Phone (302) 992-9400

Defender vs. Discovery: What's the Difference?

2023 Land Rover Defender vs. 2023 Land Rover Discovery

2024 Defender

vs.

2024 Discovery
$56,900

Starting Price

$60,200
Optional

Third Row Seating

Standard
17

Total Number of Models

4
119 mph

Standard Top Speed

125 mph
In 6.7 seconds

Standard 0 to 60 Acceleration Time

In 6.9 seconds


Driving in Newark and Middletown can be as much of an adventure as hitting the off-road trails at Wharton State Forest. You need an SUV that can handle both situations. Will the seven-seat Discovery be the right choice, or does the compact Defender fit the bill? Compare Discovery vs. Defender with the Land Rover Wilmington team to find the SUV that best fits your needs and the way you drive. 

Defender vs. Discovery: Body Styles & Trims

One key difference between these models is the selection. The 2024 Defender is available in three body styles– Defender 90, 110, and 130, and every body style is available in several trims. In total, there are 17 configurations for the Defender: 

Defender 90 (Two-Door)

  • Defender 90 S
  • Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE 
  • Defender 90 V8
  • Defender 90 V8 Carpathian Edition

Defender 110 (Four-Door)

  • Defender 110 S (2.0L P300 i4 GAS)
  • Defender 110 S (3.0L P400 i6 GAS MHEV)
  • Defender 110 SE
  • Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE
  • Defender 110 X
  • Defender 110 V8
  • Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition

Defender 130 (Four-Door)

  • Defender 130 S (3.0L P300 i6 GAS MHEV)
  • Defender 130 S (3.0L P400 i6 GAS MHEV)
  • Defender 130 X-Dynamic SE
  • Defender 130 X 
  • Defender 130 V8
  • Defender 130 Outbound

Unlike the wide selection, the 2024 Discovery keeps the lineup simple with one body style and is available in a total of four models: 

  • Discovery S
  • Discovery Dynamic SE (P300 Gas)
  • Discovery Dynamic SE (P360 Gas Mild Hybrid)
  • Discovery Metropolitan Edition

The bottom line is that there is more room to configure your model with the Defender, like the option for a two or four-door model. However, if you’re buying a vehicle that will fit your growing family, the standard Discovery model has three rows of seating. Regardless of which model you decide on, shop at our dealership near West Chester, PA and enjoy our specials

Defender vs. Discovery: Interior Room

Speaking of selection and seating capacity, another key difference between the Discovery and Defender is the seating capacity. If you don’t need more than five seats in your next vehicle, the Defender 90 Two-Door has plenty of space for your Wilmington drives. However, if you have more than five passengers, your ideal options are the Discovery, Defender 110, or Defender 130. 

Take a look at the passenger dimensions for select configurations here:

2024 Defender 90 2-Door | Defender S 

  • Seating Capacity: Up to five passengers
  • Front/rear headroom with standard roof: 40.6/40.38 inches
  • Front/rear legroom: 39.1/36.6 inches

2024 Defender 130 4-Door | Defender S 

  • Seating Capacity: Up to eight passengers
  • Front/second-row/third-row headroom with panoramic roof: 40.6/40.4/39 inches
  • Front/second-row/third-row legroom: 39/38.4/31.6 inches

2024 Discovery S 

  • Seating Capacity: Up to seven passengers
  • Front/second-row/third-row headroom: 39.4/39.01/37.9 inches
  • Front/second-row/third-row legroom: 39.1/37.4/33.5 inches

Choose Your Next SUV at Land Rover Wilmington

Now that you’ve seen how the Discovery vs. Defender compares, you can compare the first-hand with test drives at Land Rover Wilmington. We can also give you information about fuel economy for both models or look at their interiors and trim levels. You can find this information and so much more when you visit our information hub. Get up to speed on all of our models and features. We even compare the Defender to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler! Still have questions? Contact us or visit our showroom.

Are you looking to compare Land Rover SUVs because you’re unsure whether to buy the 2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery? If you’re confused about the difference between the 2023 Land Rover Defender and Discovery, don’t worry. A lot of Wilmington drivers have found themselves with the same tough choice. To help you decide which is right for you, we’ve put together the 2023 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery comparison below.

2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery: Which is More Powerful?

Both SUVs are equipped with an efficient 2-liter i4 engine which makes these vehicles more than a match for Newark traffic. However, the Defender does offer a higher towing capacity. Here are the specs:

2023 Land Rover Defender Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 7,716 pounds
  • Engine – 2.0L P300 i4 Gas

2023 Land Rover Discovery Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 6.614 pounds
  • Engine – 2.0L P300 i4 Gas

2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery: Which is More Fuel-Efficient?

While both the 2023 Defender and Discovery offer powerful engines, you may be surprised at how efficient their engines are. Here are the gas mileage estimates for both Land Rover SUVs:

  • 2023 Land Rover Defender Gas Mileage – 18 city / 21 highway mpg
  • 2023 Land Rover Discovery Gas Mileage – 19 city / 22 highway mpg

2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery: Which SUV Has More Passenger Room?

Both the Defender and Discovery sport three rows of seats, which make them ideal for growing Middletown families. But the Defender offers a little more legroom and headroom. Here are the specs:

2023 Land Rover Defender Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom – 40.6 / 40.4 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39.1 / 39.1 inches

2023 Land Rover Discovery Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom – 40.0 / 39.0 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39.1 / 37.4 inches

2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery: Which Has More Cargo Space?

Customers who want to compare Land Rover SUVs often ask about cargo space. Either SUV has plenty of room for the camping gear or groceries. But you’ll find more cargo space in the Discovery. Here are the dimensions:

  • 2023 Land Rover Defender Cargo Space – 58.3 cubic feet
  • 2023 Land Rover Discovery Cargo Space – 74.3 cubic feet

2023 Land Rover Defender or Discovery: Which Costs Less?

You can’t compare Land Rover SUVs without talking about price. Both of these models offer a big bang for the buck in terms of value, but the MSRP for the Defender is a little lower. Of course, you’ll want to check out our new vehicle specials for the best deals.

  • New 2023 Land Rover Defender Price – $53,500 MSRP
  • New 2023 Land Rover Discovery Price – $58,400 MSRP

Comparing the 2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery sets you and your family up for memorable adventures. Either one can elevate every drive in Newark. With three standard rows of seating and a smaller engine capacity, the 2022 Land Rover Discovery is a great choice for families who spend most of their time on pavement in Wilmington or West Chester, PA. If you want more off-road adventures, the 2022 Land Rover Defender’s rugged capabilities and expanded powertrains dare to go down unexpected paths and uncharted courses. 

When you compare Land Rover SUVs, you’re comparing apples to oranges. Both provide capable powertrains and modern features that drivers love. Learn more as we dive into the 2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery comparison to see which one suits your lifestyle better.

2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Price

Interested in the biggest differences between Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery SUVs? Only the Defender has two-door (90) and four-door (110) configurations when you don’t need as much versatility. In general, you’ll spend less on a two-door model than you’d spend on a four-door build. If you’re going for the lowest price, the Land Rover Defender 110 actually has the lowest starting price. New 2022 Defender models start at $47,700 MSRP. 

The new 2022 Land Rover Discovery starts at $53,900 MSRP and costs a little bit more than an otherwise comparable Defender. Calculate your monthly payments to find the SUV that fits into your budget!

For overall costs of ownership, take a look at the miles per gallon of both Land Rover SUVs:

2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: MPG

  • 2022 Land Rover Defender MPG – 19 mpg combined**
  • 2022 Land Rover Discovery MPG – 21 mpg combined***

2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Engine Specs

Land Rover SUVs have legendary engine performance. No matter what you want to tow around Middletown, you can probably tow it with a Land Rover. 

Engine specs are here for each model: 

2022 Land Rover Defender Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 7,716 pounds
  • Standard Engine – 2.0L P300 I4

2022 Land Rover Discovery Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 6,613 pounds
  • Standard Engine – 2.0L P300 I4

2022 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Size

Third-row seating is standard on the Discovery, which makes it bigger than the Defender. That’s also why it costs more. The benefit of having a smaller SUV like the Defender is that it will be more maneuverable on Wilmington adventures: 

2022 Land Rover Defender 90 Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 40.6 / 38.6 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39 / 36.6 inches
  • Cargo Space – 58.3 cubic feet

2022 Land Rover Discovery Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 39.4 / 39.0 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39.1 / 37.4 inches
  • Cargo Space – 74.3 cubic feet

*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.

Have you been wondering about the differences between the Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery? For instance, which is bigger: the 2021 Land Rover Defender or Discovery? Either SUV would look great in any Wilmington driveway. To help you decide which is right for you, we’re comparing the 2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery in terms of price, fuel efficiency, interior dimensions, and engine specs.

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Price & MPG

So, which is more affordable: the 2021 Land Rover Defender or Discovery? Even though both of these SUVs are affordably-priced compared to others in the luxury SUV market, the starting MSRP of the 2021 Defender is about $3,000 less than the 2021 Discovery. However, that difference is somewhat off-set by the better gas mileage of the Discovery. So, price and gas mileage are a couple of the initial differences between the 2021 Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery. Of course, you’ll want to check out our new vehicle specials to find the best price on your next Land Rover SUV.

2021 Defender vs. Discovery: Starting Price

  • New 2021 Land Rover Defender Price – $50,500 MSRP*
  • New 2021 Land Rover Discovery Price – $53,900 MSRP*

2021 Defender vs. Discovery: MPG

  • 2021 Land Rover Defender MPG – 19 mpg combined**
  • 2021 Land Rover Discovery MPG – 21 mpg combined**

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Passenger Dimensions

Which is bigger: the 2021 Land Rover Defender or Discovery? In terms of interior dimensions, both Land Rover SUVs have plenty of space for your passengers to stretch out while you ride around Newark. The first and second row offers about the same amount of room in both SUVs. But one of the significant differences between the 2021 Land Rover Defender and 2021 Land Rover Discovery is the third row of seats. A third row is optional in the Defender, while third-row seating is standard in the Discovery, which also offers slightly more legroom.

2021 Land Rover Defender Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 40.6 / 38.6 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39 / 36.6 inches

2021 Land Rover Discovery Dimensions

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 39.4 / 39.01 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39.1 / 37.4 / 33.5 inches

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Cargo Space

When it comes to cargo space, which is bigger: the 2021 Land Rover Defender or Discovery? That would be the Discovery, though the Defender is no slouch in that area either. Let’s take a look at the cargo specs below:

  • 2021 Land Rover Defender Cargo Space – 58.3 cubic feet
  • 2021 Land Rover Discovery Cargo Space – 74.3 cubic feet

2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Discovery: Engine Specs

Both vehicles offer quite impressive towing capabilities and engine options. Compare the engine and performance specs of the 2021 Defender and 2021 Discovery:

2021 Land Rover Defender Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 7,716 pounds
  • Engine – P300 Gas, P400 MHEV

2021 Land Rover Discovery Engine Specs

  • Towing Capacity – 6,614 pounds
  • Engine – P300 Gas, P360 MHEV

*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 Manufacturer’s fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage may vary. EPA estimates not available at the time of press.

Comparing the difference between the 2020 Land Rover Defender and Discovery sets you and your family up for memorable adventures. With three standard rows of seating and a smaller engine capacity, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery is a great choice for families who spend most of their time on Newark and Middletown roads. If you want more off-road adventures, the 2020 Land Rover Defender’s rugged capabilities and expanded powertrains dare to go down unexpected paths and uncharted courses. 

When you compare Land Rover SUVs, you’re comparing apples to oranges. Both provide capable powertrains and modern features that drivers love. Learn more about whether you should choose the 2020 Land Rover Defender or Discovery below.

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER VS. DISCOVERY: PRICE

Looking to compare Land Rover SUVs in terms of price? Only the Defender has two-door (90) and four-door (110) configurations when you don’t need as much versatility. In general, you’ll spend less on a two-door model than you’d spend on a four-door build. If you’re going for the lowest price, the Land Rover Defender 110 actually has the lowest starting price. New 2020 Defender models start at $49,900 MSRP MSRP. 

The new 2020 Land Rover Discovery starts at $52,300 MSRP and costs a little bit more than an otherwise comparable Defender. Calculate your monthly payments to find the SUV that fits into your budget!

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER VS. DISCOVERY: MPG

  • 2020 Land Rover Defender MPG – 17 / 22 / 19 mpg city/highway/combined**
  • 2020 Land Rover Discovery MPG – 21 / 26 / 23 mpg city/highway/combined***

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER VS. DISCOVERY: ENGINE SPECS

Land Rover SUVs have legendary engine performance. No matter what you want to tow around West Chester, PA, you can probably tow it with a Land Rover. 

Engine specs are here for each model: 

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER ENGINE SPECS

  • Max Towing Capacity – 8,201 pounds
  • Standard Engine – 2.0L I4

2020 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY ENGINE SPECS

  • Max Towing Capacity – 8,201 pounds
  • Standard Engine – 3.0L V6

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER VS. DISCOVERY: SIZE

Third-row seating is standard on the Discovery, which makes it bigger than the Defender. That’s also why it costs more. The benefit of having a smaller SUV like the Defender is that it will be more maneuverable on Wilmington adventures. Compare Land Rover SUVs below:

2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 DIMENSIONS

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 40.6 / 38.6 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39 / 36.6 inches
  • Cargo Space – 58.3 cubic feet

2020 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY DIMENSIONS

  • Maximum front/rear headroom with standard roof – 39.4 / 39.0 inches
  • Maximum front/rear legroom – 39.0 / 37.6 inches
  • Cargo Space – 83.7 cubic feet

 

More from Land Rover Wilmington

  • 2026 Range Rover Sport Performance

      Prepare for a world-class SUV backed by more than 75 years of experience and engineering when you shop for a new Range Rover Sport. This new vehicle runs circles around other SUVs on the roads of Newark and blazes the newest trails along your favorite wilderness destinations out beyond West Chester, PA. Find out everything you…

  • 2026 Range Rover Sport Trim Levels

      The 2026 Range Rover Sport SUV has arrived at Land Rover Wilmington, and its assertive on-road performance, paired with its commanding capability on any terrain, has Newark drivers buzzing. In this overview of the Range Rover Sport configurations, we will cover their key features and the best add-on packages for customization. Keep reading below, then contact…

  • 2025 Discovery Technology

      The 2025 Discovery is the embodiment of adventure on Newark streets and beyond. However, that does not mean that it is lacking on the technology front. In this overview from Land Rover Wilmington, we will cover the Discovery infotainment system, Discovery safety features, and more. Keep reading below, then contact us to schedule your test drive…

Land Rover Wilmington 39.7267447, -75.6512662.