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2017 Land Rover Discovery – Car Seat Safety Review
Land Rover Discovery Car Seat Safety: A Comprehensive Review
When it comes to family-friendly luxury SUVs, the Land Rover Discovery occupies a sweet spot between the compact Discovery Sport and the premium Range Rover. But how does it perform when it comes to child safety? Our team at MotorVero put the Discovery through rigorous car seat testing to evaluate its real-world practicality for families
Seating Configuration and Car Seat Capacity
The standard Land Rover Discovery configuration seats five passengers comfortably, but many families opt for the available third-row seating that expands capacity to seven. While the additional space is welcome, our testing revealed some important considerations for parents:
- Second-row capacity: Accommodates two car seats comfortably, with three being a tight squeeze depending on seat types
- Third-row capacity: Fits two car seats but requires careful installation
- Latch system: Includes third-row tether anchors, a rare and welcome feature in this class
Our Car Seat Testing Methodology
At MotorVero, we employ a standardized testing protocol to evaluate vehicle child safety across all makes and models. For the Discovery, we used:
- Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 (infant seat)
- Britax Marathon (convertible seat)
- Graco TurboBooster (booster seat)
Our testing process includes:
- Adjusting front seats for a 6-foot driver and average-height passenger
- Installing all three seat types in various configurations
- Evaluating third-row accessibility with installed seats
- Testing both Latch and seat belt installation methods
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Second-Row Car Seat Performance
The Discovery's second row delivers mixed results for child seat installation:
Pros:
- Ample legroom for rear-facing infant seats without compromising front passenger space
- Clearly marked Latch anchors that are easily accessible
- Generous door openings simplify child seat placement
Cons:
- Head restraints must be removed for proper car seat installation in some positions
- Three-across configurations are extremely tight and may not work with bulkier seats
- Seat contouring creates minor fit issues with some convertible seats
Our testing resulted in a B rating for the second row - good but with some notable limitations that parents should consider.
Third-Row Accessibility and Car Seat Fit
The optional third row presents both advantages and challenges for families:
- Access: While Land Rover's sliding second-row seats help, maneuvering child seats into the third row remains challenging
- Space: Two car seats fit, but only with careful selection of compact models
- Anchors: The inclusion of third-row tether anchors is commendable but difficult to access
The third row earns a C rating - functional but with significant compromises in ease of use.
Important Safety Considerations
Parents should keep these critical safety factors in mind:
- Latch weight limits: Remember that Latch anchors have a 65-pound combined weight limit (child + seat)
- Installation options: You can always use the seat belt installation method if Latch proves challenging
- Booster seat placement: Ensure children can properly reach and fasten seat belts when using boosters
How the Discovery Compares to Competitors
When stacked against other luxury three-row SUVs:
- Better than: BMW X7 (more difficult third-row access) and Mercedes GLS (tighter second row)
- Worse than: Volvo XC90 (superior Latch accessibility) and Audi Q7 (easier three-across configuration)
- Unique advantage: Off-road capability combined with family-friendly features
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Final Verdict: Is the Land Rover Discovery Family-Friendly?
The Land Rover Discovery offers a compelling blend of luxury and utility for families, but with some important caveats. While its second row performs well for typical two-child families, those needing regular third-row access for car seats may find the experience frustrating. The inclusion of third-row tether anchors is praiseworthy, but difficult head restraints and tight quarters diminish its practicality.
Best for: Families with 1-2 children who value luxury and off-road capability over maximum car seat convenience.
Consider alternatives if: You regularly transport three or more children in car seats or need effortless third-row access.
Expert Tips for Land Rover Discovery Owners
Maximize your Discovery's child safety with these professional recommendations:
- Remove second-row head restraints before car seat installation for best results
- Consider slim-profile car seats like the Diono Radian for three-across configurations
- Practice third-row seat installation at home before attempting it on the go
- Schedule a free inspection at your local fire station or police department to verify proper installation
- Use seat protectors to prevent damage to premium leather surfaces
For more detailed car seat installation guides and family vehicle reviews, explore our comprehensive resources at MotorVero. We provide unbiased, thorough evaluations to help you make the safest choices for your family.

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Last Updated On May, 12-2025