2019 Land Rover Discovery Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for a luxury full-size SUV that’s able to perform equally well on the highway and on rough off-roading terrain, then the 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a solid choice. This SUV is packed full of amazing features that put it a step above other vehicles in its category. But what exactly are these features, and how do they improve the 2019 model from prior years’ models?

What's new for 2019

In 2019, Land Rover upgraded a substantial part of the safety technology system for the Discovery. A wade sensing system keeps drivers from driving into water too deep to get out of when off-roading and lane-keep assistance ensures drivers do not depart from their lanes without knowing it’s occurring. A rear cross-traffic alert system and a drowsiness alert system have both been added as well. Finally, exterior options for upgraded models and trims have been added.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Land Rover Discovery – The Pros

1. Sleek Exterior Design

Upon first glance, the Discovery is instantly recognizable. Though it’s a full-size SUV, it seems compact and functional, letting the eye flow across the outside with its delineating clean lines. The exterior is made with an aluminum mixture that gives the car a futuristic appearance, and the color choices available for the 2019 model add to this aesthetic considerably.

2. Fantastic Safety Technology

Because the 2019 Land Rover Discovery is meant to function as both an on- and off-road vehicle, the safety technology options available for the vehicle are fantastic in all situations. Hill descent control keeps the vehicle in control even on steep inclines and declines. Front and rear parking sensors alert you when you’re getting close to another car or the curb. When you’re on the road, cross-traffic detection and lane-keeping assistance maintain your safety when staying in a lane or changing lanes.

3. Solid Engine Choices

The 2019 Land Rover Discovery offers two unique engines. The standard engine is a V6 3-liter engine that offers an impressive 340 horsepower and around 330 lb-ft of torque. In combination with the 4-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic, this engine allows for up to 8,200 pounds to be towed. This can be upgraded to a turbodiesel V6, which lowers the horsepower to just 254 but enhances the torque to 443 lb-ft. This upgrade also lowers the towing capacity to a still impressive 7,700 pounds.

4. Stellar Off-Roading Technology

Although the Discovery is amazing on highways and the city, it really shines when going off the road. This car has many distinct technology features that lend themselves to off-roading, including the new wade recognition system. This lets you drive through water that’s almost 3 feet deep without worrying about the car’s safety, as this system will warn you when water is getting too deep to drive in. There’s also the aforementioned hill descent control and special suspension system, keeping you cushioned even in extreme off-roading situations.

5. Enhanced Stability

Though the 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a full-size SUV, it never feels as if it is unbalanced on the road. This is due to two systems that work in harmony to keep the car stable. The first is an electronic traction system that maintains wheel contact and grip with the road or terrain as much as possible. The second is stability control, which monitors your steering inputs and traction to ensure you’re going in the direction that you want to go. In combination, these two systems keep the car gripping the road and steering in the right direction.

6. Ultra-Smooth Ride

Two unique suspension systems give the Discovery a silky smooth feel on the road. In the front, a double-wishbone suspension makes bumps barely noticeable. In the back, Land Rover’s multi-link suspension uses multiple lateral arms and a longitudinal arm to keep the ride smooth no matter the car’s angle or speed. There’s also an optional upgrade for the vehicle that includes air springs, allowing the car to be raised and lowered to match the terrain type you’re currently driving on.

7. A Plethora of Model Options

Though the base model of the 2019 Land Rover Discovery offers plenty of features, there are many trim options that will let you customize the car to your heart’s content. The base Discovery SE comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and the technology mentioned above. The Discovery HSE adds a few more features, including a power sunroof, keyless entry, and multiple memory states for the driver’s seat to allow for multiple drivers. The third major upgrade, the Discovery HSE Luxury, decks out the vehicle with even more luxury features. The 4-wheel-drive system gets an upgrade with a 2-speed transfer case, all seats and the steering wheel are heated, and the third row of seats can fold using an intelligent power-folding system. The seating is also upgraded to high-quality leather from regular cloth.

8. Intuitive Infotainment System

As the Land Rover is meant to be taken on long trips, you’ll need a great infotainment system to entertain and navigate you. Fortunately, the Discovery’s infotainment system is intuitive to use. A 10-inch touchscreen gives plenty of room to navigate through the menus, and a built-in navigation system allows you to get to your destination with ease. The infotainment system also interfaces with your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, letting you control certain apps through the infotainment system.

9. Customizable Package Options

Though the packages available differ depending on the model you ’re planning on purchasing, these packages offer some truly useful options. The Cold Climate Package gives you heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated washer nozzles to ensure your hands and front windshield don’t freeze while driving. The Driver Assist Package is perfect for long highway drives, giving you adaptive cruise control and more sensors and cameras for a safer driving experience. The aforementioned water sensing feature and air suspension also come neatly packaged in the Capability Plus package.

10. Great Towing Capability

The 2019 Land Rover Discovery can tow between 7,700 and 8,200 pounds, depending on which engine you choose to use. Even when towing near the maximum weight, the car does not feel like it’s struggling. The stability control and driver assistance features give the vehicle strong acceleration and control on the road, and towing does not severely limit turning control either.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Land Rover Discovery – The Cons

1. Low Gas Efficiency

Both of the engine options for the Discovery do not lend themselves to high gas mileage. The standard V6 engine is only able to manage 16 miles per gallon in the city and a slightly better 21 miles per gallon on the highway. The diesel V6 brings that number up more, giving 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. The diesel engine gives gas efficiency that’s more on par with other SUVs of this caliber but still is not above average.

2. Base Seats Somewhat Uncomfortable

Though the driver’s seat in the 2019 Land Rover Discovery is supremely comfortable, the other seats could be more comfortable. For tall adult passengers, the back seats may feel somewhat shallow on long rides. However, the average passenger will not have any problems. In the HSE Luxury, the leather seat covers make the seats substantially more comfortable as well.

3. Trouble In Windy Conditions

Part of the reason the 2019 Land Rover Discovery gets such low mileage is due to the exterior’s poor aerodynamic features. This also means that the car will need more focused driving in windy conditions, as gusts of wind are definitely noticeable. However, this year’s model is far more aerodynamic than in previous years.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a standout SUV, even though its class is quite crowded. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Audi Q7 are billed as more luxurious, but struggle to feel as good both on and off the road. While other SUVs may offer better gas mileage, the sheer number of luxury features and the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities far outweigh the benefits of other vehicles in this class.

Conclusion

The 2019 Land Rover Discovery is a top-tier luxury SUV, offering plenty of luxurious interior features and comfort on the highway and off the road. Its trims and package options give you unlimited control of the features you want in your car, and the feel of this SUV when driving is unbeatable. Overall, the 2019 Discovery is a luxury SUV that’s sure to please any driver who gives it a try.