2017 Land Rover Discovery Gets Consumer Reports Thumbs Up Despite Small Snags

Available in the United States from $49,990 excluding the $995 destination, the Disco stands out at first glance as a more sophisticated affair than ever. It all starts from the Range Rover-derived platform, which is 305 pounds lighter than the LR4 V8 previously tested by Consumer Reports. It’s also more frugal thanks to the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that comes as standard in the U.S.

With 340 horsepower and plenty of torque from low in the rev range, the S/C V6 is right-sized for a full-size SUV. Customers who would rather something even more efficient, as well as torquier. The 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6, which is going to be offered in the 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck, develops 443 pound-feet of get-up-and-go and returns up to 26 mpg highway in this application.

The heft of such a gargantuan utility vehicle is noticeable, though, and the steering is light and short out of feedback. Consumer Reports recommends kitting out the Discovery with the optional air suspension for reasons that are sufficiently obvious to point out in words. Typical for a Land Rover, some of the controls can be confounding, but all is forgotten once you play with the nicely finished and easy-to-use air conditioning system. The infotainment system, I’m afraid, is still slow and confusing compared to competitors.

Then there’s the third row of seats, which is more kid-sized than fit for tall, more bulky adults. Taking into account all the good points and every little niggles, Consumer Reports sees the 2017 Land Rover Discovery as a highly capable all-rounder, as you’ll find out from the following first-drive review.