Land Rover Discovery 3
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a proper off road SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort? The Land Rover Discovery 3 might be exactly what you need. This third generation Discovery marked a revolutionary step forward for Land Rover, ditching the utilitarian image for genuine luxury while keeping the legendary off road capability. It’s the perfect choice for families who want adventure weekends but need school run comfort during the week.

From its commanding driving position to its refined interior, the Discovery 3 feels like a premium SUV should. The sophisticated air suspension and advanced terrain response system put rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE to shame when the going gets tough. Yet it’s equally at home cruising motorways or navigating city streets. The spacious seven seat layout makes it ideal for larger families, while the massive boot swallows everything from sports equipment to holiday luggage.

Driving the Discovery 3 is an experience that few other SUVs can match. The refined diesel engines provide ample power for both daily driving and serious towing, while the air suspension delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride. It handles rough terrain with confidence that would leave most competitors stranded. While running costs are higher than mainstream alternatives, you’re investing in Land Rover’s unmatched blend of luxury, capability, and prestige.

How Does the Land Rover Discovery 3 Drive?

The Land Rover Discovery 3 is designed to excel both on and off the beaten track. The range was initially launched with a powerful 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine producing around 300 horsepower, though most buyers opted for the more economical 2.7 litre V6 diesel with 190 horsepower. Both engines provide effortless performance, with the diesel offering the best balance of power and economy. The automatic gearbox is smooth and well matched to both engines, making overtaking and hill climbing feel effortless.

Where the Discovery 3 truly shines is in its on road manners and off road ability. The Terrain Response system allows you to select different driving modes for various conditions, from snow and sand to rock crawling. The air suspension provides excellent ride quality on tarmac while offering impressive ground clearance when needed. Steering is light at parking speeds but weights up nicely on faster roads. It’s a supremely capable machine that makes challenging terrain feel manageable while remaining refined enough for everyday use.

Land Rover Discovery 3 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the Discovery 3 and you immediately notice the step up in quality from its predecessor. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with high quality materials throughout. The driving position is commanding yet comfortable, with excellent all round visibility thanks to the large windows and upright stance. Front seats offer good support for long journeys, while the second row provides ample space for adults. The third row is best suited to children but adds valuable flexibility for larger families.

The cabin is impressively quiet at motorway speeds, thanks to improved sound insulation. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent audio system. Higher specification models add luxuries like leather upholstery, heated seats, and premium sound systems. The infotainment system feels dated by modern standards but remains functional. Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with numerous cubbyholes and compartments for family essentials. Build quality generally feels solid, though some electrical gremlins can appear as the cars age.

The Land Rover Discovery 3 represents a significant step forward in refinement and capability for the Discovery range. It successfully combines genuine luxury with unmatched off road ability, creating a uniquely capable family SUV. The interior quality is impressive, the ride comfort excellent, and the seven seat practicality hard to beat. When you need serious capability, nothing in this price range can match its combination of comfort and off road prowess. The trade offs are higher running costs and potential reliability concerns as these vehicles age. It’s not the most economical choice, nor the most reliable, but it offers something special that mainstream competitors cannot match. For buyers who genuinely need the capability and appreciate the heritage, the Discovery 3 makes perfect sense. It’s a vehicle that excels at making the extraordinary feel ordinary, whether that’s towing a horse box or tackling a green lane.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Land Rover Discovery 3?

As a premium SUV, the Discovery 3 comes with appropriately premium running costs. Fuel economy ranges from around 25 mpg for the V8 petrol to 32 mpg for the diesel in real world conditions. Insurance costs are substantial due to the high value and desirability of these vehicles. Purchase prices vary widely depending on condition, with good examples commanding strong money thanks to their reputation and capability.

The main consideration is maintenance and repair costs. Land Rover servicing is expensive, and complex systems like the air suspension can be costly to repair when they fail. However, the Discovery 3 has proven more reliable than some earlier Land Rover products. Independent specialists can help reduce servicing costs while maintaining quality. When considering car finance options, factor in these higher running costs alongside your monthly payments. Despite the expense, many owners find the unique blend of luxury and capability worth the investment.

Is the Land Rover Discovery 3 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a large SUV, the Discovery 3 is surprisingly practical in everyday use. The 280 litre boot with all seven seats in place expands to a massive 2,558 litres with the rear rows folded flat. The split folding seats create flexible load carrying options, while the low loading height makes it easy to load heavy items. Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with door bins large enough for water bottles and plenty of smaller compartments.

Where the Discovery 3 really excels is in its versatility. The seven seat layout accommodates larger families, while the towing capacity of 3,500kg makes it ideal for boat or caravan owners. Off road capability opens up adventure opportunities that most competitors simply cannot match. For families who genuinely use the space and capability, it offers excellent value compared to other used land-rover cars. The high driving position and excellent visibility make it surprisingly easy to park despite its size.

The Land Rover Discovery 3 stands out as a uniquely capable SUV that successfully bridges the gap between luxury and utility. It packages Land Rover’s legendary off road ability with genuine seven seat practicality and surprising refinement. The sophisticated air suspension, Terrain Response system, and commanding driving position create an SUV experience that few rivals can match, especially at this price point.

You choose the Discovery 3 because you need genuine capability alongside daily usability. Its generous interior space, impressive towing ability, and go anywhere attitude make it perfect for active families. The higher running costs are the price you pay for this unique combination of talents. For buyers seeking a premium SUV that can handle serious adventure while delivering everyday comfort, the Discovery 3 represents excellent value in the cars under £10,000 market.