2023 Land Rover Discovery Performance

There are two engines in the Discovery lineup, starting with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and topped by the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo with mild-hybrid assistance. Every model comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The base engine isn't bad and is capable of getting the Discovery from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 125 mph.

The bigger engine produces 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, sufficient for a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Even though this power plant ensures that the Discovery feels brisk when accelerating between traffic lights or on the highway, it isn't the fastest SUV in its class. Even the entry-level Audi Q7 is quicker. Then again, the Discovery's shtick has never been about blistering acceleration. More impressive is the Land Rover's towing capacity, which maxes out at 5,952 lbs for the 2.0-liter model and 8,200 lbs for the 3.0-liter. The latter figure is more than the Audi Q7 can manage. And when the road ends and those other SUVs come to a grinding halt, the Discovery can go off-roading with the best of them.

The base Discovery uses the P300 powertrain. It's a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. The bigger P360 powertrain pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for outputs of 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. In both cases, an eight-speed automatic transmission is used.

There's nothing wrong with the base engine as it delivers adequate acceleration and overtaking isn't too much of a nervous affair. Peak torque is available from low down - another advantage in the entry-level Discovery's favor. It pairs well with the slick eight-speeder which is refined and avoids excessive hunting. The P360 is better, though, and it emits a nice sound. Some may consider it a bit disappointing since it's the most powerful engine in the range, but it works best when you're taking it easier and relying on the low-down torque.

Regardless of the engine option you choose, the Discovery's gas mileage figures are quite unremarkable. The base 2.0-liter returns 19/22/21 mpg city/highway/combined and the 3.0-liter MHEV model a better 19/25/22 mpg. By comparison, the base Audi Q7 manages 19/25/21 mpg.

Unlike a smaller car, the Discovery has a large 23.8-gallon gas tank so the four-cylinder should be able to cover around 500 miles on a single tank, while the six-cylinder MHEV should reach up to 524 miles.