LR4 to Disco 5

So, I traded my ultra-reliable LR4 for the new Discovery. It was a hard decision. I had to be convinced to buy an LR4 after experiences with the LR3, but I literally had to pry my hands off the wheel of my 2012 LR4 V8 after 80K. I know, just a baby, but the tax breaks are too good for me not to upgrade these days.

So, what's it like to own the much-maligned Disco over the much-beloved LR4? Great. This is not the same vehicle, but that's said in a loving way. The LR4 was a work-horse for me. It hauled stuff, stored stuff, went everywhere. It was utilitarian and good looking at the same time. The Disco is different. It can do all the above, but it's a better.

The V8 to V6 is not noticeable. The new car is quieter, much quieter. It's ride is good. It may have better visibility out than the LR4. The seats are nicer. Stereo is better. The tech is better, and the car is easier to operate. I no longer have to fumble around the cupholder to check Waze. Heated, cooled, massaged seats (yeah, I went Luxury), hell yes. It's 98 outside. I can cool the car down before I step away from my desk and not melt.

What's worse about it? Storage, especially in the rear. The LR4 had cubbies galore. I had tow straps, tie-downs, extra bulbs, tools, etc. housed in those rear boxes. Also the rear end is much smaller, height wise. I measured and it's about 5 inches shorter from roof to base. It's harder to carry two bikes back there now.

Overall, the people screaming about the death of the Discovery are missing an improved truck. Hands down, this is a better vehicle in tons of ways. Yeah, it's a bit more plush and has better tech, but I'd take this over a Tahoe, Toyota or Audi any day. My wife has the much heralded Volvo XC90, and I think this vehicle trumps that one in a LOT of ways.

Whatever. I was a skeptic, now I'm not. Let's just hope that this one is as reliable as the last (knock on wood). Don't be scared to get rid of that LR4, though. Unless you are into collecting cars, it's outdated. Sorry.

I went through the same process you described above and other then the rear end being much smaller and a less capable hauler, I have no regrets. I use the phone app all the time to unlock/lock or heat/cool the vehicle.

I'm waiting for the 2020 Discovery (not sure what minor changes they'll make), then will trade in my 2012 LR4 (65k odometer currently) for a diesel. I recently moved and with a daily round trip commute of 95 miles, filling up the tank every 3 days is getting old. Plus, with my knees shot, accessing the rear cargo space with the split tailgate is a hassle.

GM99 said:

I went through the same process you described above and other then the rear end being much smaller and a less capable hauler, I have no regrets. I use the phone app all the time to unlock/lock or heat/cool the vehicle.

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I hate to say it, but the LR4 and iphone were a bad combo. Way too far to look down and check a message. I had one of those air vent holders for my phone for trips. CarPlay is a big step up

I am miffed I can't stand my bike up in the rear, though. I used to carry two mountain bikes back there, no problem (front wheel off). Not possible in this one.

jptruck said:

...What's worse about it? Storage, especially in the rear. The LR4 had cubbies galore. I had tow straps, tie-downs, extra bulbs, tools, etc. housed in those rear boxes. Also the rear end is much smaller, height wise. I measured and it's about 5 inches shorter from roof to base. It's harder to carry two bikes back there now....

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I'd be interested to know what the measured height from the rear deck base to the underside of the moon roof cover is in the 7-seat Disco. Mine is a 5-seat HSE Td6 and the height measures 35". I'm very glad I got the 5-seat because there's quite a bit of extra storage space under the rear deck.

jptruck said:

I hate to say it, but the LR4 and iphone were a bad combo. Way too far to look down and check a message. I had one of those air vent holders for my phone for trips. CarPlay is a big step up

I am miffed I can't stand my bike up in the rear, though. I used to carry two mountain bikes back there, no problem (front wheel off). Not possible in this one.

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Yeah, I was not able to a move a flat screen TV that I had no problem fitting in the LR4. But, all the other improvements make up for the few times a year I could use the extra hauling capacity.

ar077 said:

I'd be interested to know what the measured height from the rear deck base to the underside of the moon roof cover is in the 7-seat Disco. Mine is a 5-seat HSE Td6 and the height measures 35". I'm very glad I got the 5-seat because there's quite a bit of extra storage space under the rear deck.

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You talking about the new discovery? It's 33" at the door and 35" at the moonroof (from the deck). This is about 5" shorter than an LR4.

I enjoy browsing this forum because it's interesting to see the reasons why individuals acquired their Land Rovers--none of which I would look down on or disparage.

My top two requirements in a vehicle when I bought my D5 were off-road/overland capability (in which category the D5 is second to no other unmodified SUV sold in this country) and the largest diesel engine available from the manufacturer. My preference for diesels started when I was a UN Military Observer in Western Sahara, where the daytime temperatures in August were usually above 125 degrees Fahrenheit (I saw 140 degrees outside air temperature in Mauritania). Our white Nissan Patrol UN vehicles had 4-cylinder diesel engines that never overheated, even when idling at a standstill with the AC on max (of course). Here in Las Vegas it isn't a proper summer unless it hits 115 in July (this summer has been cool -- so far, it hasn't gone above 110). The bottom line is that, unlike gasoline engines, a properly maintained diesel engine is impervious to hot environments.

My third requirement was having a vehicle that my spousal unit (the primary driver of our D5) would enjoy schlepping around in. Needless to say, the D5 answers the mail on that one.

It's true that bikes won't fit in the cargo area. When I get ready to transport our bikes I'll order a Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack from Amazon.

As the proud owner of my 5th LR (now RR Sport), I can only respond to the above that it sounds like a solid vehicle -- standard for LR. HOWEVER, these machines are in my mind a reflection of who we are in too much of a way to drive a CAFE standards derived abomination of a proud line. IT LOOKS LIKE MY IN-LAWS HONDA CRV and nothing you can show me will dispute it. It's pathetic.

Selden61 said:

As the proud owner of my 5th LR (now RR Sport), I can only respond to the above that it sounds like a solid vehicle -- standard for LR. HOWEVER, these machines are in my mind a reflection of who we are in too much of a way to drive a CAFE standards derived abomination of a proud line. IT LOOKS LIKE MY IN-LAWS HONDA CRV and nothing you can show me will dispute it. It's pathetic.

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Thanks for commenting! The fact that it resembles other SUVs that cost less than half as much doesn't bother me. I like the D5's appearance (definitely a paradigm shift for Land Rover) but my chief reason for buying it was its off road capability, which exceeds that of your Range Rover Sport (though not by a huge amount I'll grant you). My wife loves driving it and she's gotten many compliments. I've also gotten compliments, particularly since I swapped the stock 255/55-20 Goodyear Eagles on the OEM 20" x 8.5" wheels for 285/50-20 Nitto Terra Grappler G2s on Redbourne Bashford 20" x 9.5" wheels.