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.
3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Discovery was awarded a four-star adult-occupancy rating in Euro NCAP crash tests along with four stars for child safety. That's not a bad score by any means but alternatives like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 have five star ratings. All models come with a comprehensive safety package though, including front, side and curtain airbags, along with dynamic stability control and active roll mitigation - a system which prevents the car from rolling over in sudden direction changes.

NCAP Test

Euro NCAP logo Euro NCAP

Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

The Discovery has not had a good record for reliability in the past, with many problem cars on the road. However, this model is a clean break with previous models and is proving to be very reliable. Some electrical problems have been reported in owners' reviews on parkers.co.uk, though nothing major has cropped up.

Car check problem points

Body

Check for off-road damage when buying used.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.