2004 Land Rover Discovery Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Land Rover Discovery includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Land Rover Discovery from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Land Rover Discovery, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Land Rover Discovery help you decide if a 2004 Land Rover Discovery is right for you.

2004 Land Rover Discovery Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Instruments/controls

	Fuel economy

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SE	Class Average
4	5.8

Test SE did 9.1 sec 0-60 mph, not great for a midsize V8 SUV. But Discovery has plenty of low-speed power, good passing response. Towing capacity is 5500 lb.

Fuel Economy

SE	Class Average
2	3.3

Test SEs averaged 11.5-13.3 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

SE	Class Average
3	4.9

Suspension takes most bumps in stride, but with more unwanted body motion than in most SUVs.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE	Class Average
2	5.2

Feels tippy in quick maneuvers. Braking performance no more than adequate, pedal effort high. One simulated panic stop in test SE illuminated dashboard warning lights signaling a problem with the ABS, traction-control, and hill-descent-control systems.

Quietness

SE	Class Average
3	6

Prominent exhaust note, pronounced wind rush. Test SE exhibited intrusive gear whine, too.

Controls

SE	Class Average
2	6

Dated and messy. Some controls mysteriously marked and/or haphazardly placed, such as power-seat switches on side of center console. Steering-wheel rim blocks other buttons. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Too many plastic panels detract from cabin decor, though available leather and wood dresses it up. Test SE suffered interior trim rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE	Class Average
5	7.4

Lofty step up into cabin. Ample head room, but narrow footwells feel confining. Front occupant shoulder room compromised by seats positioned too close to doors. Tall drivers can't get very far back from the wheel, and long-legged front passengers ride with knees near dashboard. Aft visibility not great, so HSE's rear-obstacle-detection system to warn of close-by objects is a fine idea.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE	Class Average
6	6.2

Sky-high head room and good leg space even behind tall front seaters, but getting in or out demands steep steps and much body English, even for an SUV. Optional forward-facing 3rd-row seats are useful for kids but not adults.

Cargo Room

SE	Class Average
7	7.4

High load deck. Cargo door opens to the right, blocking curbside loading. Meager space without 3rd-row seats removed; they also fold neatly against side walls to open up generous luggage room.

Value within Class

SE	Class Average
2	5.6

Discovery is distinguished by a measure of British character and some Land Rover prestige. But a cold assessment reveals an old soldier trading on the Land Rover name. It is capable off-road, but most every similarly priced rival offers superior on-road manners, refinement, and reliability.

Total Score