Tested: 2026 Land Rover Discovery P360 Lucas BellThe Land Rover Discovery is a stalwart of the SUV segment, with the fifth-generation model having arrived all the way back in 2017. There are two new special-edition models for 2026: the range-topping P360 Tempest and the P360 Gemini, which is tested here. Every Discovery also benefits from new wheel options and available packages intended for specific outdoorsy activities.Lucas BellThe LowdownThe Discovery still comes with the choice of four- or six-cylinder power. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four makes 296 hp, and the P360 Gemini we tested was equipped with the brawnier turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, this working in conjunction with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The setup is good for 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with the Gemini also getting standard air suspension, plus—on our test car—trail-ready options including a two-speed transfer case and a locking differential on the rear axle.Vehicle Tested: 2026 Land Rover Discovery Gemini EditionBase Price: $72,650Price as Tested: $83,195Location: Detroit, MichiganMore SpecsEngine: 2996-cc turbocharged I-6Power: 355 hp @ 5500 rpmTorque: 369 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm0–60 mph: 6.3 secondsTransmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel driveEPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 17/23/19 mpgHow Does It Drive?Lucas BellThe Land Rover Discovery sits at a crossroads in the JLR portfolio. It's not quite as robust off-road as the Defender or as well-mannered on pavement as the full-blown Range Rover. Positioned in the middle, the Discovery strikes a balance between the extremes, offering more than enough off-road capability for most customers without compromising everyday ride quality.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe air suspension helps in this regard, keeping cabin disturbances to a minimum. On longer highway treks, I honestly found that the Disco didn't fall far short of its grander and more expensive sibling in terms of comfort and refinement. That said, the optional 22-inch wheel did prove a little large for allowing the suspension to deal cleanly with larger impacts, with the occasional sharp motion finding its way through the seat.Lucas BellThe soft suspension tuning also reared its head when the road started to twist, as the Discovery quickly makes it known that it definitely isn't a sporting utility vehicle. It wasn't uncontrollable by any means, but there was no temptation for me to try to push this thing at any sort of pace. Besides, that would be rather undignified. Steering feel is close to nonexistent, often requiring more input than expected even at highway speeds.While I haven't sampled the four-cylinder powertrain, I'm certain that the P360 variant is the one to get. Shared with the full-size Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the inline-six felt plenty potent for this large machine, despite that the Disco tips the scales at over 5700 pounds. The engine revs smoothly, although there was a sense of it surging a little as the turbo comes on boil. I would also prefer a slightly less agricultural chorus from the exhaust pipes. Altogether, the powertrain feels like it falls slightly short of luxury, but it is effective enough to deliver a 6.3-second 0–60-mph time.That said, Land Rover's accelerator tuning could use some attention. Owing to its initial sensitivity, it took some practice before I was able to set off from a stop without jerking my passengers around. While the pedal was fine for squirting through highway traffic, it detracted from the luxuriousness of the overall experience. The transmission also had a few momentary hiccups upon a sudden request for power, but shifts were never jarring. The paddles on the back of the steering wheel do give you full control but are best left for the trails.What's It Like to Live With?Lucas BellThe Discovery sits in an all too familiar niche for many families. It's generously sized as a two-row, but using the fold-down third row for human cargo creates a bit of a squeeze. At 195 inches in length, this vehicle is almost a foot and a half shorter than the Chevrolet Tahoe, which also competes for parent interest. That means the Disco is more wieldy around town or when tackling a trail but has more limited usefulness as a family bus. On long treks in particular, the third row is really only for small children.AdvertisementAdvertisementCargo capacity is also all but eliminated by the third row when it's in use, so this vehicle is not necessarily suited for a large family trip. There's a solid 45.0 cubic feet behind the second row, but that figure drops to a paltry 9.1 cubic feet when the third row is in place. Luckily, a power liftgate makes loading easy either way. Of course, the Disco's healthy 8200-pound maximum towing capacity can help make up for that scant cargo room by way of a travel trailer.Where the Discovery shines is the quality of the interior trappings. The SUV does its best to exude the energy of the full-size Range Rover, with a stylish layout and nice materials throughout. The front seats are a high point, particularly with the massage functionality cranked on full.The infotainment system is much more usable than the clunky system this Discovery launched with, even if the 11.4-inch display is looking a bit small by modern luxury standards. Alexa-backed voice controls allow for hands-free adjustments, though Land Rover has retained plenty of touch buttons on the home screen. The optional 14-speaker Meridian sound system fitted to my test car jammed, and the included subwoofer provides a nice thump without distortion. The P360 isn't awful on fuel either; I found it capable of matching the EPA's 23-mpg combined figure.Should I Buy One?Lucas BellThis generation of the Discovery has gotten better as it has gotten older, but it has been on the market for nearly a decade at this point. There are solid bones beneath this useful, likable hauler, but it is showing its age in places. If you need a combination of off-road capability, comfort, and a third row of seats, then there still aren't many options that stack up against the Discovery. One of the most obvious alternatives comes from inside the Land Rover family, certainly for those prepared to sacrifice some of the Discovery's refinement—the vast Defender 130 is 17 inches longer and has much more room for third-row occupants and luggage.Lucas BellHighlights and LowlightsWe LoveThe upmarket cabin materials and design.The solid performance from the six-cylinder engine.The confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive.We Don't LoveThe finicky accelerator pedal.The dead, inert steering and lack of cornering prowess.The limited room for third-row occupants.Favorite FeatureLand Rover's Terrain Response knob remains the benchmark for selectable off-road modes. You simply turn it to the pictogram best approximating the challenge you're facing. The Discovery is a truly great vehicle away from asphalt, even if the likely customer base will rarely call on those skills.Lucas BellYou Might Also LikeAdvertisementAdvertisementIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
+54 others
