2020 Land Rover Discovery
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- 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, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,846 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2020 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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), including a hybrid version 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), 22% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- New hybrid version
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Discovery →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Nitra, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Discovery configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISCOVERY | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 72.8 in | 115 in | 66.5 / 66.5 in | 4,846 lb | 47/53 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +22% | $4,150 | 448 |
| Discovery Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -11% | $3,900 | 427 |
| Discovery Sport MHEV Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -11% | $3,900 | 422 |
| Discovery | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 500 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery.
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Land Rover Discovery (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Aug 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V668000 · 32,687 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Jun 17, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V457000 · 1,383 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
- Risk
- A vehicle that shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ground stud, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 10, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N607.
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 › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Nov 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V694000 · 11,084 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
- Risk
- If the vehicle shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving there could be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ground stud, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Land Rover's number for this recall is N400.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jan 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V053000 · 34 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020 Discovery vehicles. The second row seat frame assembly may be missing fasteners, resulting in a seat frame with insufficient strength.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the seats may not properly secure the occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row seat frame, tightening the bolts properly, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N422.
Not every 2020 Land Rover Discovery is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Land Rover Discovery buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,836 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Discovery years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Discovery | 21 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 Discovery | 21 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 Discovery | 21 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2023 Discovery | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 7 |
| 2022 Discovery | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 11 |
| 2021 Discovery | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 11 |
| 2019 Discovery | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 39 |
| 2018 Discovery | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 37 |
| 2017 Discovery | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 55 |
| 2016 Discovery | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2015 Discovery | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Land Rover. How we calculate this →