Land Rover Discovery Fifth Generation (2017–Present)
The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery debuted in North America for the 2017 model year, marking a return of the Discovery name after a 12-year absence. (The fourth and third generations were called LR4 and LR3 in North America.) It was a softening of the model in many ways, both in terms of styling and construction.
The exterior adopted a smoother look. Underneath, the Discovery featured a unibody construction, common among SUVs at the time, instead of the traditional body-on-frame that defined previous generations. This alarmed loyalists as body-on-frame vehicles are typically better off-road and at towing. Those fears were mostly put to rest as the fifth-generation Discovery was able to tow heavier loads and conquer impressive terrain.
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery debuted with a choice of two engines. The base unit was a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that produced 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. A V6 turbodiesel was available on higher trim levels and good for 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Both were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the gas engine could tow up to 3,720 kilograms (8,200 lbs). The diesel was rated at 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs).
The following year, the diesel was made available with all trim levels and a 10-inch infotainment system became standard across the line-up. In 2021, both initial engines were discontinued in Canada and new powertrains became available: a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain.
Initial trim levels included the SE, HSE, and Luxury. The SE included two rows of seats, with the third row available as an option, and notable standard features included a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The HSE was eligible for the diesel engine, while other upgrades included larger 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and a 10-inch touchscreen running a more advanced infotainment system.
The top Luxury graduated to an air suspension, power-folding third-row seats, improved interior materials, heated first- and second-row seats, and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system. It also stepped up off-road prowess with a two-speed transfer case.
Supporting trim levels gained more standard features over the years. For 2021, the trim level names were changed and incorporated engine sizes. By 2026, the available trim levels in Canada were either Landmark or Tempest, both offering only the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. Notable additions included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2020 and a styling refresh and a new infotainment system in 2021.
Inside, the fifth-generation Discovery continued the exterior's sleek theme and upmarket appearance. As with most vehicles of the time, there were also fewer physical buttons with many controls moved to the touchscreen. This generation noticeably improved on-road manners over its predecessors and made off-roading easier with the inclusion of more technological assistance. There was less space in the third row, though, which was better suited to small passengers than adults.
Neither the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has published crash test results for the fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery, but this isn't uncommon for large luxury SUVs. In the beginning, advanced safety features were available such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. By 2026, all of these were standard on all trims along with a surround-view camera system.
Recalls have been fairly light for the fifth-generation Discovery, and most were addressed within a few years. The more serious issues included rear passenger door latches and problems with the automatic emergency braking in 2017, crankshaft and electrical recalls in 2018, second-row seat fasteners in 2020, and an oil leak in 2022.
According to CarGurus.ca used car price trends, the fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery experienced initial depreciation in line with other luxury SUVs. In the first five years of ownership, data points to the Discovery losing about 40% of its value, with earlier model years normalizing to between $20,000 and $25,000 at eight or nine years.
Land Rover Discovery Fourth Generation (2010–2016)
The fourth-generation Discovery was named the LR4 in North America and debuted for the 2010 model year. It was essentially a facelifted version of the previous LR3 with cosmetic updates to make it look and feel more luxurious. There were also improvements to the brakes and suspension and upgraded engines and transmissions, but many parts were carried over.
Inside, the LR4's cockpit was more of an evolution than a complete rethink. It featured a stout vertical centre dashboard section packed with various buttons and knobs for climate, infotainment, and off-road controls. Similarly to its predecessors, the LR4 forced drivers into a more upright seating position than the more relaxed posture that was typical of SUVs of the time.
From its 2010 debut until the 2013 model year, the LR4 was equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 that produced 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive was standard. In 2014, it was replaced by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine that made 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, but the standard transfer case was downgraded to a single speed, while a dual-speed case was optional. Both the V8 and V6 could tow up to 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lbs).
Early feature highlights included 19-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual sunroofs, and keyless entry. Options included third-row seats, a surround-view camera system, premium leather, heated second-row seats, a navigation system with a 7-inch display, a premium audio system, and a refrigerated cooler box. Notable additions included standard side steps and adaptive cruise control in 2015.
Recalls for the LR4 included an issue with the fuel filler that persisted throughout production. Other more serious recalls were addressed sooner and included problems with the stability control, lug nuts, engine seizures in 2015, and a driver airbag issue in 2016.
According to CarGurus.ca used car price trends, early LR4s with very high kilometres typically sell for $11,000 or less, while late model years with lower odometer readings are in the $15,000 to $20,000 neighbourhood.
Land Rover Discovery Third Generation (2005–2009)
This was the era when Ford owned several other car manufacturers, including Land Rover, and shared components between companies. The third-generation Land Rover Discovery, known as the LR3 in North America, introduced an integrated body frame co-developed with Ford. It featured a passenger and engine compartment built as a unibody mounted atop a traditional ladder-type frame that held the suspension and transmission. Ford also dug into Jaguar's parts bin for a V8 engine and Volvo's for safety equipment.
The LR3 was much brawnier and more imposing than the Discovery II it replaced. Thicker body sections and larger expanses of flat sheet metal, combined with a blockier silhouette, made it stand out among more family-oriented SUVs of the time. Inside, the dashboard featured a centre stack that connected to the centre console and was packed with buttons and knobs. In the back, the previous side-hinged hatch was replaced with a modern split tailgate featuring a top-hinged liftgate and a smaller lower tailgate hinged at the bottom.
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 was available in Canada with a single engine, the Jaguar-sourced 4.4-litre V8 with an output of 300 hp. This came paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive was standard along with a two-speed transfer case and fully independent air suspension. Maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds).
Standard features included leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-disc CD changer. HSE models upgraded to premium audio and a navigation system. A third row of seats was optional. A Ford-sourced 4.0-litre V6 engine was added for 2006 with 216 hp.
Recalls were fairly light for the LR3. The most serious issues included problems with the steering column and the parking gear plus a fuel tank leak.
There are very few Land Rover LR3 models left on the Canadian used vehicle market. If you’re able to find a clean unit, you shouldn’t have to pay more than $6,000.
Land Rover Discovery Second Generation (1999–2004)
The second-generation Land Rover Discovery was named the Series II. Although it looked very similar to the first, it was 16.5 centimetres longer and almost 10 cm wider.
The Discovery Series II carried over the previous generation's engine, a 4.0-litre V8 that produced 182 hp. It came with a four-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. New features included a self-leveling suspension and traction control, which proved useful on- or off-road.
In 2003, the Discovery received a styling refresh that gave it headlights inspired by the Range Rover, an upgraded 4.6-litre V8 engine, and improvements to the steering, suspension, and brakes. The Series II name was also dropped. For 2004, tubular roof rails debuted, as did a lockable centre differential and some new interior materials.
The second-generation Discovery was subject to several recalls during its production run, and many took years to address. These included problems with the driveshaft, the anti-lock brakes, the throttle cable, and the engine belts and hoses.
In Canada, Land Rover Discovery units from this era are all but extinct. Unless you find one in collectible condition, you should be able to score one on the cheap. If you choose to shop south of the border, prices are relatively high. On average, CarGurus USA pricing data suggests USD$8,000 to $18,000 is the norm, but some rare versions command much more.
Land Rover Discovery First Generation (1994–1998)
The original Land Rover Discovery began production in 1989 but wasn't imported to the United States until the 1994 model year, while Canada received it soon afterward for 1995. It coincided with the brief window when the Land Rover Defender was also being imported with the Discovery providing a more luxurious, modern, and comfortable alternative. Under the hood was a 182-horsepower 3.9-litre V8 with roots tracing back to GM in the 1960s. Shoppers had the choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Notable features for the time included anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags. Those airbags were subject to a recall for the entire production run due to inadvertent deployment, and there was also a recall for a faulty driveshaft. Other recalls included problems with the door latches and a fuel tank leak.
First-generation Land Rover Discovery models are rare on the used market in both Canada and the United States. No CarGurus pricing data is available at the time of writing.
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