It’s been three years since the latest-generation Land Rover Discovery made landfall in the U.S. In the years that have passed, Land Rover has expanded and modernized its lineup, including the new Velar and Defender models. Now, it’s the Discovery’s turn.
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery gets new looks, an expanded lineup, and numerous tech upgrades as part of a proper mid-generation refresh. Land Rover will sell the model in four different options for buyers: 2.0L S, 2.0L S R-Dynamic, 3.0L S R-Dynamic, and 3.0L HSE R-Dynamic.
The rear of the vehicle features new LED taillights.Photo courtesy of Land Rover
The exterior of the Discovery remains much the same with body proportions bringing to mind historic Discovery styling. The SUV now comes with new signature LED headlights, sweeping front and rear turn signals, and body-color front fender vents. Land Rover has redesigned the front bumper to feature a new winder body-colored graphic and fresh side vents. At its rear, the 2021 Discovery has new signature LED lights which sit on either side of a gloss black panel that incorporates traditional “Discovery” script.
R-Dynamic models get unique Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents on the outside and two-tone leather and contrast seat stitching inside.
Land Rover continues to offer the Discovery with two powertrains in the U.S. Models with the “2.0L” designation are powered by a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four while “3.0L” SUVs have a 355-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine under the hood.
The Discovery has an 8,200-pound maximum towing capacity and comes with Advanced Tow Assist.
The Discover can tow over 8,000 pounds.Photo courtesy of Land Rover
Designers have given the Discovery a new center console, which houses an 11.4-inch high-definition infotainment touch’s creek that runs the company’s well-organized Pivi Pro operating system. That area also houses a new shifter that offers a more pleasing tactile experience. Apple CarPlay is standard and Android Auto is available.
In front of the driver sits a new four-spoke steering wheel with hidden-until-lit switches, similar to what is on the Evoque and Velar. Beyond the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch interactive driver display that provides vital vehicles operations information and can display full-screen 3D navigation when requested. The dials displayed on the screen are configurable. A head-up display is available and over-the-air updates are possible.
The entire cabin benefits from Land Rover’s new Cabin Air Ionization technology that scans incoming air, measures its quality and uses filters to adequately reduce fine particulates in the Discovery’s cabin.
2021 Land Rover Discovery R-Dynamic models feature two-tone leather interiors.Photo courtesy of Land Rover
Land Rover Click and Go tablet holders are incorporated into the Discovery’s first row seatbacks. The system uses USB-A charging sockets and the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot within in the vehicle to deliver entertaining content to passengers.
A hand-free liftgate is a viable. To ease in configuring cargo space, the Discovery’s infotainment screen offers fold command technology for rear seats. Second-row seats have been redesigned to offer enhanced comfort. That row also gets increased air flow from the SUV’s ventilation system.
Buyers can get their Discovery with the second-generation Activity Key, which features touchscreen controls, a digital watch, and can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle as well as serve as a traditional fob.
The model now has Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system.Photo courtesy of Land Rover
Pricing for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery starts at $53,900 for the 2.0L S base model. The 2.0L S R-Dynamic starts at $56,400. Bumping up to the 3.0L S R-Dynamic moves the price tag to $61,900 while the top-tier HSE R-Dynamic comes in at $68,900.
