2020 Land Rover Discovery

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 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, 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

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

Trims

LandmarkHSE LuxurySEHSE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

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

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+22%$4,150448
Discovery Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-11%$3,900427
Discovery Sport MHEV Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-11%$3,900422
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 $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Land Rover Discovery (this car)23 MPGNot rated6
2020 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated6
2020 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★11
2020 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated7
2020 Cadillac Escalade17 MPGNot rated2
2020 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2020 Volvo XC9027 MPGNot rated9

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Land Rover Discovery is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

19Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
44,836 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System7
Engine4
Unknown Or Other4
Power Train3
Visibility › Windshield2
Seat Belts › Front1
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection1
Back Over Prevention1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/05: 121/12: 122/05: 122/10: 123/07: 123/10: 124/04: 324/07: 124/12: 125/02: 125/10: 125/11: 125/12: 126/01: 126/05: 126/07: 126/10: 121/0522/1024/0425/0225/1226/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Land Rover Discovery buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,836 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
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
2019 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated439
2018 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated437
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 →