2020 Land Rover Discovery Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

With the Discovery, Land Rover has built a solid, mid-size SUV with four different trims to choose from. The 2020 Land Rover Discovery incorporates several luxury features to make it warrant an upscale price tag. Would it be a wise decision to purchase a Discovery? There are many reasons why the Land Rover Discovery would be a great buy, but there are also some categories in which the SUV could offer a bit more.

What's New for 2020?

Bringing the SUV more in line with what others in the industry come with, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery comes with standard blind-spot monitoring to improve safety. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well. Unfortunately, the SE trim has had its built-in navigation taken away. For those who rely on this technology to get them places, it's a definite drawback.

The 2020 model year brings with it the addition of a new trim: the Landmark Edition. The Landmark Edition is nestled in between the SE and the HSE trims. It gives an additional option if a consumer doesn't necessarily want to fork over as much money for premium elements but still wants to enjoy some high-end touches. The Landmark Edition comes with a seven-seat package, 20-inch wheels that can stand out, integrated navigation that monitors changing traffic conditions, and an upgraded audio system.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Land Rover Discovery – The Pros

1. Different Engine Options

Two engines are available on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The first is a 3.0-liter Td6 diesel that has 254 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available on the SE, HSE, and HSE Luxury. Offered on all four trims is a 3.0-liter Si6 gas engine, which comes with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. These options give more control to the customers, who may have preferences for either gas or diesel models.

2. Ready to Go Off-Roading

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery is built equally for the pavement and the trail. It has a maximum wading depth of 33.5 inches, so it could even handle wet spots. With Hill Descent Control, the vehicle can smoothly make its way down hills. The program actively works to maintain a constant speed and applies braking pressure to each wheel depending on the terrain.

Four-wheel drive is standard, which is a good sign for anyone looking for a rugged vehicle. Optional features include a two-speed transfer case and All-Terrain Progress Control, which can improve performance on uneven ground.

3. Luxurious Interior

Quality materials are found throughout the inside the cabin of a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The veneer could be several things, to include a natural charcoal oak, a dark satin brushed aluminum, or a high gloss charcoal oak. All three rows could come heated to help warm everyone up on those chilly winter mornings. Various shades of soft leather are available on the seats.

4. Exterior Stylings

Standard on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SE are 19-inch five split-spoke wheels. There's the option to upgrade to 20- or 21-inch wheels on the base model. The roof can be the same tone as the rest of the body for cohesiveness, or it can be a black contrast roof for a modern, two-tone look. When moving up in trim, 20-inch wheels become standard, with 21- and 22-inch wheels being optional.

An available electric sunroof can let extra light in. It consists of a tilt-and-slide glass in the front and panoramic glass in the back so everyone can enjoy the openness. Two power blinds, which can operate independently of each other, provide shade if it gets too hot.

5. Ample Cargo Space

In the dedicated cargo area behind the second row (on a two-row vehicle), the Discovery has 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This is a big advantage, giving busy people the room they need to carry their belongings. The seats can be lowered to expand the storage area to 83.7 cubic feet.

6. Advanced Technology

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery has a 10-inch touchscreen that is relatively easy to use. As previously mentioned, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and built-in navigation comes on all the trims except the SE. The SUV can come with a head-up display, which would project important vehicle information on the windshield in the driver's direct line of sight.

The SUV can also come with a rear-seat entertainment package that consists of two eight-inch screens integrated directly into the front headrests for a more streamlined look. This package comes with two digital headphones and a remote control. It can make long road trips go by much more quickly for those with young children and/or restless passengers.

7. Comprehensive Safety Package

Many driver-assist features are standard on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The SE comes with blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance, and automatic high beams. There is also a traffic sign recognition program to help drivers stay aware of what's going on around them. Emergency braking is found across the board, kicking into gear only when necessary to avoid a front impact, and high-speed emergency braking comes on higher trims. Enhancing vision is a 360-degree parking aid that can come in handy during tight maneuvers.

8. Good Towing Capacity

With the diesel engine in place, towing capacity is 7,716 pounds. Towing capacity on the gas model is a bit higher, at 8,201 pounds. To some adventurers, this could be a significant difference. Optional Advanced Tow Assist is a bonus when controlling a trailer. Drivers can steer with precision and confidence, knowing that the vehicle will be actively assisting them to get into proper position.

9. Versatile Seating

The second row of seats can slide forward or backwards depending on what, or who, needs to be transported. A difference of six inches can make it feasible to carry certain items or accommodate taller passengers. Intelligent Seat Fold is an available feature that lets drivers control the raising and lowering of the second- and third-row seats with their smartphones. This is a fund detail that can get the SUV ready for a full load of passengers or cargo.

Up front, the seats can come heated and ventilated to improve comfort. They can also offer massages, and this gives the vehicle a greater sense of luxury. The driver's and passenger's seats are adjustable in up to 16 different ways and include lumbar support.

10. No Need to Carry a Key

When a driver walks up to a 2020 Land Rover Discovery with a key in his or her pocket, the vehicle will automatically unlock itself when it detects the presence of the key fob. This is a great convenience, but it doesn't end there. Land Rover makes an Activity Key, which is a wristband modeled after common fitness trackers, that can be used to unlock the SUV.

The Activity Key wristband is light and waterproof, ideal for those who lead active lifestyles. With the wristband on, a driver can leave the key fob in a safe, hidden compartment in the vehicle and then proceed to go swimming, skiing, or something else before returning to the vehicle.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Land Rover Discovery – The Cons

1. Not Fuel Efficient

The diesel gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Estimated fuel economy on the gas model is only 16 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. For people who place a premium on efficiency, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery might not fit the bill.

2. Engine Could Be More Powerful

Though there are two options for the engine on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery, neither one will win any horsepower competitions. The Discovery's performance could be seen as a negative by some critics, as many other vehicles in the industry have high-performance engines that can exhibit more than 400 horsepower.

3. Slow Infotainment System

The system is filled with features, but it can be a little bit slow at times. This would matter if anyone is dealing with busy traffic and trying to change the channel, look up directions, or make a phone call.

4. Small Third Row

It's nice that Land Rover included the option to put in a third row to expand seating accommodations. However, leg room back there is only 33.5 inches. This would be very tight for most teens or adults, but children will likely feel cozy and comfortable in their very own row.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Audi Q7 is another fierce competitor in the luxury mid-size SUV market. While the Audi has a sleek interior and great exterior stylings, it doesn't handle itself as well as the LandRover Discovery does off the pavement. When going head to head with the BMW X5, one of the biggest differences is that the Land Rover Discovery has an available third row. BMW does offer the larger X7, but it's considerably more expensive than the Land Rover.

Conclusion

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery does well in many regards. It feels luxurious, looks stylish, and comes with advanced features. It's a vehicle that people can enjoy riding in, and with its high-end touches, it's ready to take care of its passengers. Overall, the Discovery would be a great investment for anyone looking to buy a luxury SUV that has good cargo room and a competent engine.