers, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, a Real-Time traffic display, 2 LCD monitors in the front, and a digital signal processor.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is a seven-seater SUV with an exceptional cabin and elegant touches throughout.

The first row of seats features plenty of headroom and legroom, as well as seats that can recline to a comfortable posture. The leather seats tack you in so well that you won’t notice any faults from uneven road surfaces.

The second row is also impressive, with plenty of knee and headroom. The third row of seats has comfortable seats but is only suitable for children. Because of the limited headroom and knee room, adults would surely feel constrained.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery has multiple-compartment storage for goods such as keys, refreshments, and soft drinks.

Two cupholders, a glovebox compartment, a center console, and deep door pockets are available in the first row. There are two cupholders and door pockets in the second row.

Boot Space

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery offers a boot space of 9.1 cubic feet with all seven seats in place, 40.1 cubic feet when the rear seats have been folded, and 85.0 cubic feet when the second and third rows of seats have been folded.

Exterior

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is the embodiment of an incredible and appealing vehicle. The front end appears to be quite upmarket and premium. This car looks wonderful and beautiful thanks to the black grille with the Land Rover insignia fastened to it, as well as LED headlights and its trademark daytime running lights.

The rear end features LED taillights and turn signals. A towing hitch can be seen at the bottom bumper, indicating that this vehicle has a lot of torque.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Safety Features

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Fuel Consumption

2017 Land Rover Discovery 3.0 L petrol engine consumption-  10.1 km/l on average

2017 Land Rover Discovery 3.0 L diesel engine consumption-  10.8 km/l on average

2017 Land Rover Discovery Acceleration

2017 Land Rover Discovery 3.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.7 secs

2017 Land Rover Discovery 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.4 secs

2017 Land Rover Discovery Fuel Tank Capacity: 89 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The steering wheel of the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is quite responsive, allowing the driver to maneuver smoothly, especially in traffic or when attempting to park the car.

This SUV’s suspension technology is exceptional and unique in its class. When increasing or decreasing ground clearance for off-road use, air suspension comes into play.

The engine and transmission system work in tandem to provide a smooth start and good acceleration. Because disc brakes are installed on all four wheels, the vehicle can solely come to a complete stop when necessary.

This vehicle comes standard with adaptive cruise control and an anti-lock braking system.

Reliability

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is a dependable vehicle regardless of terrain or weather conditions. When maintained on a regular basis, it performs admirably. It has a high ground clearance, allowing it to tackle difficult off-road terrain, despite its appearance.

One of the most frequently reported issues with this vehicle is a malfunctioning infotainment system.

Refer to the Land Rover Discovery buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Land Rover Discovery Competitors: Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5, Acura MDX, Lexus GX, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Mercedes Benz GLE.

What we like about the 2017 Land Rover Discovery

High-quality materials

More ground clearance

Excellent off-roader

Powerful engines

Posh cabin

What we don’t

Fuel-hungry gasoline engine

Conclusion

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is ideal for off-road enthusiasts, but it’s also a fantastic choice for commuters who travel within towns or cities. In any case, it performs admirably.