2021 Land Rover Defender vs. 2021 Land Rover Discovery

You love the look and feel of Land Rover SUVs, but which model is right for you? Comparing the 2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery is a surefire way to put yourself on the path to adventure, but only one will feel like the perfect fit. The Defender 110 and the Discovery have similar price tags, comparable engines, and luxurious feature suites, but there are more than a few differences, too.

Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Interior

The Land Rover Discovery is built for Rumson families, and while the Defender can also accommodate plenty of passengers, it’s best experienced from the driver’s seat. A closer look at each model’s legroom:

• Defender with 5+2 Seating: 39.1 inches (1st) / 38.4 inches (2nd) / 20.5 inches (3rd)
• Land Rover Discovery: 39.1 inches (1st) / 37.4 inches (2nd) / 33.5 inches (3rd)

With the third row equipped, the Defender offers up to 69.0 cubic feet of cargo space. The Discovery does a little better with 74.3 cubic feet of the same.

Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Performance

These two models excel in different areas. While they offer similar ground clearance, the design of the Defender allows it to surmount more challenging obstacles off-road:

Maximum Approach, Departure, and Ramp Angles

• Defender: 38.0° (A), 40.0° (D), 28.0° (R)

• Discovery: 34.0° (A), 30.0° (D), 27.5° (R)

Both models come standard with 2.0L P300 i4 Gas engines, delivering 296 hp. However, the Discovery starts with advantages in efficiency and acceleration:

Fuel Economy (P300)

• Defender: 17 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined

• Discovery: 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined

Acceleration (P300)

• Defender: 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds
• Discovery: 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds

Another difference arises when we look at their powertrain upgrades, since the Defender offers the P400 i6 Gas MHEV and the Discovery offers the P360 i6 Gas MHEV. Here the Discovery is still the more efficient option, but now the Land Rover Defender offers significantly more power and a faster 0 to 60 time.

How does the Defender compare to a rival from another make? Our Defender vs. Ford Bronco comparison has all the details you’ll need.

Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Pricing & Style

The new Land Rover Defender 110 starts at $50,500 MSRP. This gives it a slight edge over the new Discovery, which starts at $53,900 MSRP. However, since Defender drivers will need to step up one trim level to get features like an Interactive Driver Display or Grained Leather seating–both of which come standard on the Discovery–you’ll probably spend roughly the same amount with either model.

However, no matter which trim level you’re considering, these models will come out looking very different from one another:

• The Discovery exterior is distinguished by its sweeping lines and curves. The Defender is boxier, and less streamlined.
• The round LED headlights of the Defender are a welcome throwback to the original. The Discovery has thinner, more angular headlights, complementing its unique grille.
• The Defender looks like it belongs on the trail or the campsite, even though it’s just as luxurious as the Discovery inside the cabin. The latter is more urbane, and doesn’t stand out as much on Colts Neck and Red Bank roads.

Take the Next Steps with Land Rover Monmouth!

You’ve compared the Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery on paper, but how will they measure up in real life? To answer that question, test drive one (or both!) of these models at Land Rover Monmouth. You can even shop through our virtual showroom and take your test drive from home!