Land Rover Discovery 4
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a proper family SUV that can handle school runs and weekend adventures with equal ease? The Land Rover Discovery 4 might be exactly what you need. This seven seat workhorse combines genuine off road capability with surprisingly refined on road manners, making it one of the most versatile large SUVs available. It’s the vehicle for families who want space, capability, and that unmistakable Land Rover presence.

From the moment you see its commanding stance, the Discovery 4 makes a statement. Its distinctive stepped roof and upright proportions give it a purposeful, no nonsense appearance that sets it apart from rivals like the or Mercedes GLE. But this isn’t just about looks. The Discovery 4 was built to excel where others struggle, offering genuine seven seat practicality and unmatched off road ability. Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that’s both functional and comfortable, with commanding driving position and excellent visibility all around.

Driving the Discovery 4 feels reassuringly solid and capable. The air suspension soaks up bumps beautifully while maintaining composure on twisty roads. Whether you’re towing a caravan, tackling muddy fields, or simply ferrying the family on a long motorway journey, it handles everything with confidence. Yes, it’s thirsty and running costs aren’t cheap, but you’re getting a genuinely capable all rounder that few rivals can match for sheer versatility.

What's the Land Rover Discovery 4 Like to Drive?

The Land Rover Discovery 4 lineup focuses on diesel power, with the range topping 3.0 litre SDV6 delivering around 255 horsepower. This smooth six cylinder unit provides effortless acceleration and impressive towing capability up to 3500kg. The earlier TDV6 variants offer slightly less power but remain perfectly adequate for most needs. What impresses is how refined these engines are, with minimal noise intrusion into the cabin even under hard acceleration.

Where the Discovery 4 truly excels is in its all terrain capability. The advanced Terrain Response system automatically adjusts settings for different surfaces, from sand to snow to rock crawling. On road, the air suspension delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride quality that rivals premium saloons. The steering is light at parking speeds but weights up nicely on the motorway. Body roll is well controlled despite the tall stance, giving you confidence when cornering. It’s a large SUV that genuinely does it all well.

How Comfortable Is the Land Rover Discovery 4?

Open the door and you’re greeted by a cabin that prioritises functionality over flashiness. The dashboard layout is logical and easy to navigate, with clearly marked controls for the various terrain systems. Material quality is solid rather than luxurious, built to withstand family life and outdoor adventures. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with excellent adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position.

Seven seat practicality is where the Discovery 4 really shines. Unlike many rivals, the third row seats are genuinely usable by adults for shorter journeys. Access to the rear is easy thanks to wide opening doors and low step in height. The commanding driving position gives excellent visibility in all directions, making parking easier despite the substantial size. Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control and a decent infotainment system, while higher spec models add luxuries like heated leather seats and premium audio systems.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 succeeds brilliantly at being a genuine do everything family SUV. It combines impressive on road comfort with unmatched off road capability, genuine seven seat practicality, and substantial towing ability. The diesel engines are refined and capable, while the air suspension delivers excellent ride quality. It’s a vehicle that makes every journey feel effortless, whether you’re tackling the school run or exploring remote countryside.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Land Rover Discovery 4 Expensive to Run?

As a large premium SUV, the Discovery 4 comes with appropriately substantial running costs. Fuel economy ranges from the high 20s to mid 30s MPG depending on engine and driving style. The powerful diesels are thirsty, particularly around town or when towing heavy loads. Insurance groups are high, reflecting both the purchase price and repair costs typical of premium vehicles.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs. Discovery 4 models hold their value reasonably well, but servicing at Land Rover dealers can be expensive. Independent specialists can help reduce costs while maintaining reliability. The air suspension system, while excellent, can be costly to repair if it develops faults. Budget for higher than average maintenance costs, but remember you’re getting exceptional capability and versatility. Flexible car finance options can help spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.

Land Rover Discovery 4 Practicality & Boot Space

For a large family SUV, the Discovery 4 sets the benchmark for practical versatility. The 280 litre boot with all seven seats in use might sound small, but it’s still enough for shopping or weekend bags. Fold the rear seats and you get a massive 1857 litres of space, easily swallowing furniture or outdoor gear. The square boot opening and low loading height make it easy to load heavy items. Numerous storage cubbies throughout the cabin keep family essentials organised.

Where the Discovery 4 truly excels is in its genuine seven seat capability. Unlike many rivals that treat the third row as an afterthought, these rear seats can actually accommodate adults comfortably. The middle row slides and tilts to ease access, while the rear doors open wide for easy entry. For larger families or those who regularly carry passengers, few used Land Rover cars can match this level of space and flexibility. The high driving position and excellent visibility make it easy to place on the road despite its size.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 stands out as the ultimate family adventure vehicle. It packages genuine seven seat practicality, exceptional off road capability, and impressive on road comfort into one highly versatile package. While running costs are higher than average, you’re getting unmatched capability and flexibility that few rivals can provide.

You choose the Discovery 4 because you need a vehicle that can handle anything life throws at it. Its commanding presence, exceptional practicality, and go anywhere ability make it perfect for active families. Whether you’re exploring the countryside or navigating city traffic, it handles every situation with confidence. For those seeking the most capable large SUV available, especially among cars under £30,000, the Discovery 4 represents outstanding value.