Discovery 'vs Defender
Dec. 2019
Here are my thoughts on the New Defender as it compares to the Discovery;
I love the look of the new Defender! The new Defender offers 2 new engine choices not available in the Discovery. The rest of the drive train and suspension appears to be the same or very similar in both vehicles. They basically share a very similar platform along with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The different shapped body of the Defender allows for a bit better off-road geomerty angles and the Discovery offers a bit more space for passengers and cargo, especially in the third row. The Discovery also is still available with the torque monster 440 ft lbs diesel engine, which is not offered in the Defender. I am not to sure about the long term reliability of the 48V lithium battery system and the future replacement cost of the lithium battery packs. I'm also just concerned about the reliability of a 1st generation vehicle combined with a 1st generation engine at the same time. I remember finding some piece of mind purchasing the 1st generation Discovery 5 knowing at least that it had engine options that had been around many years prior.
If you want the absolute best off-road performance and don't have a need to transport more than 4 passengers on long distances, the Defender is likely the better choice but if you want a bit more room and comfort for you passengers (especially if you will have more than 4) or cargo, the Discovery offers a bit more room and comfort with almost the same capability of the Defender, plus the Discovery offers a reliable and efficient diesel engine that gives you the most torque available. If you'll be towing I suspect the Diesel option in the Discovery will give you the most pleasant and efficient ride.
It's amazing how people seem to imply that the Defender is so much more off-road capable based on the way it looks and or by it's name but they really are much more similar than different, the Defender does have a slight advantage off-road but it's very minimal. This day in age vehicle design really does sell cars. People make assumptions and judgments of what a car can do or what is is built for just by how it looks or how it's named, not by the facts.
When I set out to buy what was to be the Discovery 5 I was looking for a Diesel engine, a comfortable 7 Seat off roader with a 2 speed transfer case and the DIscovery is still the only SUV in America that offers that... at least at this moment but I've heard others are coming!
Jan. 2020
I attended the Palm Springs 4xFar event and I really enjoyed it. I got to be one of the very first people to drive a new defender. The Defender is awesome. I asked my Land Rover ride along to sell this to me, an existing and happy Discovery owner. As an off-road enthusiest why is this such a superior vehicle? Well according to him it's about 25% more capable off-road than a discovery based on 3 things. 1. Better off road angles, 2. stronger chassis/frame and 3. better off-road tech. Why would someone buy a Discovery then? Well right now you would buy one if you want/like the Diesel engine and or need to actually use the third row seats. I commented that I've used my DIscovery to tow a 28' trailer, I've had it all over the Pismo dunes, I've pulled out stuck people in the snow and sand and I've done some moderate trail riding and it hasn't let me down, it's done everything I've asked and I've never even been stuck. I am just curious aside from what Land Rover tells us I would be very curious to see in the real world what the Defender actually could do, that the DIscovery cannot. I really don't think much! I looked under the defender and in the engine and I really don't see much of a difference nothing stands out that says this is way stronger than a Discovery. Land Rover has a lot riding on the New Defenders success. I was left with a decision to keep my Discovery or order a new defender and Land Rover really really wants to convience me to order a new Defender... but for my needs, right now the Discovery is still the best option for me because I need and use the third row and I really love the Diesel engine!
Jan. 2021
I can't believe it's a year later! For the most part reviews of the Defender by media have been overwhelmingly positive which I've found anoying in that the Discovery has all the same bones and capability. I have to thank Four Wheeler for being one of the few to give it a not so glowing review. Here is the article from Four Wheeler
So the Defender did not get Four Wheeler of the year and in fact it got last place. Now compare that to the DIscovery which had positive reviews and did win Four Wheeler of the year!
Conclusion: We live in a world where looks matter most and they create our individual reality.