Land Rover Discovery-4 long-term test review
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2016
- Land Rover Discovery-4 long-term test review shot in 2012 through 2013 in South Africa. Great on road, very good off-road, the LR4 is the benchmark by which other 4x4s are judged. But is it all its cracked up to be? And how does it fair as an overlander's platform? Andrew St Pierre White reveals all.
This video is by 4xOverland.com, makers of the world's favourite 4x4 and overland videos.
Africa Expedition in a Stock 4x4. Can it be done? 15/16. Lower Zambezi
Our expedition concludes just outside of the Lower Zambezi National park, camped at Mvuu (Hippo) Lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. kate goes fishing while I talk about what a rich, learning experience Zambia and Malawi has been.
This video is by 4xOverland.com, makers of the world's favourite 4x4 and overland videos.
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This guy is a real perfectionist, not loyal to any brand, but was very impressed, you can hear it in his voice.
Indeed a great car. My father has one for almost 2 years now and it's absolutely amazing.
Somehow this just popped up in my home page. I own and LR4 in the USA and it is my primary as well as my play thing for some moderate offroading. You hit the nail on the head with this one. It is the best for people like me, who need a one vehicle do-it-all. I have gone from rock crawling and mudding and driving on the beach to 85 mph interstate to get home- it’ll do whatever you ask of it. It you want to do hardcore rockcrawling or overlanding a lot, I would recommend something else that is more basic in its 4 x4 design and more modifiable. My four gripes about the vehicle:
1. The speed limiter on ride height. Totally 100% nanny interference that is so annoying.
2. The wheels and tires, including spare underneath. I put bigger tires on mine- 265/50R20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers work well. Getting 18in wheels that fit in US was going to be $$$ and so far these, even though on 20s, are doing a good job for what I do with it. I moved the spare to inside the boot.
3. Not actually the Nav, but the lack of hooks and attachment points for things and modifiability in general. For ex, getting a tailgate for the tire, while doable, is a pain in the ass. There is a pitiful lack of hooks in the boot and back seat for a utility vehicle, and attachment points on the vehicle for things is non-existent. So you are stuck going roof rack for almost everything. Putting on a winch is a pain in the ass. Since taking out the spare is going to be the first thing to happen, as even with my tires the spare won’t fit, you would think there would be a million easy options for what to do with that space, but you’d be wrong.
4. The damn fuel tank is way to small for a veh that gets 16-17 mpg max. Which necessitates jerry cans which gets back to the whole problem of how to carry them.
But despite these things I still love my LR4. Such an awesome all around machine that I can drive to court or pick up a client and has the cache that I need as a lawyer, is so freaking comfy and nice on the inside, especially covering long distances, is an absolute rocket on the highways (I love to hear the whine of the supercharger when I pin it), is great on backroads (so much fun to tuck into a corner, hit the apex and punch it on the way out), and does a great job off road of going anywhere (making offroading especially easier for moderate guys and gals like me- the electronics can take care of a lot of the traction issues allowing the driver to focus on the line and all the cameras make narrow tracks and going it alone doable). If you’re not into hardcore offroading and your rig is gonna be your primary too, and you like interior amenities, it’s such a great veh. Btw- 86,000+ miles on it and no issues. Just regularly scheduled maintenance.
Great overview Andrew ! I like the fact that you say it as it is which engenders trust in your reviews.Please give us more.
proud to mention i am a fan of your experience point of view, in overlanding and off roading..
please keep up..
The issue you mention with regards to running at higher speeds in off-road height can easily be overcome by purchasing a diagnostic tool such as an IID Tool. This allows you to easily and quickly recalibrate the height settings (and change them back when on-road). It also allows you to run in Super Extended Mode which is useful for deep ruts. If you are taking the car off-road I would describe this as an essential piece of kit. I run 18" rims on my D3 (never knew they were hard to come by - maybe in SA?) with 285/60/R18 tyres - no rubbing in stock form.The Overland add-ons are all available. I run a Frontrunner 80L Aux Tank, dual battery, winch, etc. There is so much overland kit for these vehicles (winches, steel bumpers (i.e. ARB), protection (i.e. ProSpeed), etc.) and it's growing all the time./end of fanboy message :-)
In Australia we have a LLams height controller, switch the switch and you can cruise around at any speed in -20,+30&+50
I’m
The X-Lifter will sort this problem - any height at any speed. 👍
Terrain Response is awesome, makes the Disco3 and 4 great 'offroaders' being a 'family car'. Minor things like rims and navigator, (which I think could be improved) are easy to replace. But if I choose a car for overlanding, I wouldn't choose a car like that, many electrical stuff which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable in case something fails... Thanks Andrew for that review.
My fathers owns a discovery 4 HSE and it's been absolutely faultless with trips from the Uk to Germany and Italy, the car does it in complete comfort and is a pleasure to drive.
It also gets used to tow a large Ifor Williams trailer and does venture off the tarmac every now and then.
I love reading all the Toyota owners who find themselves looking at Land Rover videos and commenting about reliability!
Our neighbours company had a couple of Toyota hilux with D4 engines and have moved over to Mazda pick up trucks now which suit them better mainly because they spend more time working than in the workshop!
One had a new engine fitted because of cracked pistons and the other was sold when it also had the same problem.
They had problems with fuel injectors and other small items which was the final straw!
It is funny. In the hills of Nepal, the only that survives for 15 or more years are the Land cruisers. Next are the Mitsubishi Pajero and the Jeep. The Landrover dont survive the hills and end up in cities in 3-4 years. The facts about LCs reliability doesnt come from private owners in US and Europe; but from commercial use in the remote hills of some countries without good roads. Believe me here people lives depend on it, though LC are very expensive we cannot afford anything worse.
debendra gurung funny you should say Nepal as it's a country I've visited, to say Land Rovers don't last is complete rubbish isn't it, either that or you yourself don't come from Nepal!
There's is still series 1,2 and 3s working all over Nepal and the areas I've visited were full of battered old land rovers still working for a living, in fact it was a old series 3 Land Rover which took me to a national park!
Maybe your correct about discovery and range rovers but then why would anyone pay to use theses sort of vehicles in Nepal?
Like I said land rovers galore from series 1 to defender all still being used!
Installing "Johnson Rods" will effectively raise the vehicle for those 'special times' without the speed limiter lowering the vehicle. They are a great LR3/4 mod!
There's nothing like an honest review, warts and all with a big dash of reality... We've been on and off considering a Disco 3 or 4 and trading in one of the Defenders... More things to think about... Thank you Andrew
That double lock window security feature is a killer for Joburg where this is so common.:D
Superb review and the Baboon Pass series too good. Im in 2023 watching this to buy a 10 year old Disco4. Its just a timeless classic.
Yeah. Same here. Good luck with the purchase!
I remember that video on Boone's pass. No harder test I could think of. You do very fair vehicle reviews Andrew.
Loved this--and all of your reviews!
The window-lock was new for me ! Now I will use it all the time! Thank you
I've got it as standard on my 2001 Discovery 2 TD5
I've used the sat nav in mine and it's got me to where I'm going every time. Not the most intuitive, but it works. I overland with a Sankey trailer. I had an attachment made up that allows an attachment of a NATO pintle to where the stock tow hook goes and then attaches to the eye by the electrics. The track on the sankey has been widened to match that of the Disco. Brilliant!
Drove my lr4 through a canal still looking for it to this day
4 years on, my Disco is the solid member of the family. On or off road, she is a joy
A very impartial arms-length review of a great vehicle.
Great on road and off road performance.
One very good video, evaluation (and criticism) of the car 100% on the mark.
Love all your reviews (your very knowledgeable)
Subscribed! Honest and engaging review
Agreed. It's a great car. I have the d3. The nav is horrendously bad but the vehicle is phenomenal in its class. Terrain response is stunning. Another great vid.
I have one at home, love the thing to bits!
Buen video y buen vehículo. Gracias por compartir
The only SUV that I really really love is the Land Rover Discovery 1994 model, it's for me the best that has ever existed.
Great review, shame Land Rover hasn’t listened to you and many others
Good review. Good video!
Great video mate. Cheers!
still rocking the Disco 2.
Disco 2 were good.
Awesome and very honest review
Great review, thanks
great effort. ..
waiting your promiss on wrangler unlimited extreme review. .
Completely agree on the nav system, it's so hard to use and it can never find where you want to go, embarrassing for a car of that price.
I've owned an 80-series Land Cruiser, now drive an '05 LR3 (Disco, everywhere else in the world). I agree- for putting my kids and dogs in, the Rover wins easily. Thanks for the info on the wheels!
Tank You! Nice info!
Add Disco East lifting rods,avoids the lowering of the suspension.
Get an iid tool or Johnson rods to fix the height issue
Great review Andrew. Greetings from Scotland by the way. Can't understand your experience with the Nav though. I use mine regularly and it's rarely let me down both in City and open country.
I got the nav taken out of my lr2 and so I can put other things in the cubby hole like an aftermarket nav or a conventional nav that fits
2020 i got 1 ...let me tell you something is a freaking badAss truck,SUV is a tank! Amazing Drive Experience,heavy duty transmission,engine suspension,chasis man i love this truck! I will buy another for my Wife !
(I know this is an old video and i am yet to check future videos)
have you looked into a LLAMs system or Easy Lift? enables you full time control of the suspension and locking at any height. Adds another beautiful aspect to the car.
Fitted the LLAMs to my 2012 D4 HSE, the best upgrade out there!!
Great Car and very good analysis Andrew. Just the navigation is to me not that bad. It is not comparable with BMW oder Audi, but it always brought me to the target at least :-)
Land cruiser fanboys need to calm down... He's talking about best on and off road.
Joshua Mwaniki I’m coming from a land cruiser/ LX570 that was totaled due to a leaking moonroof. TBH, with the amount of heavy rain we see here in Florida, I don’t think another one will hold up. For example, we’re currently experiencing a hurricane. I liked my LX570 but the drainage system for the moon roof cannot withstand the severe rain of my climate 🌧. This vehicle is looking really tempting right now. It has almost all the features of an LX570 and I personally think it’s nicer looking.
Superb video,it has inspired me to by one (with Johnson Rods)
Did your D4 have the E locker factory diff?
Top review 👏👏👏
Looks so good compared to the soft and round discovery 5.
What tires are you using on this Discovery? I have just purchased a 2016 Discovery 4 here in the US and need to switch out the road tires that come standard. Thank you in advance!
Ok but today in 2019 would you suggest a used 2015/2016 w avg 50k miles to buy!? Reliability ?
Me encantaría que probaras el jeep pick up jk-8 2015, me parece un buen vehículo. Gracias
ouch.... no wonder they sin binned you 😄 great review as always. It's a tough but fair review, but perhaps a bit too tough .. re. the ride height and speed issue, you _did_ clarify just why it is set up that way (Euro requirements), so it's not really a fault of the vehicle or the manufacturer. I guess it was a fine balance between making a good looking 4WD that would be used primarily in the burbs and one that could hold its own in the bush.. It would have probably been fairer to say that the LD4 as it comes out of the showroom won't do corrugations at speed, but anyone with a need for that kind of performance in that environment can easily override the electronics after-market. LR wouldn't help you do that because it would make them put you and your family in a potentially dangerous situation. That would have probably been a reasonable way to highlight the limitation without laying the blame entirely at JLR's feet.
What a shame LR chose to be scared away from further collaboration with you
Have you done a review on the 2nd generation VW Touareg (2008-2010)? The newer generations are no comparison at all, but the 2nd generation, with it's dual range transfer case and optional locking rear differential, is pretty comparable. I think a fully loaded touareg w/air suspension is pretty comparable to a fully loaded LR4, with minor compromises to each (i.e. Touareg's air suspension also adjusts handling components for better on road handling when placed in sport mode, while the cargo capacity of the LR4 is greater, etc.).
Andrew what brand of tire is this LR4 equipped with? looks to be an outstanding tire.
Best vehicle I have ever owned ,bar none.
Just reached the 100k mark! Any tips on making last to 200k?
Thanks for the review Andrew. what is still your number 1 choice for overlanding? i have been watching your channel from the UAE for 1 year now and am inspired by yourself. next time you are in dubai please autograph my copy of your book for me. thank you.
Do you think it would be worth making a commercial Disco 4 into an overland vehicle ? Lots of room if only two seats were required ?
Hello
Some years ago you posted a review about the brand new "Autograph 001" build on a Toyota Prado as an brilliant crompomise between onroad and offroad capabilities. After checking out some of your next videos (Baboons Pass), you tell something similar about the Disco 4 (maybe Disco 3 to ?) . Are some significant diferences between these two vehicels which are important to know before you are going to buy some of these two trucks? or ist it just a simple "brand" cuestion?
Maybe there are diferences in their Overland or Offroad capabilities?
Thnx for all the interesting videos, informations and landscape pictur
It takes the removal of two fuses to avoid the automatic lowering of height control.
Aaron Sandland which one's?
Why would you want to take it out
IID tool Or LLAMS easy as
You can also do a coil spring conversion..
06.02.16: That rocky trail you tested your Land Rover Discovery 4 on looks almost exactly like what my 2008 Hummer H3 and I encounter running through S. Nevada's Backcountry road, Rt. 101 to Buffington Pockets.
I can't help but notice the NOT SO GOOD ground clearance on Discovery 4.
I use 36 inch high profile tires on my Hummer and it gives me very good ground clearance.
Thanks for this, and all your videos.
Mike Goodold MichsMan9 @ Twitter
do you mind me asking ford ranger wildtrak or land rover lr4 as a serious off roader ?
I absolutely love the LR3/4 looks wise, but am terrified of the repair costs and frequency. 🙁
I've got a 55 plate d3 hse.. it's been totally abused accept for very regular oil changes and front lower wish bones. I drive it very hard either towing agricultural equipment or at 90 mph plus for hours on the motorway ... or working off road on the farm. apart from sunroof water leak and a crap sat navigation it's been faultless.... oh and one other thing she's at 255000 miles... one of the best vehicles in the world in my opinion..
The only trouble is mate that most bias comments of LRs are people that cant see the forest for the trees
I run stock wheels with Cooper Zeion LTZ 255/55/R19
Fantastic vehicles. Even as a Brit, I do struggle to justify it as an overland vehicle against something like a Toyota Land Cruiser v8. My Land Rover Discovery TD5 is 17 years old and never let me down in all that time. But the reliability statistics don't look positive even on the new ones. I just wish Land Rover would get bought by Toyota instead of Tata!
So far Tata have done nothing but positive things for both Jaguar & Land Rover. It probably would have been better if Toyota own them, but it doesn't mean that Tata have been a rubbish owner
I think Tata, in many ways, saved Land Rover. Their cars are so good, and stylish, and modern. Its just a pity that their aim is to build luxury street cars, and not off-road cars any more. Accountants are no doubt to blame.
Well, tata has provided them with the most important thing, MOOLAH! Jaguar Land rover was on the brink of bankruptcy, tata saved them. And i'm sure there was some managerial level influence and pressure on JLR by tata to reinvent it's lineup, and hence their line up getting better and better. And best of all, JLR was allowed to stay as British as it always was.
All true!
Hi Andrew, could you make an comparison between Discovery and Prado?
What do you think of the Prado's capabilities?
Prado is ugly, diesel is underpowered, but its built extremely well. Overall performance, Disco-4 is better at almost everything, except remote travel. The Prado has proved itself a great overland touring platform. The DIsco-4 is a poor overland platform and they fail in extended outback travel. Although, take out the town-duty air suspension and some if its 1 trillion sensors, and it might have a chance.
Is the range rover sport the same? What are the differences
What brand tires did the Discovery had??
general grabber at
You need an "Anitas" suspension module and the speed limit will be bypassed ;)
Love my LR4, bought it new in 2012. It’s a tank, and been totally reliable. Off-road, it’s amazing what it can do with nothing more than a proper set of tires.
Just don’t ask it to do well in snow haha. I don’t care what anyone says.... it absolutely stinks in snow. Bring chains in anything deeper than 6 inches.
You just need Xlifter - suspension module. You can raise and lower vehicle beyond factory settings and and it can self level for better sleeping inside or in a rooftent
i love my Disco 4. One thing however that always haunts my thoughts is the infamous crankshaft issue, its like driving around with a hand grenade. to this day myself and many other owners of the tdv6/sdv6 engines still cannot fathom how land rover has yet to issue a recall or upgraded crankshaft. Other than that, lovely car.
@2JZ with a big single unfortunately didn’t stick around to find out. Sold it and bought a hilux.
Andrew, could you, please, talk a little more about Discovery 2 diesel, that one without rear air suspension? Would be a good car for overlanding? Thanks!
Daniel have a look at my comment at the top about a backup air system. I think it’s an excellent option for remote operations.
@4xOverland Any comments on that "character" i've heard about that makes people love the LR brand?
I currently have a 2001 Discovery 2 V8. She's never let me down all known issues have been attended to so she's pretty Bullet proof. However, very thirsty and I often worry on long trips given that it's 16 years old.
However, I've been offered a friends 2010 D4 TDV6 with 140k. It has upgraded air compressor for the suspension, dual battery, and automatic transmission serviced well. It's been used for towing but all up in fantastic condition. I can get a warranty for it too!
So! A 17 year old Discovery 2 or a 2010 D4? I don't go very remote outback mainly city driving but frequent trips camping and to the bush for some 4x4
What would you do ?
Does land rovers warranty cover off road use? Because it's all well and good if land rover can offer a warrenty covering on road use but what about warrenty covering what land rover design there vehicle for, off road driving.
Yes they sure do.
Great video, my LR3 was the best car I've ever owned, I don't like that they removed the extra cupholder in the dash of the LR4 though :) I'm now considering a 200 series, I'd love to get your thoughts on larger 4x4s.
Hi Marius, what was the running costs like long term on your LR3? I'm looking at getting a preowned LR4, with around 100k kms. So many deals on them now, I cant help but be suspicious lol.
@@maneystellenboom7225 I didn't calculate the costs. There are common issues like sensors, parking brake and air compressor that can be a problem at so many kms, but great usable and well thought out cars.
Good vehicle, only criticism is feedback from suspension and road surface is like driving on air because of the air suspension, driver needs to feel the surface on wich he or she is driving on . They should have had a hydraulic suspension fitted not air. Over all a very good strong capable vehicle.
Lovely vehicle, I would buy one, and sell it later. But my Disco 300 tdi is my heart beat, I wouldn't even consider letting her go
If you want to buy a used one with over 100k kms what to look out for
Extended warranty :)))
The car on this video.
is best in both off road and on road
Are these chaps driving around aimlessly looking for a dentist office. Ha ha. Sorry I could not resist but that is funny. You do a great job with your videos.
What about the freelander 2 (2010)
What is your opinion on the air suspension? Isnt it a potential liability in terms of failure (i.e. regular spring suspension can be easily replaced)..
You must be new here. It's well known. This Discovery would have made a very good overland tourer but for its air suspension. But LR just won't leave it alone. So Ditto, the new Defender.
I still have a hard time understanding what he meant by the locking system. Can anyone elaborate?
One click locks the car, but can be opened from the inside after smashing a way in. The second click 'deadlocks' it, meaning you cannot unlock anything without the key fob.
Are they reliable, meaning the 3.0 diesel?
Cheers
Hi, what about really long term ownership? Like 10 years and 400k km?
Sean Fenwick there not particularly reliable buy a Toyota or a Lexus it will get you 400k and more
thankk you
Andrew, $500 modification will allow you to select off road height at any speed and then go 4 inches above it!Google Llams. Also, buy the TDV6 and get 17" wheels. I personally don't think it is the low profile that holds it back a bit off road. I'd say the limiting factor is that even with 18's you can only go to a 31inch Diameter tyre due to clearance issues. I'd like a 33". Anyway great car and like you said hands down the best on/off road mix vehicle out of the box. If you could fit a 33" tyre it would have to be in the running for best off road vehicle too
I agree. But these mods would nullify the warrantee, and that's not a wise decision with any Land Rover product today.
+4xOverland 18" wheels nullify warranty? Not according to LR Aus....
No. If you make them smaller, or add other mods like ride height controls etc.
+4xOverland True, true. I think we get away with few extra bits here. The legislation states the unless the fault is proven to be caused directly by the modification, you're still covered. People fit the switches with no dramas. Of course they don't approve. More so just turn a blind eye =)
Old video I know, but to be fair to the LR4 most inbuilt sat navs are a bit rubbish, typically is far easier to use an app of your
smart phone rather than mess around with one on your dash.
Also far easier to get updates and allows functionality with other apps, especially good when you can Google a restaurant or business and then navigate to it.
As far as 18" rims go, is the stud pattern on these not the same as the Disco 2? Should be easy to get 18" rims from one of those?
Best 18" wheels for the Disco 4s that fit over the stock brakes are the Compomotive PD1881 and run 265/65 or 285/60 tires. If you run the D3 stock 18s, they wont clear the larger calipers of the D4. Some people to shave / run spacers. I wouldn't recommend that on an overlander.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the size in your review. When I test drove the lr3 I was amazed at how gargantuan it is, and I daily drive a g-class...
But an Xlifter controller (or LR Passion equivalent) and choose whichever height you want, regardless of the speed. 🤓😎👌 oh and an aftermarket kit to add Apple CarPlay 😄
Disco power 💪 albeit to much electronics for me
Beautiful suv, better then the series 5 but here is the deal, the new defender is a remake of the discovery series 3/4 ore they made an a better version? Would be interesting put series 3/4 and the new defender in a off-road test.
Thank you; have you done any reviews on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
My guess is that the new discovery will come with the new updated 2016 satnav currently in the discovery sport which is clearly a great improvement.It would be interesting to retro fit the updated satnav if possible. that said there are constant criticism of all manufacturers of satnav capabilities..
I also wonder if you could update the software here landrover.navigation.com/cms/page.WhyUpdate/en_GB/LandRoverEMEA/GBP
wrapp the bottom paintwork to prevent those scratches? Think LR produces a plain white version for owners who might want more durable paint life ?
what suv is a perfect overland car?
There isn't one. No manufacturer looks after the overland market. We must make a choice and adapt. But a few features rule some SUVs out as overlanders in less developed countries. These rules do not apply in developed countries, where help is never far away. One example: air springs.
Does yours have both centre and rear locking diffs?
No D3 or D4 has locking diffs. It uses a traction control system.
@@4xoverland no the LR4 comes optionally with HD package which includes rear locker and wadding depth sensors
I stay in Zimbabwe I hope it won’t let me down
Just wanted to say re the ecu control of the air suspension you van get a manual valve kit that allows full redundant bypass. All you need is a battery operated compressor. It’s only a skip and a jump to apply press button (old style) solenoid control. I have a link if you like to that kit ?????
Thanks for the heads up re the GPS as am about to buy disco 3 so won’t bother looking for gps.
Ok This is the get you home version to keep in the tool box.
www.tawpark4x4.co.uk/instructions/valve_instructions.htm
LR4 drawbacks:
Offroad height >50 kph? GOE suspension rods, Check!
18" Rims? GOE/Compomotive rims, Check! Not yet purchased, though.
Onboard Nav System? SE model, not fitted. Check!
Regarding the 18" rims, I'm still not convinced that 18" rims are going to be significantly better than my 20" rims.
What I tend to do in wadis and on mountain tracks, is to pump the tyres to a higher pressure, and let the electronics compensate and get me through.
As I tend to travel most places alone, whenever this setup will not let me get over/through/around with ease - a rare occurrence - , I treat it as my conscience warning me that maybe I should not be trying this particular obstacle alone!
It works for me, 99% of the time.
The V8 LR4 is dead, long live the pre-2014 LR4 V8s!
Realiability isn't a land cruiser trait , unbreakable i think not, tough they are but break easy under pressure