2 zone vs 3 zone aircon effectiveness in a D4

[BeeGee]

The standard aircon in the Discovery is the 2 zone front and passenger zones with a couple of vents by the chins of the second row (which aren't controlled).
The 3 zone aircon option (or standard on the HSE) allows the front passenger and driver zone controls, and adds controls in the center row with extra vents in the roof of the second row, and adds rear vents in the c pillars of the 3rd row.

Question. if you were going to use the 3rd row on a regular basis, is the standard 2 zone aircon going to cut it (with no vents in the 3rd row), or would you advise getting the 3 zone with vents in all 3 rows?

Up until now I've restricted my D4 search to only HSE's and cars with 3 zone aircon optioned, but wondered if the 2 zone is actually effective enough as it is.??

[kelvo]

Mine has the standard two zone, we recently did a camping trip with six adults on board, two front, three middle and one at the rear with a 50ltr fridge. It was getting warm for the person in the rear, we had a small desk USB fan running for some air circulation. It was only in the high twenties low thirties as well.

So if you will regularly be having people in the third row, especially during 30+ weather I would say get the rear A/C. I only have the standard glass with no additional tinting, I’m not sure how much tinting would help as you still have the lack of airflow issue.

[BeeGee]

Mine has the standard two zone, we recently did a camping trip with six adults on board, two front, three middle and one at the rear with a 50ltr fridge. It was getting warm for the person in the rear, we had a small desk USB fan running for some air circulation. It was only in the high twenties low thirties as well.

So if you will regularly be having people in the third row, especially during 30+ weather I would say get the rear A/C. I only have the standard glass with no additional tinting, I’m not sure how much tinting would help as you still have the lack of airflow issue.

Exactly the feedback I was after, thankyou. As you know, we get a fair bit of 30+ weather in Perth and we will regularly have people in the third row. You're right that tinting may assist, but I think the extra 4 aircon outlets in the 3 zone option may be pretty important for us.

[Narangga]

The standard aircon in the Discovery is the 2 zone front and passenger zones with a couple of vents by the chins of the second row (which aren't controlled).
The 3 zone aircon option (or standard on the HSE) allows the front passenger and driver zone controls, and adds controls in the center row with extra vents in the roof of the second row, and adds rear vents in the c pillars of the 3rd row.

Question. if you were going to use the 3rd row on a regular basis, is the standard 2 zone aircon going to cut it (with no vents in the 3rd row), or would you advise getting the 3 zone with vents in all 3 rows?

Up until now I've restricted my D4 search to only HSE's and cars with 3 zone aircon optioned, but wondered if the 2 zone is actually effective enough as it is.??

I do not know if it has changed in the the D4 but in my D3 the rear air con button on the centre console has 3 settings.

1. Off
2. Same as front (driver and passenger)
3. Controlled by middle row controls.

HTH

[Arapiles]

The D4's aircon is excellent - the best of any car I've had - but in my view you need the C pillar vents for anyone in the third row. And being able to set a different temperature in the 2nd and 3rd rows is appreciated by my kids.

[loanrangie]

I had 6 kids in my D3 last night while out trick or treating and the rear aircon was definitely appreciated, it was still pretty hot at 8.30.

[BeeGee]

Thankyou for the additional feedback on your experiences. Definitely confirmed that the 2rd row controls and 3rd row vents are very important for our needs. Thanks.

[INter674]

Used the AC on the D4 for the first time down here in Tassle where it hit 32 degs.

Had the car for 3 weeks but never needed to use it as the D4 is the first car I've had which provides consistent cool air even when the outside temp is 22 degs.

And the AC is also really really cold. .much colder then I expected meaning no need to run the fan flat out.

Rear AC must be even more impressive....but can't see it needed in Tassie😎

[shanegtr]

My D3 has the rear A/C unit, kids in the 3rd row have never complained about being too hot even in the Pilbara summer

[BeeGee]

Thanks all. I ended up purchasing a 2014 XXV with 4 zone aircon with the vents to the 3rd row. Very happy.