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Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV

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Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV Review

Price range:

$68,490 - $126,460

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

Stylish design; luxurious yet practical interior; high levels of features; comfortable ride; excellent 3.0L twin turbo diesel engine is our pick.

Not so Good:

Hefty body weight; 2.7L diesel struggles when pushed; petrol V8’s pricing is heading into Range Rover territory.

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Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV Competitors

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Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV Review

Design and Engineering	Good	Land Rover’s big 4x4 took a huge leap forward with the introduction of the Discovery3 generation (arriving in Australia in May 2005). Its part monoque / part traditional ladder-frame construction was a big shift under the skin, but even more radical was the bold exterior styling. Following in October 2009, the Discovery4 is a major facelift of the 3 rather than an all-new model, and hence carries over almost all of the bodywork. Apparently consumer research found the appearance of the superseded model too aggressive - so the front and rear bumpers have been softened and given smoother and simpler surfaces, with the aim of making it more appealing to female buyers. We like the new jewel-like headlights (with LED elements) and the now colour-coded wheelarches contribute to the more premium feel. Luckily, for those who will also head off the bitumen, underneath the skin is a thoroughly upgraded chassis. Underbody protection and a full-size spare tyre remains – the Discovery 4 hasn’t left behind its serious 4x4 ability.
Design and Engineering	Not so good	A couple of our testers find the Discovery4’s new horizontal grille a little too ‘bling’ in appearance. As with the 3, this is a seriously heavy 4x4. Don’t be surprised if Land Rover manages to cut 400kg out of the kerb weight when the next generation arrives (probably towards the middle of the decade) through the further use of aluminium body technology.
Interior and Styling	Good	The updated interior of the Discovery4 provides a far more luxurious and premium feel than the 3. An all new dashboard and centre console design is finished in significantly higher quality materials and the major controls are now easier to use including the revised Terrain Response controller (Land Rover’s easy-to-use 4WD selector). In range topping HSV trim, Range Rover levels of luxury are on hand thanks to a leather trimmed dash. The new 5-inch information display located between the instrument cluster is very clear and the gauges look classy, keyless start is fitted for the first time in a Disco and the climate control air-conditioning works a treat. New technology also includes the five-camera surround system and automatic high beam assist. The driving position remains superb. The all new seats are very comfortable, all controls are within easy reach either from steering wheel-mounted buttons, the usual column stalks or on the sloping centre-console (thankfully the signature upright Land Rover dash design still lives on). Forward vision on offer for the driver is excellent, especially for such a big vehicle. The relatively low waistline also aids side visibility. The massively practical cabin remains, actually it’s improved thanks to the extra storage bins and the dash has a couple of useful storage cubbies too. The second row bench is comfortable for three and the cinema style tiered seating arrangement combined with the low window line ensures all three rows of passengers have a clear view of the surrounds. The third row seats (standard on all grades bar the 2.7 TDV6) fold flat into the floor to create a massive amount of rear cargo space. Thanks to a cleverly designed split-folding rear tailgate it’s also easy to pop in a couple of smaller items quickly, plus the lower section can also be used as a seat (perfect for taking off the kiddies muddy footy boots after the Sunday game).
Interior and Styling	Not so good	Second row legroom is only average for such a big vehicle and of course the third row seats are more child than adult friendly (so it can’t compete with the biggest People Movers for seven seat space). It’s also not that easy to get in and out of the third row (a problem shared with competing luxury SUVs). With all seven seats in use luggage space is significantly reduced and serious 4x4 fans might not like that the spare wheel is located under the rear of the vehicle.
Performance	Good	Three engines on offer – two turbo-diesel V6’s and one petrol V8. The 2.7L diesel produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque, is available only in entry-level trim and is the only engine that carries on from the Discovery3. The new twin-turbo 3.0L diesel is far more impressive, offering a much healthier 180kW and a huge 600Nm of torque. The 5.0L petrol V8, only available in range topping HSE trim, produces 276kW and 510Nm. All engines are matched to a smooth and decisive six-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo 3.0L diesel is by far the superior choice and easily worth the extra outlay over the aging 2.7L diesel. It’s a lovely smooth engine, significantly quieter than the smaller diesel and even with seven aboard (and luggage) it provides more than adequate acceleration (well for a 2.5 tonne vehicle 4x4 anyway). The huge reserves of torque ensures hills are negotiated with ease. This engine is one of the best diesels current available on the market! And not only is it way more powerful than the entry level 2.7L, it’s also more frugal. The 5.0L petrol V8 is also a great engine, so no surprise it’s light years better than its predecessor (the old 4.4L V8). Acceleration is strong right across the rev range, but it’s the instant low down speed that most noticeable.
Performance	Not so good	Even with a decent 440Nm of torque the single-turbo 2.7L diesel must still work to overcome the hefty mass of the Discovery4 and as a result acceleration is more adequate than brisk. In isolation (i.e. not comparing it to the 3.0L twin-turbo engine) and especially back in 2005 at the Disco3 launch, it doesn’t feel at all shabby, but alongside the newer 3.0L engine option it clearly shows the amazing progress diesel engines have made in the past few years. Considering how impressive the twin-turbo 3.0L diesel is, we struggle to see why you'd opt for the far more expensive and thirsty 5.0L V8 petrol grade (yes even though it’s way faster and more frugal than the previous petrol V8 and sounds fantastic).
Ride and Handling	Good	Whilst the Discovery4 may look almost the same as the 3, rest assured it drives even better than before thanks to a host of suspension and software changes. As a result, it remains a hugely refined highway tourer, yet is even more composed and refined than before (it’s noticeably quieter too). The adjustable air suspension contributes to the soft but never overly-floaty ride, we’d rather travel big miles in this over a couple of the big luxury Euro sedans. For such a big and hefty vehicle the body control is impressively good. Compared to the competing Toyota LandCruiser the Discovery4 is the better choice for on-road driving. The steering is sufficiently weighty and nice & direct at speed, yet is light enough to negotiate the multi-level inner city carpark without breaking a sweat (the benefit of a good speed dependent steering system). It helps to make the Discovery shrink a little around you, rather than being constantly reminded of the big exterior dimensions. Off-road the Disco is excellent. The simple-to-use but high tech Terrain Response system retains its five settings – on-road, grass and snow, mud and ruts, sand and rock crawling – but has been upgraded in a couple of ways. The Discovery’s balance between on-road and off-road ability is class leading.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	Unlike the growing number of luxury SUV’s which sacrifice off-road ability for on-road prowess, the Discovery4 isn’t trying to be a sports car. Thus, if you try to push too hard through twisty backroads, you may be left a little disappointed. Mid spec grades come standard with relatively low profile 19 inch tyres (the petrol V8 wears even lower profile 20 inch tyres). If you plan on regular off-road driving, we’d recommend the 18 inch wheels on the entry level 2.7L grade.
Buying and Owning	Good	Ticks the safety box with dual front, front side and two-row side curtain airbags as well as a host of standard safety control systems. Lots of other technology is also standard across the Discovery4 range including Terrain Response, permanent four-wheel drive, a centre electronic differential with low range transfer box, electronic cross-linked air suspension with automatic load-levelling and multiple modes, cruise control, power-assisted speed-dependent steering and an electric parking brake. Also standard across the range are rain-sensing headlights and wipers, automatic headlights with washers, power-adjustable one-touch windows and mirrors, door puddle lamps and footwell lamps, an automatic dimming interior mirror, dual climate-control system, a nine-speaker 240-Watt Harman/Kardon CD sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic central locking, an alarm, front foglights, rear parking sensors, a tow pack and a full-size alloy spare wheel.
Buying and Owning	Not so good	Our favourite engine in the Discovery, the 3.0L twin-turbo diesel, kicks-off at over $10k over the entry level 2.7L grade but you do also get more standard features. The petrol V8 grade at well over $100k is approaching Range Rover pricing territory and keyless entry on the entry level 2.7L grade is also pricey at over $2k.