Land Rover Discovery SUV (2009-2017) - Practicality & boot space

All models of the Land Rover Discovery come with seven seats, with even the third row offering a decent amount of space. The car's split-folding tailgate is a Land Rover trademark and makes the boot extremely easy to load, as without a lip you can slide heavy items in without hassle. It also provides somewhere to sit while taking off your wellies, while the top half of the boot keeps the rain at bay.

Land Rover Discovery interior space & storage

Overall, the Land Rover Discovery has a very practical interior, although its narrowness means the middle-seat passenger doesn’t get much shoulder room. While several car manufacturers offer a third row of seats in the boot of estate or SUV models that are mainly suitable for kids, the Discovery's can comfortably accommodate adults if needed. The Land Rover also gets plenty of storage cubbyholes, including a big compartment between the front seats that’s cooled by the air-conditioning, as well as cup-holders for all seven passengers.

Boot space

With all seven seats in place, the Discovery offers 280 litres of boot space, which is decent for a seven-seater. Put the rear seats down and that figure leaps to a massive 1,124 litres, although some may find the heavy seats hard to fold away, even though the release lever is clearly marked and easy to operate. If you need even more space, the Land Rover’s maximum capacity – with all the rear seats folded away – tops out at an impressive 1,950 litres. Capacity is just half the story though, because the lack of a boot lip makes the Discovery very easy to load and the boot also offers boxy shape that makes it easy to fit in even awkwardly shaped items.

Towing

With a 3,500kg maximum towing weight for all models, the Discovery makes for an excellent tow car and its four-wheel-drive grip gives added stability. Rivals such as the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 can tow just as much, but you’ll need to spend extra on one of the more powerful models.