The Discovery 1 was introduced as a more family-friendly and comfortable alternative to the utilitarian Land Rover Defender. It featured a distinctive boxy design, similar to the Defender, with a stepped roofline and Alpine windows in the roof for additional visibility.

The Discovery 1 shared its chassis and some components with the more upmarket Range Rover Classic but had a shorter wheelbase. It featured a ladder-frame chassis and solid axles, contributing to its off-road capabilities.

The Discovery 1 was initially offered with a range of engines, including four-cylinder and V8 options. The V8 engines, particularly the 3.5-liter and later 3.9-liter versions, became popular for their power and torque.

Like other Land Rover vehicles, the Discovery 1 was designed with off-road capability in mind. It featured a permanent four-wheel-drive system and various off-road driving aids.
The suspension system contributed to its ability to handle rough terrain.