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

2 out of 5

Running costs

The Discovery won't be cheap to run, particularly if you're choosing a V8 - economy is under 20mpg in everyday driving. However, Land Rover has reduced servicing costs compared with the previous model and it holds onto its value better than other similar cars, thanks to the appeal of the Land Rover badge and the strong following the Discovery has in the UK.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£3,410 - £3,410 *

Diesel

£2,137 - £2,374 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

15,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£460.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    230
  • M
    354

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

It's little surprise that a heavy, large 4x4 scored badly on the environmental front, not helped by the fact that it was originally available with a thirsty V8 petrol engine. This was discontinued in 2007 and the line-up was made all diesel. The cleanest is actually the more powerful 3.0 TDV6 which emits less CO2 than the 2.7-litre with 244g/km while economy is 31mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2