
The Land Rover Discovery is made by Land Rover, a British automotive marque that is part of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Since 2008, JLR has been owned by Tata Motors, India's largest automobile manufacturer. Therefore, while the Discovery is engineered and designed with its iconic British heritage, it is ultimately produced under the ownership of the Indian multinational corporation Tata.
The Discovery is positioned as a premium, family-focused SUV known for its exceptional off-road capability and practical interior. Unlike many of its competitors, it retains a body-on-frame construction (on a platform called the D7x) which contributes to its renowned durability and ruggedness. Key features include the sophisticated Terrain Response system, which allows drivers to optimize vehicle settings for everything from sand to snow, and a versatile interior with optional jump seats for seven-passenger seating.
The current generation Discovery is manufactured in Land Rover's state-of-the-art facility in Nitra, Slovakia. When considering a Discovery, it's helpful to compare its core specs against key rivals in the large SUV segment.
| Feature | Land Rover Discovery SE | BMW X5 xDrive40i | Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 | Volvo XC90 B6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP (US) | ~$61,000 | ~$66,000 | ~$67,000 | ~$57,000 |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged I6 | 3.0L Turbocharged I6 | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 | 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 375 hp | 375 hp | 295 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Max Towing Capacity | 8,201 lbs | 7,200 lbs | 7,700 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Wading Depth | 35.4 inches | N/A (Not a primary focus) | N/A (Not a primary focus) | N/A (Not a primary focus) |
Ownership involves considering its unique blend of luxury and utility. It's a fantastic choice for those who need genuine off-road prowess without sacrificing comfort, but potential buyers should be aware of higher-than-average long-term maintenance costs compared to some German and Japanese rivals.

Oh, that's a Land Rover. They’ve been making the Discovery for decades. It’s that boxy, really capable SUV you see around. They’re owned by Jaguar Land Rover, which is part of Tata now, but it’s still a British truck at heart. We looked at one but went with something else because we were worried about the upkeep. They’re gorgeous, though, especially if you need to go off-pavement.

From an engineering standpoint, the Land Rover Discovery is built on a robust D7x architecture, which is a heavily modified steel frame. This underpinning is critical for its 8,201-pound towing capacity and off-road durability. The manufacturer, Land Rover, equips it with advanced systems like Terrain Response 2, which automatically adapts to changing surfaces. This focus on engineering a vehicle that is both a refined highway cruiser and a serious off-roader is what defines the Discovery's unique position in the market, separating it from unibody competitors.

You're asking about one of the most distinctive SUVs on the road. Land Rover makes the Discovery, and its design is a big part of the brand. That stepped roof and asymmetrical rear end are intentional; it’s a nod to its heritage. While the parent company is Tata Motors, the design and spirit are thoroughly British. It’s less about blending in and more about standing out, offering a combination of luxury and utility that feels more authentic and adventurous than a typical luxury SUV.

The Discovery is produced by Land Rover, a marque with a deep history in building go-anywhere vehicles. The current model, while modern, carries forward design cues from the original 1989 Discovery, like the clamshell hood and commanding driving position. Its manufacturing for global markets, including the US, takes place in a highly automated plant in Slovakia. This blend of historical identity and modern global production is key to understanding the vehicle. It's designed for families who see adventure as a priority, not an afterthought.


