Two of Land Rover's most‑enquired V6 diesels, head to head. One is the older 2.7‑litre, the other the more powerful 3.0‑litre. Both have known failure risks, but which is the better buy in 2025? Here's the honest verdict.
The 306DT 3.0 V6 is the better engine for most buyers — more power, better refinement, and fitted to newer, more desirable vehicles. However, the 276DT 2.7 V6 is cheaper to replace and still a solid choice in older Discoveries and Range Rover Sports, provided you address its known oil pump risk.
Full spec comparison, cost of ownership, and which engine to choose for your situation below.
| 276DT (2.7 V6) | 306DT (3.0 V6) | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2.7‑litre V6 | 3.0‑litre V6 |
| Power (approx.) | 190–211 bhp | 245–306 bhp |
| 2025 UK Enquiries | 700 [EM-VERIFIED] | 980 [EM-VERIFIED] |
| Reconditioned S&F | £5,000–£7,500 | £6,500–£9,500 |
| R&R Labour | 14–18 hrs | 15–20 hrs |
| Defining Failure | Oil pump housing failure | Crankshaft bearing failure |
| Best For | Discovery 3, early Sport — lighter duty | Discovery 4, Range Rover, Sport — heavy duty |
For most buyers, the 306DT is the stronger choice. It generates significantly more enquiries in our data [EM-VERIFIED], reflecting its widespread use in newer, higher‑value vehicles. The extra power and torque make a real difference in heavier SUVs, and the 306DT's refinement is noticeably better. However, the 276DT is not without merit — it's cheaper to replace, and its oil pump failure, while serious, is often caught before catastrophic engine damage if you listen for cold‑start knock. In a Discovery 3 or early Sport, the 276DT is perfectly adequate and more affordable to run. For a Range Rover or late‑model Discovery 4, the 306DT is the engine the vehicle was designed for.
The 276DT is the 2.7‑litre V6 diesel, fitted primarily to the Discovery 3, early Range Rover Sport L320, and some Jaguar models. It produces around 190–211 bhp and 440 Nm of torque, which is adequate but feels less urgent than the 3.0‑litre. Its main documented weakness is oil pump housing failure, where the tensioner mount can crack, leading to oil pressure loss and rapid engine destruction [PATTERN DATA]. Typical mileage for this failure is 80,000–140,000 miles. Repair costs are significant: an oil pump replacement can be £1,500–£3,000, and a full engine replacement (if the pump fails completely) can run £5,000–£7,500 [EM-QUOTE]. The 276DT is simpler and has fewer emissions systems than later engines, which can be an advantage for long‑term ownership. Full specs and reliability info on the 276DT Knowledge Centre.
The 306DT is the 3.0‑litre V6 diesel, available in TDV6 (245 bhp) and SDV6 (306 bhp) forms. It's fitted to Discovery 4, Range Rover L405, Range Rover Sport L494, and later vehicles. It offers significantly more torque (up to 700 Nm) and better refinement, making it the preferred choice for heavier, more luxurious models. Its defining risk is crankshaft bearing failure, caused by fatigue of the tin‑aluminium coating on the bearings [PATTERN DATA], typically between 80,000 and 140,000 miles. A bottom‑end rebuild costs £5,500–£7,000, while a full reconditioned engine is £6,500–£9,500 [EM-QUOTE]. Early cold‑start knock is the prime warning sign. Despite this, the 306DT's popularity and the value of the vehicles it powers mean replacement is ✅ Safe in most cases. More details on the 306DT Knowledge Centre and the dedicated 306DT Crankshaft Bearing Failure page.
The overall cost of ownership depends heavily on the vehicle the engine is fitted to, but we can isolate engine‑specific costs. The 276DT is cheaper to replace by roughly £1,500–£2,000, and its simpler design means routine servicing (oil, filters, belts) is slightly less expensive. Fuel economy is similar, with the 276DT often returning 28–30 mpg and the 306DT around 27–29 mpg in real‑world driving – the difference is marginal. The 306DT's additional power and torque come with higher insurance groups and slightly higher VED for some years. However, the 306DT is typically found in newer, higher‑value vehicles, which affects depreciation and resale. Over five years, the 306DT's superior performance and desirability may offset its higher replacement cost, especially if you avoid a catastrophic failure. For a detailed decision, our ownership cost calculator can help you model your specific vehicle and mileage.
Go 276DT — it's the engine the vehicle was designed for, and the lower replacement cost makes sense for these older, lower‑value cars. Just budget for an oil pump inspection.
Choose the 306DT. The extra power and refinement are essential for these heavier vehicles, and the risk of bearing failure is manageable with good service history.
276DT wins — cheaper parts, lower labour hours, and a generally simpler engine. If you can live with less power, it's the more economical choice.
Both can last over 150,000 miles with care. The 306DT's better parts support (being more common) may make it easier to maintain in the future, but the 276DT's simplicity is an advantage for DIY owners.
Whichever you choose, the repair vs replace framework and the ownership cost calculator can help you decide whether to fix or move on when the bills arrive.
Neither is perfect. The 276DT has an oil pump housing weakness; the 306DT has a crankshaft bearing risk. Both can be reliable with diligent maintenance, but the 306DT's failure is more catastrophic when it occurs. Many specialists consider the 306DT slightly more robust overall, provided the oil is changed frequently.
The 276DT is cheaper – reconditioned supply and fit is £5,000–£7,500 versus £6,500–£9,500 for the 306DT, mainly due to lower parts cost and slightly less labour.
For most buyers in heavier vehicles, yes. The extra torque and refinement make a big difference in daily driving and towing. The improved performance and resale value often justify the higher replacement cost.
It can, but the 306DT is better suited. The 306DT's extra torque (600–700 Nm vs 440 Nm) makes towing heavy loads more effortless and reduces strain on the engine. If you tow regularly, the 306DT is the smarter choice.
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