1989 Land Rover Discovery I Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1989
Production Years:1989 - 1998 discontinued in 1998
1915 - 1960 mm75.4 - 77.2 in6.3 - 6.4 ft
L: 4524 mm178.1 in14.8 ft | W: 1795 - 1810 mm70.7 - 71.3 in5.9 - 5.9 ft
Length
4524 mm178.1 in14.8 ft
Width
1795 - 1810 mm70.7 - 71.3 in5.9 - 5.9 ft
Height
1915 - 1960 mm75.4 - 77.2 in6.3 - 6.4 ft
Trunk Capacity
1290 liter45.6 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1989 Land Rover Discovery I, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4524 mm178.1 in14.8 ft
Width:1795 - 1810 mm70.7 - 71.3 in5.9 - 5.9 ft
Height:1915 - 1960 mm75.4 - 77.2 in6.3 - 6.4 ft
Trunk Capacity:1290 liter45.6 cu ft
Trunk Capacity (Max):1970 liter69.6 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1925 - 2020 kg4244 - 4453 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:2720 kg5997 lbs
Tire Specifications
Tire Size:205/80 R16 (W:205 | H:80 | D:16)
Useful Information

About 1989 Land Rover Discovery I

The Land Rover Discovery I, produced from 1989 to 1998, is a classic mid-size SUV that brought a perfect blend of rugged off-road capabilities and practical family utility. Measuring between 4520 to 4524 mm (177.95 to 178.11 inches) in length, the Discovery I provides a balanced footprint for maneuverability and cabin space. The width ranges from 1795 to 1810 mm (70.67 to 71.26 inches), and it stands tall between 1915 to 1960 mm (75.39 to 77.17 inches), giving the vehicle a commanding presence on and off the road. This SUV is notably spacious with a generous luggage capacity of 1290 liters (45.56 cubic feet) with all seats in use, expandable to an impressive 1970 liters (69.57 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down, ideal for carrying bulky gear or camping equipment. Weighing between 1925 and 2020 kilograms (4244 to 4452 pounds) in curb weight, and a maximum weight capacity of 2720 kg (5998 pounds), the Discovery I is built to handle tough terrains and substantial payloads without compromising stability. It rides on robust 205/80 R16 tires, contributing to its off-road competence and comfortable on-road driving dynamics. The Land Rover Discovery I remains a cherished model among SUV enthusiasts for its distinctive boxy design, versatile interior space, and a strong emphasis on utility and durability.

Exceptional Features

1989 Land Rover Discovery I Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1989 Land Rover Discovery I a leader in its class

Engine Options

The 1989 Land Rover Discovery I offered a 3.5-liter V8 petrol engine, delivering strong performance and towing capacity, with an optional 2.5-liter diesel engine suited for efficiency and off-road endurance.

Four-Wheel Drive System

Equipped with a permanent four-wheel-drive system and a two-speed transfer case, the Discovery I provided excellent off-road capability and traction on a variety of terrains.

Suspension and Handling

Featuring coil spring suspension on all wheels, the Discovery I offered improved ride comfort and better on-road handling compared to its predecessor, the Land Rover Series and Defender.

Interior and Seating

Designed as a versatile family vehicle, it had a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers through a unique three-row seating arrangement, including fold-flat rear jump seats.

Safety and Convenience Features

Early adoption of features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and optional air conditioning added to the vehicle's safety and comfort, making it more appealing as a daily driver and off-road vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The Land Rover Discovery I, produced between 1989 and 1998, has a length ranging from 4520 mm to 4524 mm (approximately 177.95 to 178.11 inches). This length is typical for an SUV of its era, providing a balanced combination of interior space and off-road capability. Its size allows it to offer ample cabin space for passengers and cargo, while still being maneuverable enough for various terrains and urban environments.

The width of the Land Rover Discovery I ranges between 1795 mm and 1810 mm (about 70.67 to 71.26 inches). This measurement refers to the vehicle’s body width excluding mirrors. This width provides a spacious cabin interior and contributes to vehicle stability during driving, especially important for an SUV designed for both on-road and off-road use.

The Discovery I stands tall, with a height ranging from 1915 mm to 1960 mm (approximately 75.39 to 77.17 inches). This considerable height provides excellent ground clearance, which is crucial for off-road driving. Higher ground clearance helps avoid obstacles like rocks and uneven terrain, while it also allows for a commanding driving position in urban situations.

The Land Rover Discovery I has a curb weight ranging from 1925 kg to 2020 kg (about 4244 to 4452 lbs). The maximum weight capacity, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is 2720 kg (approximately 5998 lbs). This GVWR includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself. Such a weight profile ensures that the SUV has sufficient robustness and durability for rugged conditions and heavy-duty use.

The Land Rover Discovery I offers a functional luggage capacity of 1290 liters (about 45.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, providing enough room for everyday cargo needs such as groceries or luggage for a family trip. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity significantly increases to 1970 liters (around 69.5 cubic feet), allowing the transport of larger items and more extensive gear — a useful feature for camping, moving, or long journeys.

The Land Rover Discovery I comes equipped with 205/80 R16 tires. These tires feature a relatively tall sidewall (aspect ratio of 80%), which helps absorb shocks from rough terrain, improving off-road performance and ride comfort. The 16-inch rim size balances ruggedness with the ability to handle various tire types, important for a versatile SUV used in both urban and off-road conditions.

The Land Rover Discovery I, with a height of up to 1960 mm (about 6 feet 5 inches), a width of up to 1810 mm (approximately 5 feet 11 inches), and a length of about 4524 mm (approximately 14 feet 10 inches), is relatively large but can typically fit into a standard residential garage door opening if the garage dimensions are standard—generally around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) wide and 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet) tall. However, tight clearances can be expected, especially in width and height, requiring careful entry and parking.

The Discovery I was introduced as a more affordable and versatile SUV compared to the Range Rover Classic. Dimensionally, the Discovery I is slightly more compact in length (approximately 4520 mm vs. around 4700 mm for the Range Rover Classic), but it maintains a similar height and width profile. The Discovery aims to balance off-road capability with family-friendly space, offering comparable interior room and better cargo flexibility. It was designed to attract buyers seeking ruggedness and functionality without the premium positioning and higher cost of the Range Rover Classic.

In the late 1980s and 1990s SUV market, the Land Rover Discovery I occupied a middle ground in size. It is larger than compact SUVs such as the Jeep Cherokee XJ (about 4.4 meters length) but smaller than large luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Classic. Its length of about 4.5 meters and height close to 2 meters made it a strong contender for buyers needing spaciousness and off-road prowess without the bulk of full-size SUVs. This mid-size footprint helped it appeal to families and adventure enthusiasts alike, combining practical dimensions with classic Land Rover ruggedness.

The Land Rover Discovery I generation, produced from 1989 to 1998, is notable for pioneering the mid-size premium SUV segment, blending off-road capability with family usability. Its step roof design provided increased headroom and better cabin comfort, while its body-on-frame construction ensured durability and off-road resilience. The Discovery I introduced a range of four- and five-cylinder engines aimed at achieving both power and efficiency. Known for ruggedness, it featured full-time four-wheel drive and advanced suspension for the time, ensuring a capable ride on diverse terrains. Inside, the car offered generous seating for up to seven passengers and versatile cargo space, making it appealing for both adventure and everyday usage.

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