Land Rover Discovery new vs old compared

Land Rover has given the Discovery a new lease of life after being launched at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Set to head up the Land Rover range above the Discovery Sport, there are plenty of differences between the new and old version. We compare the new Discovery (left) against the old one (right) side-by-side.

Before the new model arrives, Land Rover dealers are likely to offer progressively bigger discounts on the outgoing version. For more options, head over to our car chooser to narrow down your search.

Land Rover Discovery old vs new – styling

Park the two side-by side and noticeable differences start to emerge. The old Discovery’s square edges have been ditched in favour of a more fluid design giving it a modern, upmarket appearance. Integrated wheel arches are more reminiscent of the Discovery Sport’s design rather than the blocky extensions on the old model.

At the front, the Range Rover design influence is clear with sleeker headlights stretching round the bonnet in place of the square units on the old model. The discrete bonnet bulge and roof kink have been retained, alongside the rear offset number plate, a feature on all past Discoverys.

Land Rover Discovery old vs new – interior

The Discovery’s interior gets a welcome refresh, with the control layout heavily decluttered compared to the old version. The climate control switchgear operated via three dials still sits above a storage space like it does on the old car. The control panel, however, has been simplified with the extra climate buttons now fitted between the three dials for a neater look.

The off-road instrument cluster has been relocated – sitting behind the rotary gear selector, rather than on the centre console as before. The headline difference will be the introduction of a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominating the dash. The same system is found in the Range Rover and the Discovery Sport and includes on-board WiFi and remote tracking.

With the rear two rows folded away, the new Discovery’s 2,406-litre loadspace is a little down on the previous model’s 2,558 litres. Although customers can spec a seat folding function to remotely rearrange the interior seat configuration.

Land Rover Discovery old vs new – driving and engines

Three engines will be offered from launch – two diesels and one petrol. Entry-level Discovery models get the firm’s 2.0-litre diesel. It also powers the Discovery Sport in a lesser form where it feels far from strained but not as refined as competitors. It may only have four cylinders but has 369ft lb of torque – plenty considering the car has shed 480kg thanks to more extensive aluminium use.

If you’ll be putting your Discovery to work, it may be worth upgrading to the 3.0-litre TDV6. Power only rises by 18hp but torque jumps by 73lb ft making it a useful tow machine. All engines are coupled to a eight-speed automatic gearbox.

If running costs are of no concern and you’re hankering for some extra performance, there’s a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol. While it won’t rival the diesels’ torque output, power will stand at an impressive 340hp. In the Jaguar XE, this engine is both responsive and charismatic if a little heavy on fuel.

Land Rover Discovery old vs new – equipment

The last Discovery was well equipped with a sat-nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an 11-speaker sound system all included. The standard infotainment kit on the new car isn’t as generous. Sat-nav is optional in the Discovery’s entry-level base S trim, though a touchscreen interface is included as standard.

Extra driver aids bring the new SUV into the modern era with emergency braking and lane departure equipped to all trims. The new in-cabin boot release also brings added convenience to the Discovery 5 – ideal for families.

Staying true to the Land Rover brand, the new Discovery has a host of off-road kit at its disposal to tackle the toughest conditions, all governed by Land Rover’s revised Terrain Response system.

Land Rover Discovery old vs new – prices and release date

The runout model of last Discovery was priced from £44,000. The base S trim on the new model will set you back £43,495. The fifth-generation Discovery will land on UK roads in the spring of 2017.

Save money on your Land Rover Discovery

Before the new model arrives, Land Rover dealers are likely to offer progressively bigger discounts on the outgoing version. Check out our range of Land Rover Discovery deals on carwow. For more options, head over to our car chooser to narrow down your search.