LR4 to Defender direct comparison questions

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PCJDB

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I know this has been done in a few ways a few different times now, but I've never really seen or heard a direct comparison between driving dynamics of the LR4 and new Defender. Is there anyone here coming directly from a LR4 that could give some opinions. I'm on the fence of building out the LR4 and investing in it, or going for the newer platform for the long-term. Yes, the cargo space is smaller, the rear seat room is better, the tech is newer/fancier, and the engine a bit peppier. What I haven't seen is:

1. On road driving dynamics? My LR4 has a ton of body-roll on the highway driving through the mtns. I'm guessing the Defender is much better at this? Stiffer build = better/stable cornering and driving while being more comfortable?

2. Off-road driving comfort. Are the new dual diaphragm (forgot what it's called exactly - dual stage bags) way more comfortable at offroad height on dirt/gravel/washboard/potholed offroad trails than the LR4? Is it a vast improvement?

3. Terrain response updates? I have a 2016 LR4 with the HD package. I believe the only thing I can't do is activate the locker whenever I want, the program has to do it when it senses slip. Is the new Defender terrain response miles ahead from the LR4 from what you've experienced so far?

4. Towing performance? I've seen 3-4 towing specific videos out there on the Defender, but they mostly compare it's performance to half ton trucks and/or LC200s. Vs. the LR4, it's got better towing capacity, but real world is what I'm interested in. Is it more stable, does it handle better, stop better, handle the load better up and down?

I've watched countless reviews, videos, read articles, searched expedition portal, here, other places, but can't find a few of these types of compare/contrast points.

Last question. For those that went from the LR4 to the Defender: What do you miss about the LR4, and what don't you miss?

Thanks for any insights!!
Cheers
 
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I have a 2013 LR4 HSE (no HD package) and a 2020 Defender P400 SE (with the rear diff lock).

On the highway, I find the LR4 more comfortable and quieter. It also has more load space. However, there is less body roll in the Defender.

Offroad, the Defender is much better. More comfortable and I find that I can cover terrain quicker than in the LR4. The interior finishes are more practical too. I have the built-in compressor which is great for airing down/up. I also have TR2 with ATPC (which I find useful on long gravel roads, etc.). The TR2 and configurable options are nice to have, but you need some extreme or very particular terrain to get the most out of them. More importantly, the approach and departure angles are much better in the Defender.

I bought the Defender primarily for off-roading and have covered a couple of thousand miles off-road (I live in Nevada, we have a lot of off-road). For this type of use, I find it much better than the LR4, except for the reduced load space. If you are doing mainly highway trips with occasional off-road use, then the LR4 is fine.

I don't do any towing.

The mpg seems equivalent.
 

PCJDB

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Thanks for the reply. Good comparison. I recently moved to Utah and plan on doing a lot of the same. Highway miles to get to the offroad exploration.

I have the V6 so it may not be a comparison, but how do you find the power between your 2013 V8 and the Defender?
 
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The Defender feels noticeably quicker than the LR4. However, the LR4 V8 engine seems smoother and quieter than the Defender's straight-six.
 

doc5339

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I have never owned an LR4, though have driven a few. Concur with the above, and would add the P300 is way more than adequate; feels like an old Small Block Chevy 350 to me and sound good too.
 

doc5339

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I have a 2013 LR4 HSE (no HD package) and a 2020 Defender P400 SE (with the rear diff lock).

On the highway, I find the LR4 more comfortable and quieter. It also has more load space. However, there is less body roll in the Defender.

Offroad, the Defender is much better. More comfortable and I find that I can cover terrain quicker than in the LR4. The interior finishes are more practical too. I have the built-in compressor which is great for airing down/up. I also have TR2 with ATPC (which I find useful on long gravel roads, etc.). The TR2 and configurable options are nice to have, but you need some extreme or very particular terrain to get the most out of them. More importantly, the approach and departure angles are much better in the Defender.

I bought the Defender primarily for off-roading and have covered a couple of thousand miles off-road (I live in Nevada, we have a lot of off-road). For this type of use, I find it much better than the LR4, except for the reduced load space. If you are doing mainly highway trips with occasional off-road use, then the LR4 is fine.

I don't do any towing.

The mpg seems equivalent.
I recently installed the little LR air compressor and really love it. Best price I could find was at PowerfulUK and was several hundred less than at dealers/eBay. Would definitely spec as an option if you are buying new.
 

roverman

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I have a 2013 LR4 HSE (no HD package) and a 2020 Defender P400 SE (with the rear diff lock).

On the highway, I find the LR4 more comfortable and quieter. It also has more load space. However, there is less body roll in the Defender.

Offroad, the Defender is much better. More comfortable and I find that I can cover terrain quicker than in the LR4. The interior finishes are more practical too. I have the built-in compressor which is great for airing down/up. I also have TR2 with ATPC (which I find useful on long gravel roads, etc.). The TR2 and configurable options are nice to have, but you need some extreme or very particular terrain to get the most out of them. More importantly, the approach and departure angles are much better in the Defender.

I bought the Defender primarily for off-roading and have covered a couple of thousand miles off-road (I live in Nevada, we have a lot of off-road). For this type of use, I find it much better than the LR4, except for the reduced load space. If you are doing mainly highway trips with occasional off-road use, then the LR4 is fine.

I don't do any towing.

The mpg seems equivalent.

Do you notice the larger turning radius of the Defender, either on or off road? It's a head scratcher why it would be over 5' bigger. That's one of the many many things I love about the LR3 & 4. It's easier to maneuver and park than most SUVs, and many cars.
 
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Do you notice the larger turning radius of the Defender, either on or off road? It's a head scratcher why it would be over 5' bigger. That's one of the many many things I love about the LR3 & 4. It's easier to maneuver and park than most SUVs, and many cars.
I hadn't until a couple of weeks ago when I had to manoeuvre around a fallen tree on a narrow forest road. I definitely noticed it then.
 

Samiam

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Do you notice the larger turning radius of the Defender, either on or off road? It's a head scratcher why it would be over 5' bigger. That's one of the many many things I love about the LR3 & 4. It's easier to maneuver and park than most SUVs, and many c
I got my Defender a few weeks ago and am still learning about it. But this was one of the first things I noticed on road. The tight u-turns I was able to do in my LR4 and before that my LR3 are not possible on the Defender.
 

tom7

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Last week I went from a 2012 LR4 to the 2023 V8 Defender. It was very hard letting go of my beloved car at 152k flawless miles from new but the time had come. I do not do any off road miles (live in NYC) so therefore cannot comment on most of the OP inquiries. The cargo area is noticeably smaller in the defender. Drop the seats and the luggage, ski gear, and the occasional tools and equipment for the construction sites will fit just fine. However I already miss the hatch back and bench. The styling of the new Discovery was the biggest deterrent. The few times that I will have passengers in the 2nd row will definitely be more comfortable for them in the new car. The tech in the new car is great, the engine sound and performance superb. and yes the turning radius on the LR4 is greatly missed. looking forward to the long road trips.
 

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