Land Rover Discovery (04 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
This Discovery marks a real step forward over the model it replaced. Huge improvements were made to quality and durability and it's packed with off-road technology designed to make it as good off-road as you'd expect of any Land Rover. Sophisticated electronics help with hill descent and can you alter the four-wheel drive for different terrains, while air suspension means that the ride height can be raised and lowered at the push of a button. Although a 4.4-litre V8 petrol was available when the car was launched in 2004, the majority of cars are the 2.7-litre diesel. A 2009 facelift brought a new engine in the shape of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre TDV6, as well as softer styling, a vastly improved interior and a larger selection of options, including a nifty camera system that gives a 360 degree view of the car. It remains one of the best 4x4s around.
4.5 out of 5

Other Land Rover reviews

3 out of 5

Buying new

There's a long list of enticing options for buyers to choose from, including a 360 degree camera view, which uses five cameras around the car to give a complete all-round view. It means that you can check the side clearance when you’re off-roading, use it as a reversing camera for parking or to look out for oncoming vehicles on T-Junctions. List prices are expensive, but comparable with other large off-roaders and the Discovery 4 is among the very best. It’s also well equipped with a top-end stereo and sat nav system, high quality leather upholstery and Bluetooth hands-free mobile connectivity. It even comes with a heated steering wheel as standard.

Buy a new Land Rover Discovery and save 8% on selected models

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

The 4.4-litre V8 petrol is the cheapest, but rarer and very expensive to run. Most cars have the 2.7-litre TDI, which was the only engine option between 2007 and 2009. From 2009 a 3.0-litre diesel was added, and it has noticeably stronger performance than the 2.7-litre unit. The Discovery will hold its value very well, so expect to pay top prices for low-mileage, well-cared for models.

  • Boot/Load Space Land Rover Discovery (04 on)
  • Interior Land Rover Discovery (04 on)

View full gallery

See 367 used Land Rover Discoverys for sale, starting at £9,221

4.5 out of 5

Selling

It will always be easy to sell on - if you have a diesel model that is. Petrol versions may find it more difficult to find a home, but any well cared for, low mileage model will attract interest. The revised models from 2009 have a vastly superior interior as well as improved handling.