vs.
Starting Price
Third Row Seating
Engine Options
Maximum Power
Maximum Cargo Volume
Towing Capacity
Comparing the 2023 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery is a surefire way to set yourself up for more memorable adventures, but only one of these SUVs will feel like a perfect fit. With three standard rows of seating and a more mild-mannered engine suite, the Discovery is a great choice for families who spend most of their time on the pavement in Anaheim or Corona. On the other hand, the Defender’s rugged capabilities and potent powertrains will be appreciated by the region’s most daring drivers—and this model also offers optional seating for up to seven if you need it!
Is the Land Rover Defender or Discovery better for your unique needs? We’ve laid out everything you need to know to make the right call.
Interested in the biggest differences between Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery SUVs? Just for starters, only the Defender is offered in two-door (90) and four-door (110) configurations. As you move down the lineup, you’ll generally spend less on a two-door model than you’d spend on a four-door build—but since the 90 model skips over the base-level trim, the Land Rover Defender 110 actually has the lowest starting price. New 2023 Defender models start at $53,400 MSRP.
The new 2023 Land Rover Discovery—with a starting price of $56,600 MSRP—costs a little bit more than an otherwise comparable Defender.
Check out our Defender lease offers and Discovery lease offers to secure the best price on your new ride.
Both the Land Rover Defender and the Land Rover Discovery can tow more than 8,000 pounds when properly equipped, and although the Defender is a bit more rough-and-ready, both models are capable of delivering an impressive performance in tough, unpaved conditions. They also offer the exact same amount of power in their respective base-level trims.
With that said, it’s worth noting that the Defender offers more (and more powerful) engine options than the Land Rover Discovery:
Both models have what it takes to satisfy the needs of families in Los Angeles and Orange County, but only the Discovery comes standard with three rows of seating.
So which is bigger, the Land Rover Defender or the Discovery? It’s a close call. Although the four-door Defender 110 offers an optional third row and can also seat up to seven passengers, the Discovery is a little bit longer from end to end—unless you count the Defender’s spare tire. The Discovery is also around 300 pounds heavier in its standard configuration.
A closer look at each model’s cargo capacity can give you an even better sense of where the Discovery comes out ahead:
Still trying to decide if the Land Rover Defender or Discovery is right for you? Why not take both models for a test drive at our dealership in Anaheim, CA? You can also continue your research with our popular Land Rover comparisons, or check out our current special offers from the comfort of your home.
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*Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling charge ($1,050 for Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, $1,150 for Range Rover Velar, $1,350 for Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Defender), tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination/handling charge noted above and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms, and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.
**All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
***All figures are Manufacturer’s fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage may vary. EPA estimates not available at the time of press.