Land Rover Discovery reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Land Rover Discovery is a large suv; the latest version we cover is the L462 (2017–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 132 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 105 of 442, and 25.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (3.9% of tests). Boot space is 922 litres (1,997 with the seats folded).
Land Rover Discovery key specs (L462 (2017–), 5-door SUV)
Price new
£69,540 to £83,940
Boot
922 litres (1,997 seats folded)
Seats
7
Size (L × W × H)
4,956 × 2,073 × 1,888mm
Power
350 PS
0–62mph
6.3 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2017)
2017 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the October 2026 price list. Sources: landrover.co.uk, rules.config.landrover.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 105 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 12 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 131,841 Land Rover Discoverys aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 25.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Land Rover Discovery is 24% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 14.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
25.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
14.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
10,300
Typical age at test: 10 years
Land Rover Discovery MOT failure rate by age
Most common Land Rover Discovery MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.9% of tests
- Position lamp: not working2.1% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.6% of tests
What the Land Rover Discovery fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 8.5% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Suspension | 8.0% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Brakes | 7.5% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Tyres | 5.0% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Body and structure | 4.9% | About average |
| Visibility | 3.3% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.8% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Steering | 1.6% | ▼ 44% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.4% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 46% less often |
How big is the Land Rover Discovery's boot?
The L462 (2017–) Land Rover Discovery has 922 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,997 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare.
What MPG does the Land Rover Discovery do?
Official economy for the Land Rover Discovery ranges from 16.9 to 44.8mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2023). A typical petrol version manages 26mpg and a typical diesel 35.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Land Rover Discovery?
Any Land Rover Discovery first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A Land Rover Discovery registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carLand Rover Discovery specs and running costs
Official figures for 54 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2023.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
16.9–44.8 mpg
CO2
165–397 g/km
Power
240–306 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 5-seat240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Diesel | 34.1 mpg | 217g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 7-seat240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Diesel | 33.6 mpg | 221g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 5-seat306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Diesel | 31.9 mpg | 232g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 7-seat306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Diesel | 31.5 mpg | 235g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Petrol 300PS AWD Auto 5-seat300 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Petrol | 26.2 mpg | 244g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Petrol 300PS AWD Auto 7-seat300 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2023 | Petrol | 25.8 mpg | 247g | £200 | 37% |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 5-seat HIGH240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 5-seat LOW240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 7-seat HIGH240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Diesel 240PS AWD Auto 7-seat LOW240 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 5-seat HIGH306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 5-seat LOW306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 7-seat HIGH306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 3.0 V6 Diesel 306PS AWD Auto 7-seat LOW306 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – | – |
| Discovery 2.0 i4 Petrol 300PS AWD Auto 5-seat HIGH300 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 54 versions.
What a Land Rover Discovery costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 26mpg…
- diesel, typical official 35.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Land Rover DiscoveryBuying a used Land Rover Discovery?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Land Rover Discovery with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Land Rover models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Land Rover Discovery reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Land Rover Discovery is 24% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 132 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Land Rover Discovery?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 3.9% of tests.
›How big is the Land Rover Discovery's boot?
The L462 (2017–) Land Rover Discovery has 922 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,997 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare.
›What MPG does the Land Rover Discovery do?
Official economy for the Land Rover Discovery ranges from 16.9 to 44.8mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2023). A typical petrol version manages 26mpg and a typical diesel 35.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Land Rover Discovery?
Any Land Rover Discovery first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A Land Rover Discovery registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
›How many Land Rover Discoverys fail their MOT?
25.4% of Land Rover Discoverys aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 14.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Land Rover Discovery combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.