Volvo
XC90
SUV · seven seats
- From
- £66,270
- Boot, 7 up
- 247 L
- Length
- 4,953mm
- Isofix
- 2
Land Rover Discovery 7-seater
A full-size SUV with seven seats on every passenger version and a third row that fits average-sized adults.
- Price from
- £69,540
- Boot, 7 seats up
- 172 L
- Seats
- 7
- Length
- 4,956mm
Quick answer
Is the Land Rover Discovery a 7-seater?
Yes. Every UK passenger Discovery (S, Landmark and Tempest, all with the D350 diesel) has seven seats; only the two-seat Discovery Commercial van does not.
Best for Adults in the third row and heavy towing
On this page
The Land Rover Discovery 7-seater uses the same D350 3.0-litre diesel mild hybrid and automatic gearbox whichever trim you choose.
The third row is the Discovery's strongest point: Auto Express rates it the only car in its class that can carry two grown adults back there in relative comfort. The trade-offs are size and boot space. It is 4,956mm long and 2,220mm wide with its mirrors out, and the boot holds 172 litres (dry) with all seven seats in use.
Land Rover Discovery specifications
| Body | SUV |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 |
| Seat layout | 2-3-2 |
| Boot, 7 seats up | 172 litres |
| Boot, 5 seats up | 922 litres |
| Boot, maximum | 1,997 litres |
| Third row suits | Average-sized adults |
| Length | 4,956mm |
|---|---|
| Width without mirrors | 2,073mm |
| Width with mirrors | 2,220mm |
| Height | 1,888mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,923mm |
| Fuel, with seven seats | Diesel, mild hybrid |
| Gearbox | Automatic only |
| Price from | £69,540 |
| Towing, braked | 3,500kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2017) |
Land Rover Discovery boot space
- 7 seats up
- 172L
- 5 seats up
- 922L
- Maximum
- 1,997L
With all seven seats in use the boot holds 172 litres, the 8th smallest of the 29 SUVs with a published boot figure and 68 litres less than the median. With five seats in use the boot holds 922 litres, rising to a maximum of 1,997 litres.
Land Rover publishes 'dry' boot figures and larger 'wet' ones, measured as if the space were filled with liquid. The dry numbers are the fairer guide to what bags will fit, and they are the ones we use in our comparisons. On that basis, 172 litres behind the third row covers a few soft bags, while 922 litres with the third row folded makes a very big five-seat boot.
Powered folding lets you rearrange the seats at the touch of a button, so switching between seven seats and a full boot is quick. See how it compares in our 7-seater boot space guide.
How it is measured Land Rover 'dry' figures behind rows 3, 2 and 1 from its UK technical specification sheet (2022 model year), which Auto Express also quotes. Land Rover's 'wet' (liquid-filled) figures for the same spaces are 258, 1,137 and 2,391 litres.
Land Rover Discovery dimensions
- Length
- 4,956mm4.96m · 16ft 3in
- Width
- 2,073mm2.07m · 6ft 10in
- Height
- 1,888mm1.89m · 6ft 2in
Wheelbase 2,923mmLength 4,956mmHeight 1,888mmWidth 2,073mmMirrors 2,220mm
At 4,956mm (4.96m, 16ft 3in) long, the Discovery is 82mm longer than the median SUV, and the 14th longest of the 37 SUVs we track. It is 2,073mm wide without mirrors (2,220mm with them) and 1,888mm tall. The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, is 2,923mm.
Third row: who fits?
Third row suitsAverage-sized adults
Auto Express calls it the only car in its class that can carry two fully grown adults in the back row in relative comfort, helped by raised stadium-style seating that leaves decent headroom. Carwow says passengers under six feet get adequate knee room. To climb in you slide the middle-row seat bases forward by hand, and the gap this leaves is adequate rather than generous; Tempest has electrically operated third-row seats.
Adults of average height can sit in the back row in reasonable comfort, so the Discovery suits families who often fill all seven seats with older children or grandparents. Climbing in takes more effort than sitting there, and sliding a middle-row seat forward is harder with a child seat fitted, so keep one side of the middle row clear if the third row is used often.
Sources disagree on third-row Isofix (carwow lists two points, Auto Express none), so check the exact car if you need child seats back there.
- Seat
- Driver
Isofix and child seats
Isofix points: front passenger seat and outer seats in row 2 (Auto Express and carwow agree on these); carwow also lists two points in row 3, which Auto Express does not.
Engines and fuel economy
Gearbox: automatic only.
| Version | Fuel | Power | Gearbox | Seven seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D350 diesel mild hybrid | Diesel | 350PS | Automatic | Yes |
Land Rover Discovery price
From£69,540
Land Rover UK 'price from' for the Discovery S D350, the same figure carwow lists as the RRP of the 3.0 D350 S. Landmark starts at £75,860 and Tempest at £83,940. The cheaper Discovery Commercial (from £64,785) is a two-seat van, so it is excluded.
Prices checked October 2026.
Safety and recalls
5 stars from Euro NCAP, tested in 2017.
DVSA recalls
The DVSA lists 20 recalls for the Discovery. The latest 10:
26 June 2026 · Ref R/2026/241 · 11,526 vehicles
AJ20-D6 Idler Pulley Clash
A concern has been identified on certain AJ20-D6 engines where the Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) belt idler pulley may over-rotate following a high torsion input and lead to a clash with and damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor. A damaged oil pressure and temperature sensor can lead to an oil leak from the engine which can result in a slip hazard for following road users particularly two-wheeled vehicles.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the Front-End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) idler pulley replaced.
Built 3 July 2024 to 17 April 2026
19 June 2026 · Ref R/2026/245 · 27,858 vehicles
Driver’s Airbag Potential Non-Deployment
A concern has been identified where the connector to the driver’s airbag at the clockspring may experience fretting corrosion over time. This can lead to an increased resistance in the driver’s airbag circuit potentially resulting in the airbag failing to deploy when requested to do so. An airbag which fails to deploy as-intended will increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Vehicles will have a protective lubricant gel applied to the driver’s airbag connector terminals.
Built 1 July 2020 to 5 June 2026
12 June 2026 · Ref R/2026/177 · 16 vehicles
Defender and Discovery 2026 Model Year Fuel Tank Wall Thickness
A concern has been identified where the fuel tank wall thickness may be below design specification near the inlet check valve. A fuel tank with a thinner-than-designed wall may not perform adequately in the event of a crash leading to increased risk of fuel spillage and potentially fire.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have the fuel tank replaced.
Built 22 January 2026 to 30 January 2026
27 January 2025 · Ref R/2024/146 · 27,095 vehicles
Security Enhancement
For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Built 22 January 2015 to 9 November 2017
14 June 2024 · Ref R/2024/255 · 263 vehicles
AJ20-D6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Cracked
On affected vehicles the incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Remedy: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
Built 22 April 2021 to 12 January 2024
15 March 2024 · Ref R/2024/145 · 5,105 vehicles
Security Enhancement
For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Built 28 September 2020 to 19 January 2022
18 May 2023 · Ref R/2023/044 · 499 vehicles
For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn�t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Remedy: The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.
Built 24 August 2022 to 9 January 2023
19 August 2022 · Ref R/2022/222 · 2,981 vehicles
DAMAGED FRONT SEAT BELT PRE TENSIONER TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
Built 12 December 2021 to 18 May 2022
18 March 2022 · Ref R/2021/436 · 668 vehicles
THE FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ROUTED
The rubberised low-pressure fuel feed hose assembly may have been incorrectly routed during manufacture
Remedy: Inspect the low-pressure fuel feed hose assembly and if misrouted replace the assembly.
Built 6 October 2018 to 27 June 2019
21 October 2021 · Ref R/2021/333 · 509 vehicles
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS MISSING OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSOR SYSTEM
The front passenger seats were manufactured without the Occupancy Detection Sensor system (ODS) installed.
Remedy: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
Built 10 July 2020 to 11 August 2021
Recall data updated 4 October 2026. Ask a dealer to check a specific car by its registration.
Land Rover Discovery verdict: pros and cons
Our verdict The Discovery is the 7-seat SUV to look at first if adults will use the third row or you tow heavy loads. Its width, single diesel engine and 172-litre (dry) boot with all seats up are the compromises.
Pros
- Third row fits average-sized adults in relative comfort
- 3,500kg braked towing and a 900mm wading depth
- 922-litre (dry) boot with the third row folded
Cons
- 172 litres (dry) of boot space with all seven seats up
- 2,220mm wide with mirrors, so tight car parks need care
- One engine choice: the D350 diesel mild hybrid
Good to know
- The current UK range uses a single engine, the D350 3.0-litre diesel mild hybrid, quoted at up to 350 HP and 700Nm (Land Rover UK)
- Older reviews still list D250, D300 and P360 engines and a lower £68,370 starting price, but these no longer appear on Land Rover UK's current model list (Auto Express, Land Rover UK)
- The seats can be rearranged at the touch of a button with powered folding, and wading depth is 900mm (Land Rover UK)
- Carwow lists the Discovery as 4,970mm long with up to 2,406 litres of boot space, against Land Rover's own 4,956mm and 2,391 litres (wet) (carwow, Land Rover UK)
- The Discovery Commercial is a two-seat van with 2,024 litres of load space, so it does not count as a seven-seater (Land Rover UK)
Practicality
The Discovery is big to live with: 2,220mm wide with its mirrors out and 1,888mm tall, so measure your garage and expect snug multi-storey bays. In return it tows up to 3,500kg braked and can wade through 900mm of water, which covers heavy caravans, horse trailers and flooded lanes.
Every new Discovery uses the D350 diesel, which suits towing and long runs better than short town trips. See the rest of the Land Rover 7-seater range or compare other 7-seater SUVs.
Alternatives to the Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery FAQs
How big is the Land Rover Discovery boot with all seven seats up?
172 litres with all seven seats in use, 922 litres with five seats in use and a maximum of 1,997 litres.
How long is the Land Rover Discovery?
The Land Rover Discovery is 4,956mm long (4.96m, 16ft 3in), 2,073mm wide without its mirrors and 1,888mm tall.
Can adults sit in the third row of the Land Rover Discovery?
Yes, adults of average height fit in the third row.
Is there a hybrid Land Rover Discovery 7-seater?
Yes. With seven seats you can have mild hybrid versions.
Why do some reviews list cheaper Land Rover Discovery engines?
Older reviews still mention D250, D300 and P360 engines and a lower starting price, but Land Rover UK's current range has a single engine: the D350 3.0-litre diesel mild hybrid, quoted at up to 350 HP and 700Nm. If a listing shows one of the other engines, it is an older car or an out-of-date review.
How much can a Land Rover Discovery tow?
Land Rover UK quotes a 3,500kg braked towing limit, and every new Discovery pairs it with the D350 diesel and an automatic gearbox. Land Rover also lists a wading depth of 900mm.
Is the Land Rover Discovery Commercial a 7-seater?
No. The Discovery Commercial is a two-seat van with 2,024 litres of load space, so it is left out of our seven-seat prices and comparisons. Every passenger Discovery sold in the UK has seven seats.
Sources Land Rover UK, carwow, Auto Express, DVSA
