Landy Labs Guide – Land Rover Discovery 5 (L462)

Model Overview

The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery (L462) was unveiled in 2016 and went on sale as a 2017 model. It replaces the LR4/Discovery 4 and shifts to Land Rover’s aluminium-intensive D7u architecture, shared with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. This means a unibody (monocoque) structure instead of the old body-on-frame design, cutting weight by up to hundreds of kilograms compared with the previous generation while adding refinement and safety.^1,2

Discovery 5 is a three-row, family-focused SUV with serious off-road hardware: permanent four-wheel drive, a twin-speed transfer case (on most 4x4-spec models), air suspension on many trims, and Terrain Response 2. It is available in five- and seven-seat layouts, plus commercial variants in some markets.^1,3

Key Specs (Quick Reference)

Platform: Aluminium monocoque on Land Rover’s D7u architecture (shared with Range Rover and Range Rover Sport).^1,2
Drive: Front-engine, permanent 4WD, 8-speed automatic, single- or twin-speed transfer case depending on spec.¹
Seating: 5 or 7 seats (depending on configuration and market).¹
Wading depth: Up to 900 mm (about 35 in) with the appropriate off-road setup.^3,4
Towing capacity: Up to around 8,201 lb (3,720 kg) when properly equipped in many markets.^5,6

Engine Range (Varies by Market & Model Year)

Petrol / Gasoline:

Si6 / 3.0L Supercharged V6: Early models in markets such as North America (around 340–355 hp).^6,7
P300: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine (~300 hp) on later models.⁸
P360: 3.0L mild-hybrid inline-six petrol on updated models in some regions.

Diesel (mostly outside North America):

TD4 / SD4: 2.0L four-cylinder Ingenium diesels (different output levels).⁹
TD6: 3.0L V6 diesel (around mid-250 hp, strong torque).^6,10
D250 / D300: 3.0L mild-hybrid inline-six diesels on later facelifted models.

Exact engines and outputs vary by year and region, so confirm via VIN or official brochure for a specific vehicle.

Dimensions & Weights (Typical Discovery 5)

Figures vary slightly by model year, trim and wheel size, but these are representative.

Overall length: ~4,956–4,970 mm (≈195–196 in).^3,4,11
Wheelbase: ~2,923 mm (≈115 in).^3,11
Width (without mirrors): ~2,007–2,073 mm; around 2,220 mm including mirrors.^3,11
Height: ~1,846–1,888 mm (≈72.7–74.3 in) depending on suspension and roof options.^3,11,4
Ground clearance (off-road mode): Up to around 283 mm (≈11.1 in).^3,12
Curb weight: Roughly ~2,200–2,400 kg (≈4,850–5,300 lb) depending on engine and equipment.^11,6

Cargo & Seating

Seats: 5, 5+2, or 7 full seats depending on configuration.^1,3
Cargo volume: With all rows down, EU measurements put total capacity over 2,000 L (70+ cu ft) in many specs.¹¹

Off-Road Capability

Architecture: D7u aluminium structure with independent suspension all round.^1,2
4WD systems: Single-speed Torsen-based center differential on some models; optional twin-speed transfer case with low range on others.¹
Terrain Response 2: Modes for grass/gravel/snow, mud-ruts, sand, rock crawl and Auto mode that self-selects.¹
Wading depth: Up to 900 mm with appropriate setup.^3,4

Maintenance Intervals

Factory / Book Intervals

Discovery 5 (L462) maintenance documentation lists main service intervals of around 16,000 miles (26,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, for many engines and markets.^13,14 Some dealer literature describes the overall Land Rover schedule around 16,000 miles / 1 year as a baseline, with some items (like oil changes) possibly recommended more frequently depending on driving style.

Real-World Specialist Recommendations

Independent Land Rover specialists often suggest shorter oil-change intervals, especially for vehicles that tow, see lots of short trips, or are used off-road. A common pattern is:

Engine oil & filter: 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–16,000 km) or annually.
Differential & transfer case fluids: Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km), or sooner for heavy towing/off-road use.
Automatic transmission service: Often suggested around 60,000–80,000 miles even where not strictly specified.
Brake fluid: Typically every 2–3 years.
Coolant system checks: At each service; full coolant changes based on the owner’s manual interval or if any component is replaced.

Always check the owner’s manual or official online schedule by VIN for the correct interval for the exact engine and market, especially to maintain warranty coverage.

Known Failures & Common Issues (Discovery 5)

The Discovery 5 improves in some areas over earlier models, but it still has recurring themes that show up in owner reports and buying guides. These don’t affect every truck, but they’re worth knowing about.

1. Air Suspension Problems

What: As with many modern Land Rovers, owners and independent repair shops report air suspension issues: leaking air springs, valve blocks, and failing compressors.^15,16,1
Symptoms: “Suspension fault” warnings, vehicle sagging overnight, slow height changes, or a compressor that runs constantly.
Buyer tip: Cycle through height modes on a test drive, check for level stance after parked, and scan the vehicle for stored suspension fault codes.

2. Water Leaks – Windscreen, Sunroof & Door Seals

What: Multiple used-buying guides and owner reports mention leaks from the panoramic sunroof, windscreen bonding and door seals on some Discovery 5s.^17,18,19
Symptoms: Damp carpets, wet A-pillars or headliner, water trails by the dash, or condensation inside.
Why it matters: Water ingress can damage electronics in the dash or A-pillars if left unattended.¹⁷
Buyer tip: Check footwells and around the windscreen for staining, and ask if any windscreen or sunroof leak repairs were done under warranty.

3. Engine Issues (Especially Some Ingenium Diesels)

Timing chain stretch: Reports and technical write-ups note timing chain problems, particularly on some early 2.0L Ingenium diesels (2017–2020-era). Symptoms can include rattling on cold start, loss of performance or fault codes. Serious cases can lead to major engine damage if ignored.²⁰
Turbocharger issues: Less common but documented, with symptoms like loss of power, whistling noises, blue smoke and check-engine lights. Often linked to lubrication issues or contaminated oil.²⁰
Cooling system: Radiator, hose and water pump problems are also listed among common Discovery issues; leaks can lead to overheating if unnoticed.^20,11

4. Electronics & Infotainment

What: Owner surveys and reliability write-ups frequently mention glitches with infotainment, sensors and electrical systems on Discovery 5s, though many are resolved by software updates or warranty repairs.^16,11,19
Symptoms: Frozen or slow touchscreens, random warning lights, camera or parking sensor faults, or intermittent keyless entry issues.
Buyer tip: On a test drive, check every electronic function: cameras, PDC, HVAC, seat controls, phone connectivity and navigation. Ask for proof of software updates.

5. General Reliability Context

Independent reviews often place the Discovery 5 mid-pack or below average in reliability surveys for large seven-seat SUVs, with particular criticism around trim and electronics, but not necessarily catastrophic drivetrain failures in most cases.^20,9 The wider Land Rover brand scores poorly in some brand reliability rankings, which colours expectations.²¹ Good maintenance and timely repair of early issues make a big difference to long-term ownership.

What to Look For When Buying a Discovery 5

Full service history: Look for evidence of regular oil changes and dealer or specialist servicing at the correct intervals, especially on Ingenium diesel engines.
Check for water ingress: Inspect carpets (front and rear), the area around the A-pillars and headliner near the sunroof for damp or staining.
Air suspension health: Confirm the vehicle raises and lowers quickly, sits level after parking, and shows no suspension warnings.
Cold start & engine noise: Listen for timing-chain rattle on cold start on 2.0L diesels; watch for smoke, misfires or warning lights.
Electronics test: Test all screens, cameras, sensors, windows, mirrors, seats and climate control. Check for any stored fault codes if possible.
Towing & off-road history: If fitted with a tow bar, ask about what it towed and how often. Look under the vehicle for off-road scrapes or corrosion.

FAQs

What years is the Discovery 5 (L462) built?

The fifth-generation Discovery (L462) was revealed in 2016 and went on sale as a 2017 model. It remains in production with a mid-cycle refresh launched around 2020/2021 that updated the interior and engine range.¹

Is the Discovery 5 still good off-road?

Yes. Despite the move to a unibody structure, the Discovery 5 keeps a low-range transfer case (on twin-speed models), optional locking rear differential, air suspension with substantial ground clearance and Terrain Response 2 with multiple off-road modes. Its wading depth of up to 900 mm and 4x4 hardware place it among the more capable family SUVs on sale.^1,3,4

How much can a Discovery 5 tow?

Many Discovery 5 models are rated to tow up to about 8,201 lb (3,720 kg) with the factory towing package, depending on engine and market. Some four-cylinder versions may be rated slightly lower. Always check the VIN plate and owner’s manual for the exact rating on a specific vehicle.^5,6

What are the official service intervals?

Factory schedules for Discovery 5 typically specify main services roughly every 16,000 miles (26,000 km) or 12 months, though dealer advice and owner practice often lean toward shorter oil-change intervals for hard use. Always follow the schedule given in the owner’s manual or digital service record for your engine and region.^13,14,18

Is the Discovery 5 reliable?

Discovery 5 owners report a mix of experiences. Some have largely trouble-free trucks, while others have had to address water leaks, air suspension problems or electrical faults. Independent guides tend to rank the model below average for reliability, but note that many issues are fixable and often covered early on under warranty. Careful pre-purchase checks and good maintenance are key.^16,17,20,21

Interesting Facts & Trivia

Platform shift: Discovery 5 is the first Discovery built on an aluminium monocoque chassis (D7u), significantly lighter than the old ladder-frame LR4/Disco 4.^1,2
Size jump: Its footprint is close to an Audi Q7, with nearly 5.0 m of length and over 2.2 m width including mirrors.¹¹
Manufacturing move: Production moved from the UK to Land Rover’s plant in Nitra, Slovakia, in 2019.^1,7
Terrain Response 2 Auto: The “Auto” mode can choose surface settings itself based on sensors, rather than the driver selecting a mode manually.¹
Return of the name: Discovery 5 marked the return of the “Discovery” badge in North America, replacing the LR3/LR4 naming convention.¹

Always confirm exact specifications, capacities and maintenance schedules for a specific Discovery 5 using its owner’s manual or an official Land Rover source.