2021 Land Rover Discovery Gains Two New Engines, Drops Diesel
It’s been a really long while since we last talked about the Land Rover Discovery. Granted, this midsize luxury SUV is one of the worst-selling models in its class. However, a significant refresh is in store for 2021 and hopefully more customers will pay attention.
Let’s start with the exterior design, which has been revised for a cleaner appearance. It features new LED headlights and taillights (the latter joined by a new Gloss Black panel with the Discovery name on it), fresh bumpers and new side vents.
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Inside, you can still choose a five- or seven-passenger configuration, but there’s a brand new centre console and shifter, as well as a new 11.4-inch HD touchscreen similar to the one in the updated Jaguar F-PACE and E-PACE. The latter is powered by the Pivi Pro infotainment system offering a simplified menu structure, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and over-the-air software updates. The most commonly used functions can be accessed directly from the customizable home screen in order to reduce driver distraction.
The new-look, four-spoke steering wheel features hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles. Right behind is a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display that provides high-definition 3D mapping, leaving the centre touchscreen free to control other applications. A full-colour head-up display is available, too.
The second-row seats have been redesigned for increased comfort and support. Occupants also benefit from new tablet holders that are incorporated into the front seatbacks, not to mention a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot which is capable of linking up to eight devices.
Some of the biggest changes can be found under the hood, as well. The 2021 Land Rover Discovery comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 296 horsepower. An equally new, turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 355 horsepower is optional, allowing a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds (3,720 kilograms). The 254-horsepower diesel V6 has been dropped and there’s still no word on a future plug-in hybrid variant.
Interestingly for off-road enthusiasts, the Terrain Response 2 system adds a new Wade mode designed to help optimize the vehicle for water fording, while ClearSight Ground View technology allows you to literally see through the engine bay in order to steer the vehicle more precisely on sketchy surfaces.
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery can be ordered now starting at $68,600, an increase of $2,200 from the 2020 model.
