LR4 vs Defender

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DonMitsu

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We've owned our LR4 for 9 years now, longer than any other car. We still absolutely love the vehicle, and were not impressed when the new Disco was released. Monday we're going to test drive the new Defender. Has anyone else compared the LR4 to the Defender? If so what are your thoughts?
 

PaulLR3

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Same here, never expected to keep my LR4 this long but I figure the upcoming 8 years/150K miles will be the limit. Still absolutely love it and glad we will still have my wife's LR4 which only has 31K miles on it. I also thought the Discovery 5 was a huge disappointment as an LR4 replacement. Just saw a Defender in person and it is taller than I expected. Here is a UK comparison:

 

defender_verde

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The new Defender is awesome. While I've only driven it off-road, it's a logical LR4 replacement. Feels a lot more modern (in terms of tech, design, and drivability), but still feels like a truck.

Having said that, I went out and bought a 2013 LR4 shortly after testing out the new Defender. I wanted something with a lot of aftermarket support and well documented service needs. I don't doubt that the new Defenders are tough, but I tend to try and avoid first year models altogether.

The D5 simply feels like a narrow, tall Range Rover. Not bad, but not nearly as utilitarian as a D4 or a new Defender. Great truck off road (but aren't they all?).

No bad options here. I will replace my D4 with a new Defender in a few years. Remember to get the smaller engine if you want to run 18" wheels.
 

cperez

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Just saw a Defender in person and it is taller than I expected. Here is a UK comparison:

I saw this video the other day and enjoyed it. I like the content by powerfulUK. Just a note that this comparison seems to focus mostly on design cues, interior layout, and overall dimension comparisons. So anyone looking for H2H comparison of driving dynamics and capabilities will need to seek further info.

I agree it's a logical LR4 replacement, with the caveat that cargo space is reduced and no more split tailgate. Damn.
 

rashers

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had the same question to solve myself recently. my 2011 LR4 started to show 'end of life' issues and I had to decide on what path to take, buy a used 2016 with the lowest mileage I could get or hold on a few months and get a new Defender. I opted to stick with the LR4. I was able to get a <20K Landmark edition for a good price and despite the drop in engine size, I'm very happy. I love the drive of the LR4 and at this mileage & spec, I should get ~10-15 years of tough motoring out of the car.
I know I'll eventually get a Defender but for now, I'm content to stick with LR4
 

stwsam

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I have had Lr3, several, Lr4, one. Just took delivery this weekend of p400 first edition defender. The defender and LR4 are two different animals. Both awesome for what they do. For those that do not believe the Defender is for real. Just wait until you drive one. Holy moly. I dare say the old defender, in all its glory will not be missed in a couple of years. Yes it will a be long time before the beaters become available and who knows how the technology will endure, but this is truly a truck in every way while the LR4 is one of the best SUV's for all around use there is and I am sure the D5 as well. But, a truck is a truck. Drive it and you will get what I am trying to describe.
 

Quijote

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I agree it's a logical LR4 replacement, with the caveat that cargo space is reduced and no more split tailgate. Damn.

Yup. But Those are huge elements for me. Especially because the LR4 offers that cargo space in a short overall length. Fortunately I have low miles and hope to keep mine for many more years. I hope that with care it will hold up.
 

mpinco

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The new Defender is the replacement for the LR4, virtually a smaller LR5, albeit at a much higher price. The D5/Discovery was the initial move to create a 3rd product line, more Subaruish.
 

magus

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I was sure I would trade-in my 2012 LR4 on the new Defender. Like many here, the LR4 has been an all-time favorite vehicle for myself. 8 years and 80k is by far the longest I have ever held onto a car/truck and, knock on wood, it has been a super reliable ride.

For the majority of it's its life it has lived as a daily driver and a long haul vehicle for towing motorcycles to race weekends filled to the brim with all the associated gear.

For the last couple of years it has been semi-retired and usedfused more camping and off-road duty. I have added 18" wheels, larger tires and and a rooftop tent.

As I waited for the Defender to roll out I started debating putting money into the LR4 vs what would be for me, a very expensive new Defender.

I suppose, like all things, it really depends on how one intends to use the vehicle. I love the Defender, and the 90 in particular, but investing $10k - $20k in the LR4 as a better offroad/camping platform seems a good way to go.

Just my long-winded thoughts as I have been going through this same debate.
 

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