Land Rover Discovery vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

Looks good on paper, then there's its iron-fist-velvet-glove reputation. Clear accent on balancing city and hard-core off-road work but can't match Jeep luxury yet. Durable package, sensible equipment. No capped service but a long annual/26,000km service interval. Resale: 63 per cent.

Excellent. Awesome standard gear starts with perforated heated and vented driver's seat, heated rear seats, nine-speaker audio and dual sunroof - Overland looks a $100,000-plus vehicle. Probably more for the city dweller. No capped-price servicing and intervals are short (six months/10,000km). Resale: 61 per cent.

The 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo diesel (155kW/520Nm) is a detuned version of that in other Disco models. But eight-speed auto, five-mode Terrain Response and height-adjustable electronic air suspension remain. Two-speed transfer box is aided by an electronic rear diff and centre diff. Disco is rated at 8.5L/100km from an 82-litre tank. Vented discs all-round, steering is hydraulic assist.

Mercedes-inspired 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel (184kW/570Nm) drives through an eight-speed auto and two-speed transfer case. Jeep has similar off-road aids to Disco - five-mode Selec-Trac for varying road conditions, air-adjustable suspension and electronic and mechanical diffs. Steering is electric assist to squeeze fuel use down to 7.5L/100km from a big 93-litre tank.

Good-looking, with comfortable cabin. Seven seats are a family lure. Horizontal split tailgate adds to versatility while luggage capacity is up to 1192L. Logical dash design and electric park brake appeal as does ample storage. Side and front vision are good but lack of rear camera is a handicap.

Sweet. Top-spec Grand Cherokee looks good on 20-inch alloys. Leather and wood cabin with big touchscreen is upmarket but seats only five. Beats Disco for cargo space (but not personal space) and has an electric tailgate. Foot-operated park brake is awkward.

No crash test result. For the 2014 model year, Disco gets six airbags, rear park sensor, heated mirrors, auto wipers and electronic assistance including trailer sway control, rollover stability, hill descent and hill holder, traction and stability control. Full-size spare.

No crash test result but it bristles with standard gear: seven airbags, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise, rear cross-path detection, trailer sway and rollover control, reverse camera and front/rear sensors and bi-xenon headlights with washers. Spare is full-size.

Feels as solid as a rock and inspires more confidence than Jeep. Despite two turbos, has annoying lag at low engine revs. Eight ratios a big boon. Ride is firm but controlled though seats aren't as comfortable as Jeep. Excels in dirt, as does Overland.

Perky engine betrays few diesel traits. Responsive and fuel-efficient, it is a joy to drive, mainly because the eight-cog box - helped by paddle shifters - enhances the engine's output. It's also quiet and very comfortable in traffic, on the highway and especially in some rugged off-road conditions.