Skip advert
Advertisement

Land Rover Discovery (2009-2016) review - does it still make for a great 4x4? - Design

The definitive 4x4 from Land Rover - if you can’t quite stretch to a Range Rover

Evo rating
RRP
from £41,600
  • Looks, prestige, utility and huge comfort regardless of what’s beneath the wheels
  • Beginning to feel its age despite many revisions, expensive to run and buy

Design

Fundamentally the same sheet metal from 2004 the Discovery has been kept fresh by continual tweaks to its design. It still presents a commanding face to the world, distinctive and familiar and ruggedly handsome all at the same time, the Discovery is unashamedly an off-road vehicle rather than a pseudo-SUV with some off-road ability. That’s a huge part of its appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That obviously utilitarian aspect is carried over to elements of the interior. It’s all easily operated; with the exception of the old-school touchscreen, the chunky knobs, dials and buttons are all Fisher-Price like in their ease, yet convincingly premium in their situation and material quality. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026
McLaren SUV finally confirmed, but its new logo comes first
New McLaren logo
News

McLaren SUV finally confirmed, but its new logo comes first

New investment in McLaren will allow the supercar maker to expand its portfolio, make its own engines, and try to cash in on an SUV. There's even a ne…
22 Sep 2026
Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera T
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car

One of a handful of manual sports cars that remain, the Carrera T is also the most 'affordable' way into a manual 911
22 Sep 2026