Redesigned for 2017, this classic British SUV is still turning heads and
churning dirt off-road like never before. Spacious inside but now offering 3 rows of seats, the 2017 Land Rover is a marvelous piece of engineering that can handle both city streets and the rugged outback with ease. As a mid-size SUV it has heft, size and power in droves. Fans of the Land Rover Discover celebrate the major change from the boxy former generation to this new aerodynamic styling.
Exterior Styling
The most notable characteristic of the new Discovery is that it is no longer boxy with seemingly little concern for aerodynamics. The new 2017 model has a smooth, curvy shape that glides through the wind.
The car has LED headlights and taillights. This new technology allows it to more safely illuminate the road ahead. Its lower bumper has also been redesigned to include some thin, horizontal air-intake scoops. Moreover, there are some attractive and sporty scoops on both sides of its nose which add some sporty flair to this sport utility. The Discovery has 19 inch wheels that can be upgraded to 20 inches with the HSE option package.
Interior Styling
The interior is premium and very spacious. Soft leather and durable plastic cover much of the center console, door handles and dashboard. All premium, they are attractive and highly functional as well. The infotainment system in the 2017 Land Rover Discovery does not disappoint. Featuring a high-tech screen and 14 speaker surround sound system, it does a good job of delivering an orchestra experience.
Safety Features
The 2017 Land Rover has a collection of safety features. Some of these are standard such as the airbag system and ABS brakes. Others are premium options such as lane-keeping assist, automatic cruise control and the impressive air suspension system. The latter is capable of increasing the car’s ground clearance from 11 inches to 12.7 inches.
Powertrain
The Discovery is available with a variety of powertrain options. Drivers can get it with either a gas or a turbodiesel powertrain. While both are effective in translating engine power to road performance, the turbodiesel option is my choice. Combined with the high performance suspension, it delivers an excellent off-road driving experience.
Drivetrain and Performance
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery has a 3.0 liter turbocharged V-6 base engine. It is capable of achieving 340 horsepower and delivering 332 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available in gas and diesel options. It is worth noting that the diesel option propels the car faster than its gas counterpart. The gas engine will propel the car to 60mph in 7.7 seconds. The diesel engine will do the same in 6.9 seconds. In addition to that, the car has a top speed of 130 mph. An 8-speed transmission transfers engine power to the wheels. The Discovery achieves fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city, 21 on the highway and 18 mpg combined. Towing capacity is 8,201 lbs.
