2017 Land Rover New Discovery HSE Luxury 4WD: A New Look, New Name

Highlight: The second and third row seats can be reconfigured using an App or the main touchscreen display from inside the New Discovery.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $82,300 (Base Model: $50,985)

Seating Capacity: 5 or 7

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; a rearview camera; a rear parking aid; rear sensing windshield wipers; a tire pressure monitoring system; a stability control system;  a traction control system; a compact spare tire; daytime running lights; perimeter alarm; and a hill start assist system

Base SE Standard Features: 19-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; an engine start/stop gas saving technology; an electric parking brake; power folding heated mirrors; approach lights; a panoramic sunroof; keyless entry; a keyless ignition starter system; body colored door handles; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a premium leather steering wheel; automatic rearview mirror; a two zone automatic climate control system; an 8-inch infotainment screen; and a power controlled gesture tailgate

HSE Luxury Standard Features: 20-inch wheels; body colored door handles; 16-way power front seats with memory; third row seating; a two speed transfer case; air suspension; a three zone climate control system; a 14-speaker, 825-watt audio system; SiriusXM/CD/HD radio; a power fixed panoramic sunroof including power shades; a rear privacy glass with infrared reflective windshield; front fog lights; heated washer jets for the front headlights; a heated steering wheel; a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; premium carpeted floor mats; power inner tailgate; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system; and a navigation system

Optional Features: 21-inch spoke wheels; autonomous emergency brakes; an active rear locking differential a radar-activated cruise control system; a lane keep assist system; LED headlights; automatic high beam assist headlights; an auto dimming exterior mirror; an electronic blind spot system; a reverse traffic detection system; a full size spare tire; 2 USB charging ports in second row; a load space partition net in the cargo area; a tow package; a 360-degree parking aid; parking assist; a front center console cooler compartment embedded in the armrest; a heads up display center; black roof rails; a rear seat entertainment system; 16-way power memory seats with Windsor leather seats; a premium metallic paint color; a dynamic body kit; an Ebony headliner; side claddings and headlight appliques; and a blacked-out grille

Trims:

SE
HSE
First Edition

Standard Audio System: a 10-speaker AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Charging Port: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder/ 340-horsepower

Towing Capability: 3,500 lbs

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/21-hwy (source: Fueleconomy.gov)

What’s New: The third-generation New Discovery bulks the trend, dropping the LR4 boxy design and name, while replacing the midsize SUV with a more contemporary and more modern design theme.

Why: The stylish New Discovery, depending on the trim, is available with a supercharged gasoline or a diesel engine. The spacious utility vehicle is capable of comfortably accommodating five (or squeezing in seven occupants, if equipped with the optional third-row).

The contemporary New Discovery, which is easy to navigate, is great for all road conditions, whether traveling through gravel, sleet, rain or mud. The vehicle’s suspension is even capable to tackle rock climbing. This is especially true, when the vehicle is outfitted with the Terrain Response 2 system, which automatically selects the appropriate driving mode based upon the driving condition. Yes, this all-purpose luxury utility vehicle is comfortable in its own skin.

Besides a new design, the New Discovery incorporates a few industry firsts. For instance, with this year’s seating, one of the unique features in this New Land Rover is that it can be arranged remotely via an app (or through the in-dash infotainment system). Yes, you read that right. The seats can be arranged via one’s smartphone, an industry first. An app can also be used to adjust the climate control system in the New Discovery. Folks in warm weather or snowy climates will appreciate this feature.

Another industry first is an Active Key system. So, for those who love to be engaged in outside activities such as cycling, fishing or hiking, they can literally go keyless (or keyfob-less), while out and about. One absolves themselves of the responsibilities of keeping up with a key with this one-of-a kind invention. Just by simply popping on the Land Rover-approved battery less, durable waterproof wristband, the enthusiast can be off enjoying their adventure, without the responsibility of keeping up with a key.

In addition to the aforementioned industry firsts, buyers attracted to this midsized SUV will also find that the New Discovery is literally a mobile entertainment on wheels. The vehicle can be equipped with up to 9 USB ports, which is capable of accommodating up to 8 devices, when the in-vehicle WiFi system is activated. So, with all of this available connectivity, there is no way any of the rear seat occupants can find themselves approaching boredom on a long or for that matter, a short road trip.

There are also a number of unique interior touches throughout the cabin. For those with an active lifestyle, they’ll welcome the optional cooler, which is housed inside the front seat center armrest. The center armrest serves a dual role, housing smartphones, too. Furthermore, the interior designers incorporated dual glove boxes in Land Rover’s newest vehicle. As one can see, there is no shortage of concealed storage areas in this premium utility vehicle.

Besides the interior details, this Land Rover borrowed some cues from Ford Motor Company, its former owner, with its remote tailgate system. The tailgate can be opened without the use of a key. Just like with Ford’s products, the tailgate opens with a simple swipe of the foot underneath the rear of the vehicle. Besides that innovation, occupants will find that the tailgate is durable enough to serve as a temporary bench for tailgating or resting, after one of your active adventures. One can literally have a picnic or wind down after the adventure. A bench and a cooler are all provided in this active vehicle. What else could one ask for?

Lastly, the New Discovery can be equipped with the latest safety driving aids, large 21-inch wheel, the ability to tow over 8,000 lbs, as well as a panoramic sunroof. Yes, this midsize luxury is great for cruising through the city or taking on off-road adventures.

Why Not:  Depending on one’s location, the touchscreen infotainment system operates like a spotty internet connection. It takes a moment to search for or locate satellite stations. At times, its easier to pull out one's smartphone, especially when needing directions.

And while Land Rover touts this vehicle as being able to accommodate three rows, it’s literally a tight fit in the New Discovery. With the third row seat in use, the cargo space is virtually eliminated.

Furthermore, the eye-popping $80,000 plus tag left us scratching our heads. This price tag is in Range Rover territory.

Verdict: We welcome the New Discovery, which is the LR4 replacement. The modern contemporary design and the exclusive firsts, such as the waterproof wristband that replaces the keyfob, are only available in the New Discovery. This makes this vehicle a standout, especially for those with an active lifestyle. This midsize SUV nearest competitor is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, being that it is a five passenger SUV. However, when the optional third row is added, the New Discovery is in a class by itself. So, depending on one needs, the New Discovery could be in the perfect position to add new customers to its brand.

Competition: The Jeep Grand Cherokee (Five Passenger SUV)