Hey, adventurers and soccer moms alike—welcome to my Land Rover Discovery review in 2025! If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that can haul your family, tow your boat, and still tackle a muddy trail like it’s auditioning for an Indiana Jones movie, then stick around. The Discovery has been a staple in Land Rover’s lineup for decades, blending rugged capability with posh vibes. In 2025, it’s still kicking, and I’ve got the scoop on whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Spoiler alert: it’s like a British butler who moonlights as a rally driver—fancy, tough, and a little quirky.
I first got up close and personal with the 2025 Discovery at a local dealership last month, and let me tell you, it’s a beast that demands attention. Picture this: I’m sipping a terrible cup of dealership coffee, and this hulking SUV rolls up, gleaming under the showroom lights. It’s big, bold, and unapologetic—everything you’d expect from a Land Rover. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this seven-seater and see if it’s the ride for you.
What’s New with the Discovery in 2025?
The Land Rover Discovery isn’t a complete overhaul for 2025, but it’s got some fresh tweaks that keep it relevant. Think of it as a midlife glow-up—new Botox, same soul. The fifth-generation Disco (launched in 2017) got a facelift in 2021, and for 2025, Land Rover has shuffled the deck with updated trims, tech upgrades, and a slightly punchier diesel engine. The lineup now includes the base S, Dynamic SE, and the top-dog Metropolitan Edition, with prices starting at around $61,825 and climbing to $81,425 before options.
Under the hood, the big news is the D350 diesel replacing the D300. This 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo now pumps out 345 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque—enough grunt to make you feel like you’re herding elephants instead of kids. Petrol fans get the P300 (296 hp turbo-four) or P360 (355 hp turbo-six with mild-hybrid tech), but let’s be real: the diesel’s where the action’s at for towing and off-road shenanigans. Oh, and fog lamps are now standard across all trims—because apparently, 2024 owners were tired of squinting through the mist.
The exterior? Still that boxy, love-it-or-hate-it design with softer edges than its ancestors. It’s like the Discovery went from a rugged lumberjack to a rugged lumberjack who now shops at REI. The 2025 model adds some glossy trim and new wheel options (up to 22 inches), but don’t expect a radical departure—it’s evolution, not revolution.
Driving the Discovery: A Luxe Tank with Swagger
Alright, let’s talk about how this thing drives. I took a D350 Dynamic HSE out for a spin, and holy cow—it’s like piloting a yacht that moonlights as a monster truck. On the road, it’s smooth as butter, thanks to standard air suspension that soaks up potholes like a champ. The eight-speed automatic shifts seamlessly, and that diesel torque (650 Nm!) means you’ve got power on tap whether you’re merging onto the highway or passing a slowpoke in the left lane. Zero to 62 mph takes 6.8 seconds—not blistering, but plenty peppy for a 2.4-ton beast.
Off-road? This is where the Discovery flexes its heritage. I tackled a muddy trail near my buddy’s cabin, and with Terrain Response 2 dialed in, it clawed through ruts like it was born for it. The 900mm wading depth is bonkers—I didn’t test that (my boots aren’t that waterproof), but it’s comforting to know I could ford a small river if I wanted to. Low-range gearing and a 3,500 kg towing capacity make it a workhorse, too. I towed a friend’s trailer loaded with firewood, and it didn’t even break a sweat.
Here’s a funny moment: I got a little cocky on a steep incline, and the hill descent control kicked in so smoothly I felt like a pro—until I realized I’d left my coffee on the roof. RIP, caffeine dreams. Point is, the Discovery makes you look good, even when you’re a goof.
Performance Specs Snapshot
- Engines:
- P300: 296 hp, 2.0L turbo-four
- P360: 355 hp, 3.0L turbo-six (mild-hybrid)
- D350: 345 hp, 650 Nm, 3.0L twin-turbo diesel
- 0-62 mph: 6.8 sec (D350), 6.3 sec (P360), 7.1 sec (P300)
- Towing: Up to 3,500 kg
- Top Speed: 130 mph (D350)
Inside the Cabin: Plush Meets Practical
Step inside, and the Land Rover Discovery feels like a luxe living room on wheels. The 2025 model keeps the 2021-updated interior, with premium leather (DuoLeather or Windsor options) and a dashboard that’s more Range Rover than Defender. The front seats? 20-way adjustable thrones that hug you like a warm British nanny. I spent an hour tweaking them and ended up so comfy I didn’t want to get out.
The tech is top-notch, too. The 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen is snappy, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 3D surround camera that’s a godsend for parking this beast. Physical climate knobs below the screen mean you’re not menu-diving to defrost your windshield—hallelujah! There’s even a head-up display on higher trims, which I geeked out over while pretending I was in a fighter jet.
Space? It’s a seven-seater, but let’s be honest: the third row is best for kids or contortionists. With all seats up, you’ve got 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a grocery run. Fold the back two rows, and it’s a cavernous 74.3 cubic feet. I hauled a mountain of camping gear with room to spare. One gripe: the second-row captain’s chairs are an option, and without them, it’s a bench that’s a tad snug for three adults.
Interior Highlights
- Seating: 7 passengers (third row tight for adults)
- Cargo: 9.1 cu.ft. (seats up), 74.3 cu.ft. (seats down)
- Tech: 11.4-inch Pivi Pro, 3D camera, optional HUD
- Quirk: Air suspension lowers for easy loading—fancy!
Range, Efficiency, and Charging (Sort Of)
The Land Rover Discovery isn’t an EV or a plug-in hybrid (sorry, eco-warriors), but its mild-hybrid P360 and diesel D350 offer decent efficiency for a big SUV. The D350 claims 7.5L/100km (about 31 mpg US), but in real-world driving—especially off-road—I saw closer to 9L/100km (26 mpg). The P300 and P360 sip more, at 19/24 mpg and 17/23 mpg (city/highway), respectively. Not class-leading, but you’re not buying this for Prius-level thriftiness.
Fuel tank’s 89 liters, so range hovers around 500-600 miles on the diesel—perfect for long hauls. No charging cables here, but the mild-hybrid system recoups energy during braking, giving you a tiny efficiency bump. It’s like the Discovery’s way of saying, “I’m trying, okay?”
Fuel Economy Table
Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
---|---|---|---|
P300 | 19 | 24 | 21 |
P360 | 17 | 23 | 19 |
D350 | 26 (est.) | 31 (est.) | 28 (est.) |
How Does It Stack Up in 2025?
The Land Rover Discovery faces stiff competition from the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and even its sibling, the Defender. The Q7’s sleeker and quicker, but it’s a soft-roader next to the Disco’s off-road chops. The XC90 offers a plug-in hybrid and a cushier ride, but it’s less rugged. The Defender? More capable off-road, clumsier on pavement, and pricier in plush trims.
Price-wise, the Discovery’s $61,825 starting point undercuts the Range Rover and matches the Q7, though it climbs fast with options. Resale value’s average for the class (45-50% after five years), and maintenance? Pricey, but par for a luxury off-roader.
The Verdict: Should You Buy a Discovery in 2025?
So, is the Land Rover Discovery in 2025 worth it? If you want a do-it-all SUV that blends luxury, capability, and a dash of British charm, absolutely. It’s not the fastest, most efficient, or cheapest—but it’s got character in spades. Whether you’re hauling kids, towing a trailer, or escaping to the wilderness, it’s a trusty steed.
Me? I’d snag the D350 Dynamic SE for its diesel torque and sweet spot of features. It’s the Goldilocks trim—not too basic, not too extravagant. Sure, the third row’s a squeeze, and I’d kill for a hybrid option, but this SUV’s versatility is tough to beat. Test drive one, and let me know what you think—drop a comment below or check out my Defender review for a rugged twist!
Happy trails, folks!