DecodedCars2021 Land Rover Discovery
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 296–355 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,846 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 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
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-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 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 12% better than the 2021 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 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Discovery →
Trims, performance & features
Engine355 hp3.0L 6-cyl hybrid
Engine296 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
R-Dynamic SR-Dynamic HSES
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Nitra, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 436 |
| Discovery MHEV Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 435 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Land Rover Discovery (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (6)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Sep 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V599000 · 23,677 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jul 16, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V458000 · 15,535 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. Water may not be able to drain away from the rearview camera due to insufficient drain holes, which may result in damage to the rearview camera.
- Risk
- A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will drill additional drain holes in the underside of the tailgate trim. Additionally, dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D145.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jun 12, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V389000 · 250,857 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driverâs air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driverâs air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Dc/Dc Converter · Apr 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V248000 · 170,169 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
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.
Not every 2021 Land Rover Discovery is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
11Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
108,029 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Land Rover Discovery buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 108,029 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 Discovery | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 19 |
| 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 →