19 MPG combined won’t top any fuel economy charts, but for the 2024 Land Rover Discovery MHEV 3.0L 6-cyl, it’s a figure many buyers accept. This vehicle isn’t about prioritizing efficiency. It’s a Land Rover, promising luxury, capability, and classic British design. Discovery buyers want three rows of flexible interior space and off-road potential. They often expect sacrifices, including at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Discovery MHEV gets 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This shows the drivetrain struggles in stop-and-go traffic and at lower speeds. The Discovery is heavy, and even with the mild-hybrid assist, it takes energy to move that weight repeatedly from a standstill. On the open road, the 3.0 liter inline-six can perform better, and fuel economy benefits from consistent speeds and less aggressive acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps optimize efficiency at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Land Rover Discovery MHEV is $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember this is an estimate. Your personal fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. More aggressive drivers will likely exceed this figure, while those who do mostly highway driving at consistent speeds might get close to, or even slightly better than, the estimate.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the Discovery depends heavily on driving style. Expect figures lower than 19 MPG if you frequently drive off-road, tow, or navigate congested city streets. However, maintaining consistent highway speeds and using a light touch on the accelerator might yield slightly better results.

Keep in mind that tire pressure, ambient temperature, and cargo weight also impact fuel economy.

How it compares

The Discovery’s fuel economy is in the middle of the three-row luxury SUV class. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its inline-six, gets a combined 23 MPG, a noticeable advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC, another inline-six competitor, manages 22 MPG combined. The V8-powered Lexus GX 550 is expected to achieve around 17 MPG combined. So, prospective Discovery buyers must consider their priorities.

Do they prioritize saving money on less gas, or are they willing to accept lower MPG for the Land Rover’s off-road capabilities, design, and brand? For those interested in maximizing fuel efficiency, alternatives from Volvo or Acura may be better. Explore all Land fuel economy data to compare across vehicle types, or dive into ROVER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Discovery’s mild-hybrid system helps with fuel economy, but its effectiveness depends on how you drive. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions negate the benefits of regenerative braking and put extra strain on the engine. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible for the system to operate efficiently.

Tire pressure is important. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any non-essential items, especially heavy objects stored in the cargo area. Excess weight forces the engine to work harder, consuming more fuel.

Use the Discovery’s driving modes carefully. While the off-road modes are helpful in challenging terrain, stick to Eco or Comfort modes for everyday driving to optimize fuel efficiency. Select the appropriate mode for the conditions and avoid leaving it in a performance-oriented mode unnecessarily.

Consider the impact of aftermarket accessories. Roof racks, larger tires, and other modifications can negatively affect the Discovery’s aerodynamics and increase its weight. Choose accessories designed to minimize their impact on fuel economy.