Is the Land Rover Discovery the Ultimate SUV for families?

Land Rover Discovery had everyone talking about their new design (including me) on the rear-end and it wasn’t all in a positive way.

So, when the 2019 model launched, everyone wanted to know what could be different?

There are some obvious changes that had people talking like how much more reliable this vehicle is compared to past models and how much bigger it is in size (something that isn’t too obvious thanks to the modern design).

As a mom of 3, I honestly didn’t mind the bigger car because you need lots of space with kids!

Note: This is an expensive car but many of the “nice” features are an optional extra, you are most probably going to spend more money than you assumed when you are done customizing.

Should you give in to the optional extras on this SUV?

Definitely. Based on my personal experience, you need a few of the extras to really enjoy the luxury experience this brand offers.

Let’s be honest. Land Rover knows how to capture one’s attention especially with the optional features like the Adaptive LED headlight and 360 degrees camera which I think is needed for a big vehicle like this.

6 hours with 3 kids in car seats?

What better way than planning a trip to Durban. Who doesn’t love the sea?

Well, I must admit that the thought of that trip was somewhat daunting. My three very active kids, hubby, and a long straight road….  Yet I was excited.

I looked at the Land Rover and did not think that it was as spacious from the outside. I then started packing. I am a mom that packs for every occasion and then some. There was so much space. I had space for bottles in the cup holders, activity boards and even the luxury of stretching out.

There was even a ‘climate control’ option where I could adjust the temperature at the back.

Note: The only problem I have is if you do end up using all 7 seats, you basically have no boot which makes it difficult to travel long-distance without a trailer.

Using the 5-seater gives you enormous boot space which also helps if you need to change a diaper during an emergency stop in the middle of nowhere!

You can easily fit 4 car seats in this vehicle if you needed to.

There are five top tether anchorages and four sets of ISOFix points so depending on your car seats, you could install 5 car seats and an adult could easily fit in between 2 car seats.

I’m happy to report that the 7-seater (back row) can seat adults too. I sat there several times and was quite comfortable. I had enough legroom and didn’t feel claustrophobic something that I have felt in other 7-seaters before this.

This vehicle has the WOW factor. It had the stylish mag wheels, sports interiors, and stunning exterior design. It looked so good that a truck driver decided to stop and take pics with the vehicle at the halfway point.

The road handling was amazing even for me, it was firm on the road. I felt secure despite the size.  There is great traction on the road. There was a bit of sway around bends as the vehicle did have a slight ‘body roll’ but this is to be expected given the dimensions and category of the vehicle.

Words of advice, be gentle when cornering. It has a powerful diesel engine which gives added power upon takeoff, but it is quiet.

How safe is this car?

The Land Rover Discovery scored a five-star NCAP safety – the European New Car Assessment Programme which ensures cars are safer.  The car has front side impact airbags + Side curtain airbags.

In all variants, including seven-seat models, all seating positions are assessed to ensure a high standard of occupant protection.

The technology plays a big role in making this car attractive. There are the safety features which helps with this big SUV on the road and then the “comfort” features which make traveling long distance a breeze.

A few worth mentioning:

• Intrusion sensor
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear View Camera
• Blind Spot Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Interactive Driver Display

Highlights:

• When it comes to off-road experiences, the Discovery Land Rover is still one of the best SUVs to invest in.
• The air suspension is a feature you will really enjoy. You can easily adjust the height of the car when getting in or unpacking luggage.
• The car I reviewed had an interior with an authentic wood finish which was the cherry on top of the elegant design. The only thing I didn’t enjoy and find practical about the design is where the door handle was situated.

• Front centre console cooler compartment – This convenient well-sized food and drinks chiller transforms the centre cubby space and provides even greater versatility of space.

• The car has enough storage for miscellaneous items, not forgetting the cup holders and 2 shopping bag hooks in the trunk.
• 12V power sockets in the second row were very convenient when traveling.
• Child lock can be controlled by the driver.
• Audible seat belts warning (inc row 3) helps if you have kids in the car.
• Parking sensors have been a huge help for me.
• For a big vehicle, it has good handling on the road, these features contribute to that – Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Price of the new Land Rover Discovery?

If you are looking for a luxury SUV, I would advise you to check out the Land Rover Discovery however, it does come at a hefty price tag.

The one I reviewed (HSE TD6) costs R 1,545,800*

R 187,200 contributed to optional features.

*Specifications described as unique or exclusive to First Edition may be available separately or in combination in second and subsequent model years.

Overall, I was impressed, and the extra features enhanced the WOW factor.

Comfort elegance and luxury rolled into one provided the most amazing family getaway. The kids did not even feel the trip and the Are we there yet were not so frequent.