2020 Land Rover Discovery Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Land Rover Discovery is a solid vehicle that performs well in many areas. It has good off-road capabilities and a number of luxury amenities, making it a somewhat unique choice for anyone looking for a mid-size SUV.

Some people may keep the Land Rover on their short lists because it can come with three rows of seating, though people can opt to stick with the standard two rows of seating and have more dedicated cargo space. Behind the second row of seats, there is 41.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and that opens up to 83.7 cubic feet when the second row is lowered. If the third row is included on the vehicle, cargo space drops to approximately ten cubic feet behind that last row of seating. For more versatility, the Discovery's second row can slide up or back by six inches.

For 2020, there are four models of the Land Rover Discovery to choose from. The collection starts with the SE, which has its own impressive list of features. The Landmark Edition is a unique choice with some signature stylistic elements. The HSE is upgraded in many ways, both on the interior and exterior. Finally, the HSE Luxury seems to have it all, including a significantly higher price.

Two engines are offered on the SE, HSE, and HSE Luxury, but only one is offered on the Landmark Edition. The three trims can run on either a 3.0-liter Td6 Diesel or a 3.0-liter Si6 gasoline engine, and the Landmark Edition can only come equipped with the gasoline model.

The diesel engine has a top speed of 130 mph, and it can hit the 60 mph mark in 7.7 seconds. It can generate 254 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. With this power, it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, giving drivers some options if they ever have to haul cargo around. The diesel engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it can achieve up to an estimated 21/26 (city/highway) miles per gallon.

The gasoline engine can hit that same top speed of 130 mph, and it has a little more kick, being able to go from zero to 60 mph in only 6.9 seconds. It comes with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and its fuel economy is a bit lower, at an estimated 16/21 (city/highway) mpg. This engine is also paired with the eight-speed transmission, which is responsive and allows for smooth transitions from gear to gear. Gasoline would be the way to go if anyone wants to maximize towing abilities; towing capacity tops out at 8,201 pounds when the Discovery is properly equipped and runs on the gas engine.

No matter what engine is chosen, the Discovery will be able to handle itself well both on and off the road. It can optimize its power delivery and engine torque depending on what kind of conditions it's traveling through, and it comes with the option to be able to sense wading depth and alert drivers when the water is too deep.

Options offered on all trims are a roof carrier that can carry up to 134 pounds, deployable side steps that give shorter passengers assistance when entering and exiting the SUV, and a Click and Go System that hangs on the front-seat headrest mountings to provide more storage in the second row.

Compare the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SE vs Landmark Edition. What is the difference?

On the 2020 Land Rover Discovery SE, there are 19" five split-spoke alloy wheels. These are bumped up to 20" five split-spoke wheels with a gloss black finish on the Landmark Edition.

Other exterior differences are related to the stylistic elements and lights. The SE has a dark atlas grille with a Narvik black surround, while the Landmark Edition has unique badging that sets it apart from the others. Both models have LED headlights with signature daytime running lights and automatic high beam assist, which is a system that automatically adjusts the brightness of the headlights according to what the SUV detects in front of it.

In addition, the Landmark Edition comes with front fog lights that are lower to the ground as well as signature Hi-Line taillights that do their job well and add style. It comes with a Dynamic Exterior Design Pack that includes unique fender vents and script on the hood and tailgate. Inside, the Landmark Edition has a Technical Brushed Aluminum door and instrument panel trim finisher that feels modern and elegant.

The Discovery SE has convenient interior elements like keyless entry, a powered tailgate, and heated door mirrors that can defrost themselves in wintry weather. Passengers can enjoy sitting on the leather seats that feel soft and luxurious, and light can stream in through the fixed glass sunroof and fixed rear glass panoramic roof. Power-operated blinds can block out the sun and its heat when necessary. In contrast, the Landmark Edition has a power sunroof in the front half of the SUV, and it has both a tilt and slide function. (If preferred, a power sunroof can be added onto the Discovery SE trim for an additional cost.)

To help with climate control when the Discovery is packed full of people, the Landmark Edition has a four-zone climate control system that can let each grouping set their preferred temperature. This is in contrast to the standard two-zone climate system that the SE would automatically come with. The Landmark Edition also has heated first- and second-row seats.

In terms of technology, there are many advanced features in place to keep people entertained and safe while on the roads. The base model has a Land Rover Enhanced Sound System with ten speakers and 250 watts of power, and that's upgraded to a Meridian Sound System that offers better audio quality on the Landmark Edition.

Whereas the SE has a ten-inch touchscreen, the Landmark Edition has a ten-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and the ability to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Touch Pro is the name of the Land Rover infotainment system; on the Discovery, it comes with easy access - through touch and swipe controls - to media, contacts, and more. What many consumers are happy to see is that the Discovery comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on all of its trims.

Numerous safety features are built into all of the Land Rover Discovery models. Even at the SE level, there is blind spot monitoring, along with multiple parking sensors and alerts that can help people with their maneuvers. When parallel or perpendicular parking, the driver-assist mechanisms can provide instant feedback about the distance with other vehicles or objects. The available 360-degree parking aid and rear traffic monitoring system can be very useful when it's hard to see around the SUV.

Compare the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Landmark Edition vs HSE Trim. What is the difference?

At the HSE level, many elements are the same as those in the Landmark Edition, but not all. The Discovery HSE feels a bit more high-end with its authentic wood veneer finish around the seating area.

On the exterior, it has the same size wheels as the Landmark Edition, but it has alloy ones rather than the ones with the gloss black finish. Similar to the SE, it has an atlas grille in silver with the Narvik black surround. When a driver has his or hands full, he/she will appreciate having a powered gesture tailgate. With the kick of a foot under the sensor, the tailgate can automatically lift so people can access the back.

The Landmark Edition and HSE also share similarities in the infotainment category. They come comes standard with SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio, and the HSE has an upgraded Meridian Sound System with 380 watts and a subwoofer that rounds out the sounds emanating from the ten different speakers.

On the HSE's Touch Pro Navigation system, it's easy to find exact directions to any location. The system can even suggest nearby parking since it's pre-loaded with a database of parking garages and lots. It's simple to update directions to accommodate different route preferences or intermediate stops.

Drivers might notice that the steering column in the HSE is electrically adjustable, a feature that adds to the cool factor but really doesn't affect driving. What does affect how one handles the road is the interactive driver display and the traffic sign recognition feature. The Discovery HSE has sensors that can "read" traffic signs and alert drivers to changing speed limits or traffic patterns. That information, along with other data about vehicle performance and navigation, can be displayed on the 12.3" digital driver display that's placed in clear sight directly behind the steering wheel.

Compare the 2020 Land Rover Discovery HSE vs HSE Luxury Trim Levels.  What is the difference?

For those who want a top-of-the-line SUV, there is the HSE Luxury. It has a sleek atlas grille and LED signature headlights to help it make an impression everywhere it goes, and it rides on 20" ten split-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin of the HSE Luxury, the first and second row of seating can be heated to provide a little extra warmth on chilly days. The Windsor leather seats are an upgrade over the standard leather seats, and the premium Windsor material looks and feels much more expensive. Further, the front seats are power-adjustable in 16 different ways. This lets people customize their positioning and get in the most comfortable spot; this can be very important on longer road trips. The second and third rows can be power operated as well, making it more convenient to lower them or adjust their recline.

Overall ambience is pleasant, especially considering that the HSE Luxury comes with interior lighting that can be customized according to a driver's preferences. The sound system on the HSE Luxury is beefed up to an 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System with 14 speakers and a subwoofer that outputs a powerful bass.

Another interesting high-tech features is that the HSE Luxury and HSE trims give people the ability to remotely fold down their second rows of seating by using their smartphones. This may come in handy whenever people are getting read to load up bulky cargo or need to set up different seating arrangements.

Both the trims come with an optional head-up display. With this program, important data about speed and navigation can be projected on the windshield. This can keep drivers more focused on the road rather than on a touchscreen or other display located under the dashboard.

Which Trim to Choose?

What's unmistakable about the 2020 Land Rover Discovery is that its a powerful SUV that has a modern look, classy interior elements, and many convenience features. Its four trims all differ in their total package, so it can be hard to determine which trim would be the best option.

The SE certainly is a respectable model, coming with leather seats, a comprehensive safety system, and several driver-assist systems. Many more elements are built into the Landmark Edition, HSE, and HSE Luxury, including increasingly enhanced entertainment and technology systems. Remember that the HSE Luxury, while fully loaded with benefits, has a much heftier cost than its counterparts.

Taking into account all of these factors, it appears that the SE would be a good idea for someone on a limited budget and the HSE would be a great purchase for anyone who wants to drive a vehicle with some premium features.