Will there be a new Land Rover Discovery?

Yes. Land Rover has stated it's planning a replacement for the current Discovery. We anticipate it'll arrive fairly soon since the current model's been on sale since 2017. The new Discovery is planned to be more distinct from the current Defender, as the latter has been stealing sales from the former.

What is the highest-spec Land Rover Discovery?

Look out for HSE trim, which includes luxuries like a Meridian sound system and plush Windsor leather seats. Land Rover has also made several Discovery special edition models over the years, which are worth tracking down.

Which Land Rover Discovery model is best?

Among recent Discovery models, entry-level S trim is all you need. It has leather seats, modern creature comforts and enough on-board tech to while away a long drive.

Models

Land Rover Discovery models and trim levels explained

• 3 min read

Mike Vousden

Content Editor

Mike is a Content Editor at Motorpoint. He's written for several motoring mags, and worked as an electric car analyst. He likes EVs, V8s and '60s American cars

The Land Rover Discovery doesn't steal headlines like the Defender and Range Rover.

This isn't a car for off-road cosplay or opulently wafting round London's Square Mile. No, the Discovery is for drivers who actually need that legendary Land Rover ability and practicality everyday.

We'll walk you through everything you need to know about the Land Rover Discovery, including the trim levels offered and the different models over time.

Land Rover Discovery models explained

It's easy to think chunky family SUVs are a somewhat recent invention, but Land Rover has been in this space ever since the original Range Rover in 1970. Over time, the big Rangie became posher and moved upmarket, leaving space below it for a more sensible family car.

This opened the door for the Discovery to launch in 1989. It was big and practical like the Range Rover, and had similarly unstoppable off-road chops. But the Discovery was noticeably less luxurious and had optional sixth and seventh seats, making it more useful for big families.

Discovery is now one of three 'pillars' of the Land Rover brand – the other two being the Land Rover Defender and the Range Rover lineup. It was joined by the Land Rover Discovery Sport in 2014, which downsizes this seven-seat 4x4 into a more mid-sized package.

Land Rover Discovery rivals include:

Read our full list of Land Rover Discovery alternatives

Land Rover Discovery trim levels

Current Land Rover Discovery trim levels:

S – well-equipped entry-level car with 21-inch alloy wheels, a powered boot lid, adaptive cruise control, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, a Meridian stereo, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Landmark – upgrade trim adds front and rear sunroofs, matrix LED headlights, 22-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats
Tempest – range-topping model gets unique copper accent details, specific 22-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled rear seats, powered third-row seats and four-zone climate control

Previous Land Rover Discovery trim levels:

S – earlier Discovery S models were a bit more basic, with cloth seats, a standard stereo and air conditioning
SE – mid-range trim added leather upholstery, heated front seats, built-in sat nav, LED headlights, two-zone climate control and an upgraded stereo
HSE – luxurious trim with Windsor leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, heated rear seats, powered third-row seats, a reversing camera, Meridian stereo and a fixed glass sunroof

Land Rover Discovery generations

Fifth generation – 2017-present

The most recent Discovery now shares a platform with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport
Chassis code – Discovery L462
Facelifted in 2021
The first model in a long time to be called 'Discovery' in the US, after being known as 'LR' for years
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

Fourth generation – 2009-2017

Land Rover Discovery – fourth generation

Overhauled version of the third-generation car, with substantial mechanical and quality improvements
Chassis code – Discovery L319 (LR4)
Facelifted in 2013
Added a surround camera system from the Range Rover, and more off-road drive modes
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

Third generation – 2004-2009

Third Discovery had an all-new platform that combined a monocoque body and a strong ladder frame
Chassis code – Discovery L319 (LR3)
Facelifted in 2008
This was the first Discovery launched during Ford's ownership of Land Rover
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

Second generation – 1998-2004

Land Rover Discovery – second generation

Substantially updated model under BMW's Land Rover ownership with 720 changes over the old car
Chassis code – Discovery Series 2
Facelifted in 2002
The body was lengthened to improve space for third-row passengers
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 1989-1998

The Discovery was Land Rover's third-ever new model and a more everyday alternative to the Range Rover
Chassis code – Discovery Series 1
Facelifted in 1994
The only Discovery with a three-door option – also rebadged as the Honda Crossroad in other markets
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Land Rover Discovery model?

The Discovery has earned a strong following over the years, and it's not unusual to see enthusiasts keeping decades-old examples running. That said, the most widely available model on the used market is the current-generation Discovery from 2017 onwards, and this is the best choice for most drivers.

This version benefits from a more luxurious cabin and better on-road performance than its predecessors. And, since it's not quite as 'cool' as the Defender, it's less likely to attract owners who'll adorn it with naff aftermarket modifications.

Shop nearly new and used Land Rover Discovery cars for sale, or read our Land Rover review see what these luxurious models are like to live with.