What We Know About The 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is one of several popular models that Land Rover offers. While still offering some of the same advantages, it is a more affordable option than the Land Rover Range Rover. It comes in four different style options, which are:

• P300S
• P300S R Dynamic
• P360 S R Dynamic
• P360 HSE R Dynamic

The Land Rover Discovery offers both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder option, depending on the amount of power you desire. All Land Rover Discovery options are stylish and combine practicality, performance and a luxurious appearance together. 

Here’s what we know about the 2021 Land Rover Discovery

There is not a long list of upgrades to the 2021 Land Rover Discovery, but there are notable changes. In general, the Land Rover Discovery is perfect for drivers who need extra space for hauling luggage and equipment or desire to go off-road from time to time and need a smooth and reliable ride for all types of terrain. 

Advantages

The most notable reasons you should consider the 2021 Land Rover Discovery over previous models and competitor models include:

• Quality performance for off-road driving
• Smooth and reliable on-road driving performance
• A more powerful 6-cylinder engine
• A spacious and comfortable interior
• A new and improved infotainment system

The interior of the 2021 Land Rover Discovery is spacious and everything is designed with high-quality and durable materials. Perhaps more notably, the 2021 Discovery received multiple key upgrades to improve its infotainment system, safety features and design. 

Drawbacks of the 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has some drawbacks to be aware of before purchasing. Notably, some of the concerns with the 2021 Discovery include:

• The infotainment system is hard to use
• The third row is not easily accessible
• Lower than desired tow rating
• Less than stellar handling ratings
• A more expensive option than competitors

Some have reported issues using the complex infotainment system. It also has a relatively low tow rating, so it may not be ideal for hauling larger watercraft. The price (see below) is also higher than the average among comparable models from different manufacturers.

New features

The first thing you will notice when comparing the model from previous years is its new and fresh design, which Land Rover enthusiasts love. On the inside, Land Rover transformed the look and feel with a new steering wheel, gear selector, air vents and more. It also has a brand new infotainment system to improve upon past criticisms of a difficult-to-use interface. They also now offer a four-cylinder engine option in addition to their standard six-cylinder engine option, and Land Rover discontinued their diesel option. 

Pricing options for 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery S starts at $55,250. The R-Dynamic model is $57,750 and the HSE model is $70,250. The starting price is higher than competitors. The most notable competitor pricing options include: 

• Genesis GV80 – $49,945
• Volvo XC90 – $50,095
• BMW X5 – $60,395
• Audi RS Q8 –  $115,595
• Porsche Cayenne – $68,850

Although notably less expensive than the Audi RS Q8, the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90 are slightly more affordable. However, when considering the advantages the Discovery can offer, it is a fair value.  

Engine & performance

The P300S and P300S R Dynamic offer a 40cylinder engine and 296 horsepower at 5500 RPM. The upgraded options offer a 6-cylinder engine and 355 horsepower at 5500 RPM. The fuel economy is the same for every option. The handling, brakes and ability to handle difficult road conditions are high-quality as well. 

Fuel efficiency

The 2021 Discovery averages 19 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While not ideal for long cross-country trips, its fuel economy is relatively competitive with similar models such as the Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90 and better than more trucks and Jeep models. 

Comfort and interior

You truly see the luxury when examining and enjoying the interior. Several of the many comfort features the Land Rover Discovery offers include power-adjustable seats, heated leather seats that offer a massage function, recline adjustments for the backseats as well as the front and an ample amount of storage space. 

Safety features

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery also has impressive safety features. Several key safety features that Land Rover added to the Discovery include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The safety features are reported to perform with reliability as well. There is no available information about crash test rating at this time.

Headlights

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery has new LED headlights with daytime running lights. They offer a stylish look that fits well with the Discovery’s face. The headlights are reliable and allow for safe driving at night. With proper care, they should last for years without needing repair or headlights replacement. 

Infotainment

The infotainment system is the same for all 2021 Land Rover Discovery models. It features an 11.4-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system also has advanced features such as WiFi hotspot and real-time traffic and weather updates. The infotainment system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the Land Rover Discovery has up to nine USB charger ports. 

Top competitor models 

The most notable competitor models to the 2021 Land Rover Discovery include the Genesis GV80, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Audi RS Q8. While some are more affordable and others may offer better performance or additional features, the 2021 Land Rover Discovery is the best combination of affordability, luxury and performance. 

Our recommendation for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery gets a lot of attention for its off-road abilities, but its performance on the road is what really makes it worth the cost. Although far from the most affordable solution, the Land Rover Discovery has a stylish appearance, luxury interior and high-quality performance, combined with its excess storage, comfortable seating and excellent towing capacity. The ‘21 Discovery is a versatile vehicle that is safe to drive on and off-road, and it serves as an excellent family vehicle as well.