Land Rover Discovery 2020 Review

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE is the prestige large SUV forever overshadowed by its more upmarket Range Rover siblings. But we think the gap is closing. The latest-generation Disco won the carsales Car of the Year in 2017, after all.

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery line-up is defined by a four- or six-cylinder engine choice.

The four-cylinder range consists of four model variants – the S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury. All are powered by the same turbo-diesel engine and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that is also shared by the six-cylinder variants.

Unlike other brands’ SUVs that have high-riding style without the go-anywhere substance, all Discos feature a proper four-wheel drive system.

As per usual, climb the model grade ranks for more kit, kudos and a higher price tag.

The Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE (as tested) is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers 177kW and 430Nm. It’s more than enough power if you consider the typical life of many Discovery's – suburban family-friendly workhorse in the week and sea-life/tree-life escape pod on the weekends.

Strong competition being what it is in the prestige SUV segment, Land Rover sold just 1216 examples of its large SUV in 2019, accounting for a 7.1 per cent market share. It was the popular BMW X5 that topped the charts with 3498 units, the Range Rover Sport sold 2202 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with 2081 units sold.

It’s a similar story in this tough COVID-hit year, with the X5 and GLE fighting it out for class honours, and other players also making their presence felt – the Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90.

So it’s a buyer’s feast among this prestige set.

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE is priced from $100,357 plus ORCs, a substantial leap ahead of the entry-level S (from $72,856) and not all that far off the range-topping HSE Luxury (from $114,657).

Standard features are extensive and include dynamic stability control, traction control, gradient acceleration control, hill descent control and an automatic engine idle-stop function. You also get an electric park brake, emergency brake assist, a leather multifunction steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dynamic volume control and multiple charge points.

There are many similarities across the line-up – and then there are the model-defining features, many of which the HSE gets as standard.

These include electronic air suspension, rain-sensing wipers, electric and heated auto-folding side mirrors, auto high beam assist, front fog lights, LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, power tailgate and remote boot release.

The imposing silhouette is finished off with 20-inch ‘gloss sparkly silver’ alloy wheels.

Inside, superior comfort comes via 12-way electric-adjust seats and tri-zone climate control.

Then there’s the options list, which goes on forever – pages and pages and requisite dollars to match.

Our test vehicle carried around $30,000 worth, including the dynamic pack ($3960), front and rear sunroof ($3550), third row seating ($3470, but surely this should be standard LR?), seat heating for all ($2540) and a rather lovely Byron Blue metallic paint ($2060).

It’s very easy to blow the budget as some of the features you’d expect to be standard are still not – hence our remark about the third row.

If you crave a prestige large SUV there are many to choose from, as we’ve listed above, but the 2020 Land Rover Discovery feels like it’s cut from a different cloth.

It is leagues ahead of the once-agricultural Disco that saw a great divide between Land Rover and Range Rover. These days, the Discovery boasts premium finishes and options that see it compete head-to-head with the glamour Euros and their conspicuous creature comforts.

I’d also argue that the 2.0-litre four-cylinder SD4 is all the power you need. Your wants may be a different matter entirely.

The large silhouette dominates any suburban streetscape and the pretty interior is fitting of its prestige price tag. The seven-seat configuration makes it well and truly fit for purpose.

That said, if you’re a nervous driver who struggles to park a car, regularly scrapes the wheel rims and relies on technology over old-school head checks, you may think twice about buying a vehicle that stretches near five metres long. It’s a lot of car to handle.

But let’s not downplay the Disco’s helpful driver assist technology. Rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian alert), lane departure and lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera do make things easier

The electric folding third row of seats ensures you’ll never pull a muscle trying to reconfigure your Disco’s flexible seating options, but you’ll pay an additional $650 for that convenience. Like most electric-folding seats on the market (yes, Mercedes-Benz), it’s a bit slow for my levels of patience.

And note well, if you are regularly seven-up in the vehicle, expect to pack light – the boot space is limited with all seven seats at play (258 litres). This is not uncommon for even large seven-seaters, but it is something that can leave buyers wanting. We’re guessing you’ll be installing a roof pod as quick as you can say, ‘Have you packed my golf clubs?’

Despite its high-riding stature, entry and egress to the second and third row is pretty easy (if only a little slow).

Let’s be honest, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE will appeal to people with deep pockets.

The big Brit has never been a budget-conscious buy and cost of ownership follows suit. Land Rover’s three-year/100,000km warranty is of little consolation – and now two years behind some of the opposition.

In more practical terms, anyone who has to lug up to six passengers is well catered for.

The second row in particular offers ample room – even for adults. The flat footwell means all three seating positions can rest easy. In the case of our vehicle, they’ll be well connected, warm (heated seats) and can (electrically) recline for even greater comfort.

And, it can it tow! The 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and our RV editor Chris Fincham tow-tested the very same vehicle and can confirm the four-cylinder “pulls really hard” with near three-tonne out back and delivers a pleasant towing experience. He’d know.

I’ll concede that where family car matters are concerned, big is best, and the Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE fits the bill here. Once you give in to SUV life, it’s hard to go back.

However, where engines are concerned, don’t be so fast to upsize. The Discovery SD4 has proven itself to be both capable and comfortable.

I’d resist the larger-capacity 3.0-litre V6 (225kW/700Nm) and spend that extra cash – around $12K in the case of the SDV6 – on some showy options. You know you’ll want to.

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE is not perfect, but by gosh it ticks a lot of boxes – strong performance, a plush interior, loads of space and enviable looks.

Despite my penchant for power and prestige one-upmanship, I could happily settle into the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE as my family car.

How much does the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SD4 HSE cost?
Price: $100,357 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 177kW/430Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)