Land Rover Discovery 5 Review: The Ultimate 7 Seat Family SUV

Our Review and Specifications

Range: Premium Line Land Rover  |  Standout Feature: 7 Full-Size Adult Seats & 5 Isofix Anchor Points for Kids  |  Good To Have: Land Rover Terrain Response 2

The original Land Rover Discovery was launched in the UK in October 1989, and the current fifth-generation model (L462) Discovery 5 we are reviewing was introduced to the public at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and went on sale in 2017.

The Land Rover Discovery 5 (L462) has been a staple on British roads for years. It is known for being the “Go-anywhere, Do-anything” vehicle with 7 Full Size Adult Seats and 5 Isofix Anchor Points for the kids that can handle a muddy field, the school run, 400 mile motor ways journey with “Range Rover comfort” just as easily as a trip to the local supermarket.

The luxury SUV market is now more crowded than ever. With “rivals” like the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 pushing hard to fill 7 seats in a bid to stop customers opting for rival models.

To be absolutely honest, the Land Rover Discovery sits in its own segment, but also falls into the mid-size SUV segment. The difference is whiles the Discovery can dip in and out of the mid-sized SUV segment, competing rivals can never venture anywhere near the Discovery’s unique segment.

In this review, we look at everything from its massive towing capacity to the latest tech updates. Whether you are looking for a rugged tow car or a posh seven-seater for the school run, here is everything you need to know.

Performance and Engines: Choosing the Best Discovery 5 Powertrain

When picking your Discovery 5, the engine choice makes a huge difference in how the car feels. Since 2016, the Discovery has had several and some questionable engine choices, such as the 2-litre diesel.

The Discovery was never kitted with Mild Hybrid technology until the 2025 update, which meant Jaguar Land Rover only trusted one engine, the D350, to power the Discovery.

The D350 Mild Hybrid Diesel: Powerful, Smooth With Torque On Demand

The star of the show for most UK buyers is the D350 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. It uses mild-hybrid (MHEV) tech to help with fuel economy and smoothness. With 345bhp and a massive 700Nm of torque, it can pull the heavy Discovery from 0 to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds. On the motorway, it feels effortless and quiet.

Petrol and Other Options for Efficiency

At the time of writing this review, there is no Petrol or Diesel option other than the D350.

When you buy a car as big as the Discovery 5, you know it is never going to be a “fuel sipper.” However, the D350 mild-hybrid diesel engine is surprisingly efficient for a vehicle that weighs over 2.4 tonnes.

According to official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) testing, the D350 returns between 33.2 and 34.8 mpg on a combined cycle. In our experience, these numbers are actually quite achievable if you drive with a light right foot. On a steady motorway run at 70 mph, the 3.0-litre engine settles into a quiet hum, and it is not uncommon to see the trip computer nudge closer to 38 or 40 mpg.

Mild Hybrid Technology

The “MHEV” tag on the D350 stands for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It uses a small starter-generator to harvest energy that is usually lost when you slow down. This energy is stored in a battery and used to help the engine under acceleration.

While it cannot drive the car on electricity alone like a plug-in hybrid, it makes the stop-start system much smoother. It also allows the engine to shut off earlier when you are coasting to a stop, saving a few extra drops of diesel every time you hit traffic.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Range

The Discovery 5 comes with a large 89-litre fuel tank. Based on an average of 34 mpg, you can expect a total driving range of roughly 660 miles on a single tank. This makes it a fantastic choice for family road trips or crossing the country without having to stop at expensive motorway service stations every few hours.

Just keep in mind that if you choose the larger 22-inch alloy wheels, your efficiency will take a small hit compared to the standard 20 or 21-inch options.

Ride Comfort: Legendary 4 Corner Electronic Air Suspension

If there is one thing that defines the Discovery 5 experience, it is the Electronic Air Suspension. Land Rover has fitted this system as standard across the range, and it is the secret sauce that makes this 2.4-tonne beast feel like it is floating.

Whether you are cruising at 70 mph on the M1 or crawling over a rocky track in the Lake District, the air suspension constantly adjusts to keep the cabin level and steady.

How Adaptive Dynamics Improves the Drive

The Discovery 5 doesn’t just use “dumb” airbags. It features Adaptive Dynamics, a clever system that monitors the car’s movements up to 500 times per second.

On the Motorway

The car “wafts.” It smoothed out those annoying expansion joints and road hum better than almost any other SUV.

In the Corners

At high speeds, the suspension stiffens slightly to prevent the car from leaning too much. While it still won’t feel as “pointy” as a BMW X5, it feels remarkably secure for such a tall vehicle.

Low-Speed Town Driving

This is the only place you might notice a slight “jiggle” if you opt for the massive 22-inch alloy wheels. Smaller wheels with more tyre sidewall offer the ultimate “magic carpet” ride.

Smart Height Adjustment: More Than Just Comfort

The air suspension isn’t just about absorbing bumps; it is a practical tool that makes the Discovery 5 easier to live with:

Elegant Arrival

When you park and unbuckle your seatbelt, the car can automatically lower itself by 40mm. This makes it much easier for kids or elderly passengers to hop out without needing a step ladder.

Off-Road Clearance

With the touch of a button, you can raise the car to give you a massive 283mm of ground clearance. This is how the Discovery manages to wade through 900mm of water without breaking a sweat.

Rear Loading Assist

There are buttons located in the boot that let you lower just the rear of the car. This is a lifesaver when you are trying to lift heavy dogs, suitcases, or a double buggy into the back.

Unmatched Towing Capacity and Off-Road Ability

One area where the Discovery 5 still beats almost everyone is its sheer capability. If you need to pull a heavy horsebox or a large caravan, this is the tool for the job.

Towing Capacity

The Discovery 5 can tow up to 3,500kg (braked). This is the gold standard for luxury SUVs.

Advanced Tow Assist

This clever feature lets you use a dial on the dash to “steer” your trailer while reversing, taking the stress out of tricky manoeuvres.

Terrain Response 2

This system automatically tweaks the car’s settings based on what you are driving on. Whether it is sand, snow, or deep mud, the car does the hard work for you.

Wading Depth

It can drive through water up to 900mm deep. That is nearly three feet, which is more than enough for most flooded British country lanes.

Interior Space and Family Practicality

The “Disco” is famous for the captain’s armchair upfront and its stadium seating, where each row sits slightly higher than the one in front. This gives everyone a great view out, plus tailgate seating and a huge shelter created by the large tailgate.

There are 5 Isofix points, including the front passenger seat, if you purchase the 7-seat configuration, and you get a lot of storage as standard, with 2 glove compartments, extra storage behind the HVAC unit, underneath the centre console cup holders, and the centre armrest too, which can double as a coldbox.

Cup and bottle holders are also well taken care of from the front to the third row seating.

A True Seven-Seater: 7 Adult Seats, 5 Isofix Points

Unlike many SUVs, where the back seats are only for small children, the Discovery 5 can actually fit seven adults comfortably and for longer journeys too. The third row has enough legroom for grown-ups, and getting in and out is relatively easy.

You get storage, power to charge your gadgets, and an abundance of natural light from the huge double sunroof that spans the length of the car and legroom for any distance travelled, long or short.

You can even opt for the third row heating and 4-zone climate control, which are optional.

Boot Space and Storage: All The Storage You’ll Ever Need On Wheels

With all seven seats up, the boot is small (about 258 litres). However, fold them down, and you get a massive 2,391 litres of space. It is like having a small van that is covered in premium leather.

Technology and the Pivi Pro System

The Land Rover Discovery 5 debuted with Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system by way of a 10-inch touchscreen mounted high on the centre console with support for Android and iOS smartphone connectivity.

For the first time, head-up display and a waterproof Activity Key wristband options were available on the Discovery. Meridian Surround system, “Intelligent Seat Fold” technology, which allowed owners to control middle and third row seats through the InControl Smartphone App.

A lot has changed since its debut, and the 2021 Land Rover updated the Discovery with their latest 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system. It is much faster and easier to use than the older systems. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and can even update itself over the air (OTA). This means you don’t have to visit a dealer just to get a software update.

Conclusion

The Land Rover Discovery 5 remains one of the most capable and versatile SUVs on the planet. It is a luxury family lounge, a daily driver and the go-to SUV for any terrain, all in one.

Before you decide you need one, bear in mind, this is a big car and feels inappropriate to be compared with the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5, and you are going to need to be careful with height restrictions and parking bay sizes where you decide to park.

If you need a car that can do anything, everything, and you aren’t afraid of the occasionally high running costs, the Discovery 5 is still a top pick, and its talent is undeniable.

Land Rover Discovery 5 D350 MHEV Specifications