2018 Land Rover Discovery

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Land Rover Discovery
Pictured: 2018 Land Rover Discovery Luxury HSE TD6 3.0 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
DISCOVERY
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
254–340 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5–7
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
4,846 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2018 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,846 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 23% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Discovery — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Discovery →

Trims, performance & features

Engine254–340 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine–5.0L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

HSEHSE LuxurySE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Solihull, United Kingdom (Uk) · Dearborn, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Discovery configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
DISCOVERY195.7 in78.3 in72.8 in115 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,846 lb47/53

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Discovery Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)4-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+23%$4,150448
Discovery Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 22-5%$3,750395
Discovery Sport (286 Hp)2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-5%$3,750402
Discovery3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-4%$4,550500
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery.

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Land Rover Discovery (this car)23 MPGNot rated4
2018 Porsche Cayenne22 MPGNot rated1
2018 BMW X525 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Cadillac Escalade17 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2018 Volvo XC9027 MPGNot rated3
2018 Audi Q721 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (4)

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jun 1, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V393000 · 29,861 vehicles

Problem
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function may fail to properly latch the rear passenger doors, which can result in the doors opening while driving. In addition, the instrument cluster open-door warning light may fail to alert the driver of this condition.
Risk
Rear passenger doors that open while driving can increase the risk of a crash. An instrument cluster warning light that fails to alert the driver about unsecured doors can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will disable the UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N798.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · Feb 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V117000 · 26,805 vehicles

Problem
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The Auto High Beam (AHB) system does not indicate through the instrument cluster when the high beams are illuminated automatically. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The driver may be unaware that the high beams are illuminated, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N556.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 12, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V143000 · 1,553 vehicles

Problem
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Discovery vehicles equipped with low line headlight assemblies. When towing a trailer with the trailer lights connected to the trailer socket and the vehicle's Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on, the trailer lights may not function.
Risk
If the trailer lights are not working, following traffic won't be aware the vehicle is slowing down or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N428.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · Sep 13, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V625000 · 86 vehicles

Problem
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018 Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system may be disabled without warning the driver that the system is not functional.
Risk
If the AEB does not intervene when needed, without warning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began October 17, 2018. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837, Option 9. Land Rover's number for this recall is N227.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Land Rover Discovery is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

37Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
15,288 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train8
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other8
Engine6
Structure › Body6
Visibility/Wiper4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/03: 419/04: 119/10: 119/12: 220/12: 121/03: 122/01: 122/02: 122/04: 122/07: 123/03: 223/07: 123/08: 224/01: 224/02: 124/09: 125/01: 325/02: 125/04: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 126/07: 126/08: 119/0319/1222/0122/0723/0824/0925/0426/03max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Land Rover Discovery buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,288 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Discovery years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Discovery21195.3 inNot rated11
2025 Discovery21195.3 inNot rated20
2024 Discovery21195.3 inNot rated58
2023 Discovery22195.7 inNot rated67
2022 Discovery21195.7 inNot rated611
2021 Discovery21195.7 inNot rated611
2020 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated619
2019 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated439
2017 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated355
2016 Discovery22–Not rated05
2015 Discovery22–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Land Rover. How we calculate this →