Chinese SUV Outshines Land Rover Discovery Off-Road

Chinese SUV Outshines Land Rover Discovery Off-Road

In a surprising turn of events, a Chinese family SUV has proven itself to be a formidable off-road contender, even managing to outperform the legendary Land Rover Discovery in several key challenges. While the Land Rover boasts advanced off-road systems and a storied history, the newcomer surprised everyone with its capability and value.

The Contenders: A Tale of Two SUVs

On one side, we have the 2020 Land Rover Discovery. This capable machine is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 306 horsepower and a hefty 700 Nm of torque. It features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with a locking central differential and an electronic terrain response system designed to maximize grip in any situation. Weighing in at 2.2 tons, it’s built for adventure.

Facing off against it is the new Chery TO. Don’t let its smaller 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine fool you. This SUV packs a punch with three electric motors, one on the rear axle and two on the front, delivering a combined output of 430 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. It also has four-wheel drive but lacks the complex electronics and locking differential found in the Land Rover. Interestingly, it matches the Discovery’s weight at 2.2 tons.

The Challenges: Uphill Battle and Maneuverability

The competition kicked off with an uphill drag race. Both vehicles were fitted with the same high-performance Dvanti Territoria All-Terrain tires, ensuring the outcome would depend solely on their mechanical prowess. The Land Rover, despite its power, struggled slightly off the line, while the Chery TO, with its electric motors, launched forward with impressive speed, ultimately securing a draw in the first attempt and then a win in the second. This early success put the Chery TO ahead in points.

Next, the SUVs tackled a tricky course involving a tight turn, a water splash, and a dip. The Land Rover’s driver, Lee, put in a solid performance, completing the course in 24.99 seconds. However, the Chery TO, driven by Ollie, managed to shave off just enough time to win this challenge with a time of 24.51 seconds, though not without a close call that nearly damaged its front splitter. The Chery TO extended its lead.

Testing Articulation and Stability

The competition moved to a stepped slope designed to test ground clearance, chassis articulation, and traction. The Land Rover Discovery, with its air suspension raised and locking differential engaged, made the climb look easy. The Chery TO, surprisingly, struggled more than expected. Even when switched to normal mode instead of its dedicated off-road mode, it didn’t perform as well as the Land Rover, giving the Discovery crucial points.

The next challenge focused on wheel travel and stability on a side slope, followed by a sloped bank. The Land Rover handled this with ease, demonstrating superior stability and traction control. The Chery TO also managed the course but spun a wheel, indicating less refined traction management compared to the Land Rover. This round went to the Discovery, bringing the overall score level.

The Sandy Drag Race and Final Ascent

A sandy drag race tested outright power and traction. The Chery TO, in sport mode, initially showed a slight delay but then accelerated rapidly, eventually winning the race against the Land Rover in its sand mode. This victory gave the Chery TO a two-point advantage, setting up a tense final challenge.

The final test was a steep, rocky slope. The Land Rover, using its low-range gear and locking differential, slowly but surely made its way up. The Chery TO, lacking these advanced features, relied on momentum. While it struggled and made concerning noises, it ultimately conquered the slope. Both drivers agreed this challenge was a draw, resulting in a final score of 10 points for the Chery TO and 9 points for the Land Rover Discovery.

Verdict: Value and Capability

Despite the Land Rover Discovery being the more capable off-roader overall, the Chery TO delivered an astonishing performance, especially considering its price point. The Discovery cost just over £40,000, while the Chery TO was purchased for a mere £24,999 second-hand with very low mileage. For a significantly lower price, the Chery TO offers impressive power and surprising off-road ability that rivals a premium, established off-road icon.

The target buyer for the Chery TO is likely someone seeking a family SUV with plenty of power, modern features (like wireless phone charging and multiple glove boxes, which impressed the reviewer), and the ability to tackle more than just city streets, all without breaking the bank. While it may not have the refined off-road pedigree of a Land Rover, its performance-to-price ratio is exceptional, making it a compelling choice for value-conscious buyers who still want a capable and engaging vehicle.

Source: Why this Chinese ‘Land Rover’ is better than the real thing (YouTube)