Summary
The Land Rover Discovery is a large seven-seat SUV. The current version was launched in the UK in early 2017 and is branded as the fifth-generation model, although it is really the third major iteration in the Discovery’s 30-year history.
The latest Discovery is also no longer built in the UK, as production shifted to Slovakia in 2018 (so it doesn’t get our “Best of British” badge).
The Land Rover Discovery has received a broad range of scores from the UK motoring media, ranging from below average to outstanding. Despite generating such diverse opinions, the Discovery is currently (as of July 2023) ranked a point behind the venerable Volvo XC90, and two points behind its sister seven-seat SUV, the Land Rover Defender.
The Discovery has received particular praise for its combination of on- and off-road ability, as well as its interior comfort and practicality. However, it has been criticised for its polarising rear styling, reliability issues and expensive price tag compared to rivals.
Poor reliability has long been a sore point for Land Rover in general, and the Discovery in particular. Latest information suggests that it’s certainly not getting any better – in a 2021 reliability survery, What Car? rated the Discovery as the second-most unreliable new car on sale, and it finished in the same lowly place in 2022. Full details in our ‘Reliability rating’ section below.
At the end of 2020, the Discovery received a mid-life facelift that consisted of upgraded engines, much-improved infotainment system and minor styling tweaks.
As of October 2024, the Land Rover Discovery has a New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 57%. Despite reasonable media reviews, the Discovery scores fairly poorly everywhere else. Its safety rating has expired due to age, while running costs and reliability are some of the worst in our database.
Discovery highlights
- Talented on and off the road
- Practical and polished interior design
- Leisurely driving experience
- Roomy cabin
- Improved infotainment
Discovery lowlights
- Expensive when compared to rivals
- Very poor reliability record over many years
- Cumbersome in urban areas
- Poor fuel economy
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £60,540 on-road
Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic S
Score: 7 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery will do pretty much anything you could ever need, and in considerable comfort. But the driving experience is fairly average and the fuel economy is poor. And then there’s the issue of historically poor reliability.”
Author: Stuart Masson
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
“The Discovery is a hugely compelling package – it’s hugely comfortable, unbeatable off-road, spacious and premium.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Land Rover Discovery is the most capable yet, blending the unrivalled off-road ability and toughness of the company’s previous 4x4s with a considerably better on-road driving experience and greater efficiency.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery remains our favourite seven-seat 4×4 if you do need proper space for seven people. It’s spacious, as quiet as a luxury car and now boasts one of the best infotainment systems in the business.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 10 / 10
“The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best all-round family cars money can buy.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The lack of a plug-in hybrid option like the Volvo may be a disappointment for some but, in all other regards, the Discovery is a class act.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic D300 Metropolitan
“The Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition doesn’t bring any kit that anyone strictly needs, but if you need seven seats and prefer its looks to the Defender’s (have a word…), it will play the Range-alike role even more convincingly than the regular R-Dynamic HSE upon which it builds.”
Read review
Model reviewed: D300 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“Facelifted Disco 5 offers almost all the Defender’s off-road ability yet is sweeter on the road.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“It won’t be for everyone – but for those who have a use for its Amazon-wide range of abilities, it’s a brilliant and unrivalled product.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic Landmark
Score: 8 / 10
“It seems that with the advent of the new, posher Defender, the Land Rover Discovery makes more sense. While that doesn’t necessarily mean Land Rover will sell any more, I still think it deserves more attention because it is an excellent all-round proposition.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SD4 HSE Luxury
Score: 8 / 10
“The big Disco will still win the hearts and minds of many middle-class families for a long list of reasons. It’s hugely capable, almost as comfortable as the old one, requires little effort from whoever’s behind the wheel and feels as much at home at a country park as Kensington High Street.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 9 / 10
“The Discovery is already a superb package – it’s a superb long-distance cruiser, is incredibly practical and has a fantastic interior. For drivers who don’t do that many miles, this petrol version could also be ideal with its punchy nature, and it makes it an interesting alternative to the typical diesel models.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery is a premium SUV offering lots of space, ability and surprising fuel-economy, but it doesn’t come cheap.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery is hugely practical, feels very posh inside and is one of the best off-roaders you can buy, but it’s not as good to drive as some German alternatives.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.9 / 10
“The looks aren’t perfect, likewise emissions and rear-seat access, but otherwise the Land Rover Discovery is better than ever. And the previous version was darned good.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic TD6 HSE Luxury
Score: 10 / 10
“The dashing new Discovery is so awesome in every way, it may have knocked the Range Rover off its perch.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo
Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 7 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery has impressive new diesel engines; tech also vastly improved.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery 5 is better on road than ever before with no compromise off it.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic TD6 HSE Luxury
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Discovery has to be one of the world’s most capable all-round vehicles. It’s luxurious on the road, it seats seven, and it’s extremely capable off road.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic TD6 HSE Luxury
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Land Rover Discovery has to be one of the world’s most capable all-round vehicles. It’s luxurious on the road, it seats seven, and it’s extremely capable off-road. You’re left with the feeling that whatever the weather or the environment throws at it, everything would be fine.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re after a high-quality, go-anywhere family SUV that can cope with everything you can throw at it, the Land Rover Discovery is pretty much perfect.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic TD6
“Land Rover has managed to retain the distinct character of the Discovery – especially in the way it drives – but added a premium feel. The interior is much improved and now feels like it belongs in a car at this price. Because it’s not cheap.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range Review
Score: 10 / 10
“If you’re after a high quality family SUV that can cope with everything you can throw at it – the Land Rover Discovery is pretty much perfect. Others may handle better in corners, but nothing can match the all-round ability of the Discovery.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“A great combination of space, practicality and brilliant off- and on-road ability.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review
“The Land Rover Discovery 5 has built on the “go anywhere” DNA of its forefathers and added more curves, glamour, comfort and clever tech for the modern family.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: TD6 3.0-litre diesel automatic HSE Luxury
Score: 6 / 10
“If you are a casual off-roader, the old Disco made a bit of sense, but this new one’s too plush and too fragile. And if your heart is set on a Land Rover, there’s the Range Rover Evoque, the good-looking and appealing Range Rover Velar and the proper and still brilliant Range Rover.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“This is an excellent large seven-seat SUV that combines luxury and off-road ability better than any of its rivals. However, there are some reliability problems, and if you never need venture off the beaten track, the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 might be the more sensible choice.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: 5
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery is a heroically talented go-anywhere, do-anything family SUV. Just be sure you *need* this much space and ability.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The consummate big family SUV. Spectacular off-road, now better on it, but is it just too Range Rover for its own good?”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Land Rover Discovery is hugely capable and very desirable, and equally at home both on road and off it. Just bear in mind an Audi Q7 is better to drive, plusher inside and cheaper, too.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 73%
Notes on safety rating
The Land Rover Discovery was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Discovery to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of October 2024, the Land Rover Discovery has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 891
Average repair cost: £1530.93
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
Like most Land Rovers, the Discovery has earned an abysmal reputation for reliability. As of October 2024, it has a shockingly bad reliability rating of 12% – one of the lowest scores of any car we currently track. Our data is provided to us from workshop and warranty records from our partner, MotorEasy. This applies to both this generation of Discovery and earlier generations.
In addition to being unreliable, the average repair cost for a Discovery when something goes wrong is very high at more than £1,500. In particular, engine issues are an expensive problem, with an average repair bill of more than £4,800.
However, it’s not just our data that paints the Discovery in a bad light. In 2022, a reliability study from What Car? rated this generation of Discovery as the second-worst new car on sale and worst luxury SUV (Land Rovers filled all three bottom places on the luxury SUV table). Land Rover was also the second-worst brand for reliability, ahead of only Jeep.
If you own or are considering buying a used Land Rover Discovery, we’d strongly recommend a used car warranty that covers all of the potential trouble spots shown in the charts above.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Land Rover Discovery
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/255
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 11/2023 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 259
Defect: The incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Remedy: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/145
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 09/2020 to 01/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 5,105
Defect: The manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/044
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 08/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 499
Defect: For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0-litre vehicles, a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn’t been fully drilled. As a result, the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Remedy: The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.
Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/222
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 12/2021 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 2,981
Defect: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2021/436
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 10/2018 to 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 669
Defect: The rubberised low-pressure fuel feed hose assembly may have been incorrectly routed during manufacture.
Remedy: Inspect the low-pressure fuel feed hose assembly and if misrouted replace the assembly.
Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/333
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 08/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 509
Defect: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the occupancy detection sensor system (ODS) installed.
Remedy: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/229
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 11/2019 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 3,323
Defect: Due to insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis the vehicle may exhibit various electrical faults.
Remedy: Replace the earth stud with a bespoke aftermarket specification part.
Date: April 2021
Recall number: R/2021/137
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 11/2020 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 4,002
Defect: The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Remedy: Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.
Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2020/378
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 09/2020 to 10/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 115
Defect: The fixing for the left hand side (LHS) 3rd Row Seat Belt upper anchorage may not be installed to the required specification.
Remedy: Inspect the rear (3rd row) seat belt anchorage fixing and the rear trim and replace the fixing if necessary.
Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2020/324
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 09/2018 to 08/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 10,040
Defect: Insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis.
Remedy: Replace the earth stud with a modified part.
Date: February 2020
Recall number: R/2020/027
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 09/2019 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 10
Defect: Second row seat fixings missing.
Remedy: Replace the second row seat frame and ensure the fixings are tightened correctly.
Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/049
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 03/2015 to 07/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 4,779
Defect: Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.
Remedy: Update the vehicle software to the latest version.
Date: January 2019
Recall number: R/2019/013
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 10/2018 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 219
Defect: The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may fracture due to a production specification error.
Remedy: Replace the crankshaft pulley centre retaining bolt with one that has been manufactured to the correct specification.
Date: September 2018
Recall number: R/2018/243
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 11/2017 to 03/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 24
Defect: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature will not be available.
Remedy: On affected vehicles download the latest software to the vehicle.
Date: March 2018
Recall number: R/2018/036
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 05/2016 to 01/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,537
Defect: The brazing of the fuel rail end caps is inconsistent and may not correctly seal the fuel rail ends. Fuel vapour and liquid fuel leaks can occur over time. This can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the fuel rail with a correctly manufactured version.
Date: May 2017
Recall number: R/2017/145
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 02/2017 to 03/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 836
Defect: The fuel return hose may leak. Increased fuel odour may be noticed and drivers may also observe liquid fuel puddles underneath the vehicle. It is possible that fuel may leak onto the road surface which can present a skid hazard to other road users increasing the risk of a crash. Should leaking fuel come into contact with a sufficiently hot surface in the engine bay there will be an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fuel return hose.
Date: January 2017
Recall number: R/2016/289
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 07/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 4,964
Defect: The engine wiring harness of the 2.0-litre engined vehicles fitted with automatic transmission may have been incorrectly routed which may allow the wiring harness to contact the water charge air cooler bracket. Engine vibration can cause a chaffing condition where the outer sheathing of the cable can wear through and expose the wires of the engine harness. Depending on the orientation of the wires within the harness then damage to wires can result in electrical arcing and a short circuit. This condition can also result in the illumination of a warning light on the instrument panel loss of the electronic steering system engine cut out without warning melting of the cable sheathing and surrounding parts. Also in extreme circumstances it can cause an under-bonnet fire.
Remedy: All affected vehicles will be recalled to inspect the clearance between the engine harness and water charge air cooler bracket. If the clearance is not to the correct specification the wiring harness will be repositioned and secured to ensure the specified clearance is achieved. If the engine harness shows signs of chafing the engine harness will be repaired re-positioned to ensure the correct specification.
Date: December 2016
Recall number: R/2016/307
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 07/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 452
Defect: It has been identified by the air-bag manufacturer that the air-bag initiator generant mix ratio does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to non-deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the passenger.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bag with a new quality assured component.
Date: December 2016
Recall number: R/2016/290
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 03/2016 to 08/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 343
Defect: It has been identified that clamp bolt of the front lower control arm to knuckle fixing may have been incorrectly torqued/tighten this can cause a premature fatigue failure and possible separation of the joint. The driver will receive a warning in the form of noise a ABS warning light on the vehicles instrument panel or the misalignment steering wheel. In addition this is an early life failure. However if the driver does not heed the warning signs then the control the vehicle can be effected which can lead to an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the affected front lower control arm to knuckle fixing and apply the correct torque. Some vehicles require recall remedy actions to one side only others to both sides of the vehicle.
Date: June 2016
Recall number: R/2016/132
Model types: All Discovery models
Build dates: 05/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 81
Defect: Due to a nonconformity of production the driver’s airbag may not deploy correctly and may not provide protection as intended.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace driver’s airbag.
As of October 2024, there have been 20 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the current-generation Land Rover Discovery, addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Land Rover dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Discovery, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Land Rover Discovery has received
2021
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Seven-Seater
2020
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Luxury SUV
- What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV under £60K
2018
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Luxury SUV
- News UK Motoring Awards – Dog-Friendly Car of the Year
2017
- Scottish Car of the Year
- Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year
- Tow Car Awards – Tow Car of the Year
2016
- Tow Car Awards – Best Tow Car, 1,900kg + category
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Land Rover Discovery, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q7 | BMW X5 | Genesis GV80 | Land Rover Defender | Lexus RX | Maserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Range Rover Sport | Tesla Model X | Toyota Land Cruiser | Volkswagen Touareg | Volvo XC90
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Land Rover Discovery at The Car Expert
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