Land Rover has refreshed the Discovery for 2021, and to address the elephant in the room, no, it has not rectified the oddly asymmetrical tailgate design. Instead, LR has introduced subtle styling changes such as new headlamps, tail lamps, lower-positioned DRLs, sweeping animated turn indicators, and updated front and rear bumpers.
A prominent exterior alteration is the body-colored front fender vents. Additionally, the Discovery now offers a slightly more dynamic R-Dynamic variant, featuring black and dark gray exterior accents, two-tone leather upholstery, and contrast stitching on the seats for a sportier appearance.
Regarding the interior changes, the revised Discovery cabin showcases a fresh steering wheel design, an updated gear selector, and a revamped center console hosting a larger Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen with the capability for over-the-air updates.
With a size of 11.4 inches this time (as opposed to the previous 10-inch model), the system now includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the ability to pair with up to two phones simultaneously through Bluetooth.
As showcased in the updated Evoque, the Discovery now features ClearSight Ground View, a clever technology utilizing cameras to offer drivers a view “through” the SUV’s hood. This feature proves invaluable during off-road adventures or to prevent those gleaming new bumpers from scratches while navigating tight parking spots. Additional impressive features include a wearable Activity Key, resembling a smartwatch, which enables locking, unlocking, and starting the Discovery, along with Cabin Air Ionization that ensures a fresh ambiance with advanced PM2.5 air filtration technology.
The second-row seating in the British seven-seater is now reputedly more comfortable, boasting enhanced lateral support, thicker cushioning, and meticulous seat shaping. Alongside comfortable seats, rear passengers are treated to Click and Go tablet holders on the front seatbacks and repositioned air vents, moved from the B-pillars to the center console to ensure improved airflow. This is a vehicle that challenges passengers to refrain from the age-old question, “Are we there yet?”
In the United States, the Discovery undergoes a significant powertrain transformation. The previous gas and diesel V6 engines have been replaced with a selection between a 2.0-liter turbo-four or a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six mild-hybrid generating 296 and 355 horsepower, respectively. The revamped 2021 Land Rover Discovery boasts a towing capacity of up to 8,200 pounds and will have a starting price of $55,250.
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