Is a used Land Rover Discovery a good buy?

For drivers who want a capable and classy off-roader, the latest Land Rover Discovery makes a compelling case, thanks to its high-tech approach to luxurious all-terrain and on-tarmac motoring.

It may not be quite as flashy as Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover model, but the Discovery is a supremely comfortable and lavishly-equipped 4x4 that’s all-but unbeatable when it comes to tackling the rough stuff.

It’s pretty darn good on ordinary roads too, but excellence doesn’t come cheap, as anyone who has shopped for a new Land Rover will know.

The Land Rover Discovery has been part of the UK motoring scene since the late 1980s, when the first generation arrived with its instantly recognisable stepped roof design, which kicked up over the rear seats for extra headroom. Back then, the Land Rover Discovery was a rough off-roader with a truck-like separate chassis and a focus on practicality over luxury, although it was immediately popular with families, thanks to its optional seven seats, practical cabin and handsome design.

Over successive generations, the Land Rover Discovery has lost none of its off-road ability, but it has become increasingly luxurious and technologically advanced in Land Rover's effort to remain competitive in the so-called ‘sports utility vehicle’ or SUV class.

While the original model competed against gnarly off-roaders such as the Mitsubishi Shogun the more recent explosion in road-focused SUV rivals - including the hugely popular BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 - meant that Land Rover simply had to up its game. The result is the current Land Rover Discovery that went on sale in early 2017. It represented a significant technology and design shift in recognition of changing driver preferences.

The change in philosophy is immediately apparent in the latest body design, which still features a slight kick-up in the roof but nowadays it’s barely noticeable and purely cosmetic. Likewise, the formerly boxy Land Rover Discovery rear end has been swapped for a more tapered tail and overall there’s a strong family resemblance to the smaller Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Inside, the standard-issue seven-seat arrangement competes with the best MPVs in terms of practicality, with three adults able to sit comfortably in the third row - although in this configuration, like its rivals, the boot space is only on a par with many hatchbacks. With the third row folding at the touch of a button, however, the Discovery comes into its own as a load hauler with a cavernous 1137-litres of load space.

All versions of the Land Rover Discovery are good to drive on the road. Although the latest model is a substantial 450kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to a more modern construction, it’s still a big and heavy car.

A degree of body lean is to be expected around corners, but it’s decently controlled and the Discovery steers accurately even if it’s no sports car. The ride comfort on air suspension-equipped variants is especially impressive, too.

You can pick petrol and diesel engines, all with a seamlessly-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the high-up stance and Land Rover’s electronic 'Terrain Response 2' system make off-roading a breeze even for inexperienced drivers, thanks to its automated driving modes. Many owners will also take advantage of the Discovery’s excellent towing capability, with a hefty trailer weight of up to 3500kg possible depending on specification.

Read our full Land Rover Discovery review

Which used Land Rover Discovery should you buy?

The good news for buyers of used Land Rover Discovery models is that an update for 2021 was limited to minor grille and light revisions, so older cars will not look dated. New more efficient engines including mild hybrid options are worth looking out for in these updated cars though, and the 2021 Discovery also benefits from an improved 'Pivo Pro' media system, as an upgrade on the earlier 'Touch Pro Duo' system.

There have been various diesel and petrol engine options available since 2017, but older petrol models use more fuel and are extremely rare in comparison to diesel models. That’s not an issue, as the Land Rover Discovery is a big heavy car that really does feel well-suited to diesel power.

What used Land Rover Discovery trim levels are available?

All Land Rover Discovery models are well-equipped, but most new buyers skip the entry-level S version. If your budget will stretch far enough you may be temped to do the same if you want the best value for money.

The updated version also got the addition of a new R Dynamic body styling option, which comes with a gloss black roof panel and trim highlights, a sportier front bumper and special wheels.

Land Rover Discovery S

The Land Rover Discovery range refresh in 2021 saw the introduction of grained leather upholstery to the entry-level S trim, which increases its popularity compared to older S spec cars which came with cloth seats. The new models also benefit from Land Rover’s latest 'Pivo Plus' 11.4-inch touchscreen media system, while older versions get a less whizzy eight-inch screen.

The original Discovery S spec also included 19-inch wheels - now upgraded to 20-inch versions - as well as cruise control, a powered tailgate and lane departure warnings. Look out for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too, while updated 2021 models get features such as traffic-sign recognition and lane-keeping assistance as standard.

Land Rover Discovery SE

Until the 2021 update appeared, Land Rover Discovery customers needed the SE model to bag leather upholstery and LED headlights, which are now standard on the S trim level. The SE also brought upgraded audio, sat-nav and all-round parking sensors to older cars, as well as a darker radiator grille.

Newer updated Land Rover Discovery SE models include 18-way electric seats, electric steering column adjustment and two-tone leather upholstery, and the SE is available with the standard or R-Dynamic styling packs - the latter coming with 21-inch wheels.

Land Rover Discovery HSE

The HSE is the range-topping Land Rover Discovery trim level and if you want to get a new one, you have to opt for the latest R-Dynamic styling pack - not the case for pre-update cars, when the R-Dynamic option wasn’t yet available.

Even if you opt for an earlier Land Rover Discovery HSE model, you’re in for a treat, thanks to upgraded leather upholstery, a powerful Meridian audio system, 360-degree surround cameras and twin sunroofs - although much of the HSE haul has become standard across the range since the update, and it is new features like the latest driver assistance tech that now set the HSE apart. The latest cars have 22-inch alloy wheels, while earlier models ride on 21-inch wheels.