With good preparation and a bit of practice, anyone can off-road. A Land Rover is capable of more than you could ever imagine. My top tip is to know your 4x4 inside out before you set off.
UNDERSTAND YOUR 4x4
Get a good mental picture of the underside of your vehicle. Know where the fragile parts are, such as the fuel tank, engine sump, differentials and gearbox.
MEMORISE BASIC STATS
Memorising some basic stats will help you deal confidently with off-road obstacles. Get to know your vehicle’s height and width, its lowest point, wading depth and key angles.
READ YOUR MANUAL
Understand your on-board technology and all its features; you’ll find everything you need to know in the manual. If you don’t have your manual, download it now.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Check terrain and topography maps online. Consider current and recent weather, and how it might affect the land. Always abide by the Countryside Code.
DRIVING ICONS
Icons aren’t born overnight. They earn their stripes the long way. All Land Rover drivers know this first-hand. We’re proud to have been part of their journey. Visit our vehicles page to learn about Land Rover 4x4 vehicles and start your own journey
HILL DESCENT CONTROL IN MOTION
Land Rover’s patented Hill Descent Control (HDC) assists the driver on challenging descents by automatically maintaining a constant speed and applying brakes to each separate wheel where required, increasing the vehicles capability and keeping you in control at all times. Experience the system in action and tackle off-road challenges in our 360° video.
OFF-ROADING SKILLS
Quick tips and techniques for dealing with off-road environments.
DRIVING THROUGH MUD
Engage Mud and Ruts on Terrain Response. Try to stay within existing tracks. Keep the wheels straight and use the information screen to guide you.
DRIVING ON SAND
Engage Sand on Terrain Response. The key to crossing sand is to know how firm the surface is. You need to maintain momentum to drive over the sand, not sink into it.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Try to work out how deep the water is. In static, shallower water, explore on foot and use a stick to gauge the depth - or watch another vehicle go through.
DRIVING ON HILLS
Going uphill, approach the hill straight on and use the highest gear possible. Never turn the vehicle on a steep slope. Going downhill, engage Hill Descent Control.
DRIVING ON ROCKS
Before crossing rocks and scree, get out of your vehicle and assess the risks. Select Rock Crawl on Terrain Response; this will engage low-range gears.
DRIVING ON GRAVEL
Engage Grass/Gravel/Snow on Terrain Response. Gravel is a constantly changing, low-grip surface, so always drive at a slow speed.
4x4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
From Islay and The Faroes to unforgettable moments from the Discovery archives. These are the stories of our own Land Rover adventurers.
MEMORIES OF DISCOVERY
Intrepid adventurers share their greatest off-road moments in the much-loved Discovery.
DEFENDER FAMILY TREE
To mark the end of production, we drove a fleet of the Defender’s ancestors in its spiritual home of Islay.
THE FAROE ISLANDS
Land Rover driver Moi Torrallardona tests the Discovery Sport across volcanic rock and green valleys.
OFF-ROAD ACCESSORIES
From lamp guards and mud flaps to full underbody protection, Land Rover Gear Accessories carries everything you need for your next 4x4 off-road adventure.
LAMP GUARDS
Aerodynamic in design and moulded from lightweight polymer, these lamp guards offer excellent protection from minor impacts.
MUD FLAPS
Reduce spray and protect your paintwork from debris and dirt. Available for front and rear wheels, in various designs to complement exterior styling.
CARGO BARRIER
Protect passengers against displacement of luggage on energetic drives. Available half height or full height, with optional loadspace partition.
STRUCTURED LASER LIGHT TECHNOLOGY
Land Rover Innovation Lab is working on a series of “Advanced Sensor Technologies”. Structured Laser Light is a near future technology that will help Land Rover vehicles automatically adjust suspension to deliver comfort on any terrain. The car projects a grid of laser light onto the ground ahead; obstacles and potholes distort the grid and alert the system, leaving you to enjoy your in-car driving experience. Watch the film or visit the Innovation Lab to find out more.
