The 2022 Land Rover Discovery is a good SUV that has powerful turbocharged engines and a plush ride, and it can perform off-road feats that few others in the class can match.
The Discovery’s interior is first-rate, with lots of user-friendly features and ample cargo capacity. The first two rows of seats are spacious, but the third row is ideally suited for kids.
The 2022 Land Rover Discovery is offered in three trim levels: S, S R-Dynamic, and HSE R-Dynamic. Two engine choices are available: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 296 horsepower and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder good for 355 hp.
A mild hybrid system is optional on the S R-Dynamic and standard on the HSE R-Dynamic. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard across the range. The Discovery offers seating for five passengers, but the third row with two additional seats is a no-cost option.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Discovery models come with full-time all-wheel drive as standard, but buyers can choose between a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, the latter of which employs a 48-volt hybrid system.
We haven’t had a chance to test-drive the Disco with the base turbo-four, but with the inline-six, the big 2022 Land Rover Discovery feels sprightly around town and delivers adequate power for highway merging and passing. At our test track, the six-cylinder Discovery made it to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
The Land Rover’s adventure-ready mission caters to those seeking an SUV for much more than just trolling the parking lot at the mall, but it comes at the expense of on-road dexterity. The Discovery’s handling isn’t as ponderous as one might expect, but it still feels clumsy and top-heavy when changing direction.
The Disco never lets you forget that you’re piloting a large SUV. Overall ride quality is quite good, and even harsh bumps are dealt with easily. Steering feel, however, is nonexistent, especially on-center, where a large dead spot creates a need for frequent steering corrections when cruising on the highway.
If towing a heavy load is on the docket, the Disco is rated to tow up to 8200 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the turbocharged four-cylinder model will deliver 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway while the hybridized six-cylinder powertrain is rated for 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, our six-cylinder test vehicle managed only 22 mpg. For more information about the 2022 Land Rover Discovery’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2022 Land Rover Discovery‘s interior materials are upscale, and the design is appropriately posh. Luxury features abound throughout the cabin, and the level of comfort only increases as you climb through the more expensive trims.
Power-adjustable, heated leather seats with optional massage function for the driver and front-seat passenger offer good support and even better cushioning; second-row seats provide fore-and-aft and recline adjustments.
Without adequate space to haul gear, there would be fewer opportunities for adventure. With both of its rear rows of seats folded, the Disco’s spacious cabin proved to be quite accommodating with room for 29 of our carry-on suitcases.
But flip the last row of seats up and load the 2022 Land Rover Discovery with the full complement of seven would-be explorers and the maximum number of carry-ons it can carry drops to just two behind the third row.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Discovery models come standard with Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system. It features an 11.4-inch touchscreen display and advanced features such as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection and real-time traffic-and-weather updates.
Pivi Pro debuted with the Land Rover Defender in 2020 and is being rolled out in other Land Rover and Jaguar products. It features a simpler menu layout and is capable of over-the-air updates.
As many as nine USB ports dot the cabin, and novel tablet-holding accessories can be used to set up rear-seat entertainment for kids. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a full-color head-up display.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A handful of driver-assistance features are standard here, but more advanced tech will require upgrading to an optional package.
The 2022 Land Rover Discovery also offers a novel 360-degree exterior camera system that also provides a view of what is directly under the front end of the Discovery—the area blocked from view by the hood—which is intended to improve safety when driving off-road.
For more information about the 2022 Land Rover Discovery‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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Full Specifications
2021 Land Rover Discovery P360 R-Dynamic S
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $63,250/$72,755
Options: 21-inch Gloss Black wheels, $2000; 18-way front seats, $1350; Meridian Surround Sound System, $1250; Black contrast roof; head-up display, $970; Lantau Bronze Metallic paint, $710; tow hitch receiver, $675; Cold Climate package (heated steering wheel, washer jets, and windshield), $600; premium LED headlights, $400; electric third row seats, $300; automatic high beam assist, $250
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2995 cm3
Power: 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.3-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
275/40R-22 108Y LR
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.1 in
Length: 195.1 in
Width: 78.7 in
Height: 74.3 in
Passenger Volume: 140 ft3
Cargo Volume: 9 ft3
Curb Weight: 5569 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.7 sec @ 96 mph
100 mph: 16.1 sec
130 mph: 34.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.79 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 22 mpg
Highway Range: 520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/18/24 mpg