2017 Land Rover Discovery

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 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
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
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
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2017 standard SUV (18.5 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 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.

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), 24% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 18.5 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2017

  • New diesel version
  • Engines added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Discovery →

Dimensions & weight

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

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+24%$4,150448
Discovery Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S9)4-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-4%$3,750406
Discovery3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-3%$4,550500
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.5 MPG2017 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery.

Similar 2017 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Land Rover Discovery (this car)23 MPGNot rated3
2017 Porsche Cayenne22 MPGNot rated2
2017 BMW X525 MPGNot rated6
2017 Cadillac Escalade17 MPG★★★★★2
2017 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated3
2017 Volvo XC9025 MPGNot rated7
2017 Audi Q722 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (3)

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.
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.
Electrical System › Software · May 23, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V337000 · 1,917 vehicles

Problem
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery vehicles. The fuel gauge on these vehicles may indicate that the fuel level is low and illuminate the warning lamp, when the fuel tank actually has more fuel. The engine management software may also cut off the engine when the vehicle has traveled approximately 17 more miles.
Risk
If the engine were to shut off, it can cause loss of power brake assistance. An engine stall would cause a loss of drive power. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update to correct the fuel level reading, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N206.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Land Rover Discovery is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

55Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
25,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System18
Unknown Or Other13
Engine13
Visibility/Wiper9
Power Train6
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Structure › Body4
Visibility › Windshield4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/12: 122/01: 422/03: 122/04: 122/05: 122/10: 122/12: 223/01: 123/02: 123/03: 123/06: 123/08: 223/10: 623/11: 124/02: 124/03: 124/04: 124/10: 125/03: 125/05: 125/08: 225/10: 126/02: 126/09: 121/1222/0422/1223/0323/1024/0325/0325/10max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Land Rover Discovery buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 9 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 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 2017 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
2018 Discovery23195.7 inNot rated437
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 →