First, apologies. I have searched through these (and some other forums) in the hope of finding the answer, instead I have seen how numerous and annoying these types of questions can be.

That said, I don't know where else to turn. Looking into getting a Certified LR4. I am comparing a couple of vehicles, mostly '12s but a few '13s. This is a basic, but seemingly unanswerable question. Is there any difference between the two? I have heard some rumblings that the '13 may have updated audio and/or navigation and/or touch screen. Honestly, that would be important as the wife is going to drive it and really really (really) cares about such things.**

But is there any actual difference? Some sources say no difference, some say minimal, Land Rover says the '12 was updated with improved efficiency and electronics or some other such marketing blather.

Thanks in advance, and I promise, especially once I buy it, I will make at least a handful of worthwhile posts to compensate for annoyance of this one.



**I have learned the "most important thing" about a car is its ability to sync with an iPhone. The "second most important thing" is apparently navigation with a touchscreen.

 

I have a 2012 LR4 HSE Lux in scotia gray.
The nav and iPhone interface is very slow and cumbersome as you've probbaly figured out test rides.

I do know that there was a marked improvement with the 2014's but can't attest to whether there was a '13 model with updates infotainment from the 2012

 

Thanks

 

THere is no difference in the offerings of the 12' and 13'.
What LR is trying to say in their marketing material, is that they have rewritten some lines of code, or changed suppliers of certain control modules to address concerns of the 12' owners (this is normal for any manufacturer). This in no way shape or form effects the functionality, with the exception of maybe a little faster less glitchy system.
That being said, if you had a 12' and a 13's side by side, and similarly equipped you would not notice a difference in the functionality more than likely.

Save the money buy the 12', as I always say "you'll never know what your missing because you won't have it"

 

I think most of the changes were 2011 to 2012 and of course 2013 to 2014.

Here is a discussion on the 2011-2012 changes:
LR4 2011 vs 2012

Opps, that was not really the thread I was looking for, there is a more in-depth one covering all the radio functions somewhere on that forum. Bottom line, look up umbertob on any of the forums and search for his threads relating to the LR4 - he knows the incremental differences each year down to the size of the rubber nubs on the bottom of the floor mats!

 

unless you consider "extended leather" no difference ... it IS different regardless of someone caring or not about it. there were some changes to the interior finishes as well as paints offered.

2013 Land Rover LR4 (US)

 

There was a big difference in the infotainment system as well.

i don't think you can stream audio via Bluetooth on the '12.

if that means anything to you.

 

You can't stream on the 2009-2012 directly. But you can buy a Tune2Air adaptor that plugs into the iPod connector in the armrest and gives you BT streaming and song name display etc in the infotainment. For about $80. Or for a few dollars a basic USB BT streamer

 

I have very little to offer overall but having just purchased a 2013 I would mention the only BT streaming we have been able to accomplish is audio. The rear entertainment system seems only to utilize DVD's.

I considered purchasing a 2012 because the price difference on identical an 2013 was fairly signicant. Ultimately, the 13 purchase was primarily based upon when I wanted to buy and what was available on the market.

 

I have a 2012 and can stream audio via Bluetooth without any kind of adapter. Uses the all the normal controls on the steering wheels etc...so maybe they made the change post the 2011 model.