I have returned the loaner.
Quick Summary: The Discovery5 is 3x the luxury vehicle the LR4 is and 1/2 the Offroad machine. This would be a fantastic alternative to a minivan/Large Truck combo.
- I have to say it is built very well and is a great ride. Getting back into the LR4 I could feel the downgrade in the luxury department.
- I would say go with a lighter colored headliner if ordering one. It will make the car feel taller.
- The technology is abundant and much better than the LR4.
- The D5 feels freaking heavy. I would say it weigh 800lbs more than an LR4 if I didn't know it was 400lbs less.
- The long nose is terrible. Hard to judge certain things.
- Reaching the glove compartment was nearly impossible. Is this thing that much larger than the LR4?
- Turn Radius subpar. I will actually go ahead and say it may be worst in class. This is a killer.. it was surprisingly so bad I would get irritated.
- Heating and Cooling is NOT good.
- Fit and Finish is better than LR4, Although choosing plastic instead of the rubberized finish was a VERY BAD choice.
- Seats are Better than LR4, but If you don't like RR style seating its a wash. I like both so its a wash to me.
- No mesh sunroof covers. I really like the mesh. ..I had no clue I would miss the strangest thing about the LR4..who knew?
- Looks grew on me like the Grinch's heart. So about 3x. A stubby nose and a rear bumper update would go a long way IMO.
- I had a loaded version. Sticker said 68k. I would say it was worth 55k.
- Offroad and heavy snow performance: a solid 8/10. Traction control system and launch control were better than LR4. I actually missed this aspect.
- I did feel like I was getting into a cheaper model truck when I got my LR4 back. That was a weird feeling.
- The LR4 felt very spry in comparison when I got it back.
- I take back that it was noisy. It was very VERY quiet off the highway, on the highway I think the 20" wheels are the issue.
Would I own one? I don't think so if it was my personal daily truck like the LR4. Would I own one to compliment my LR4? Surprisingly Yes...Only after I find out what the new Bronco is going to be like. This would be a great SUV for an active family. It can tow. Its better than an explorer or Jeep Cherokee. It fits that niche that is missing right now. A 7 person truck that isn't HUGE, can really tow a nice sized trailer, handle large dogs, tough terrain, and the serious weather. It also isn't a mega yacht like a Sequoia. You would have to buy a tundra extended Cab and a minivan as a pair to cover all the bases.