20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any efficiency awards, but it’s what you get with the 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport. This compact SUV isn’t primarily about saving you money at the pump; it’s a blend of Land Rover’s go-anywhere capability, distinctive styling, and a touch of luxury in a relatively small package. Buyers are often willing to sacrifice a few MPGs for the brand image, off-road prowess, and upright, handsome design that Land Rover offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Discovery Sport are 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving where the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine works harder, and the vehicle’s weight becomes more apparent. The highway number is respectable, but still not class-leading. The nine-speed automatic transmission is geared for both low-speed crawling and comfortable cruising, but it’s not optimized for maximum fuel efficiency. The Discovery Sport uses a permanent all-wheel-drive system, which adds weight and rotational inertia, impacting overall MPG. The engine itself is a modern, efficient design, but its focus is on delivering usable torque across the rev range rather than squeezing out every last drop of fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed fuel price reflecting national averages. Your actual fuel costs will depend on a number of factors, including your driving habits, the type of roads you typically use, and the price of gasoline in your area. Drivers who do mostly highway miles will likely see a lower annual cost, while those who spend most of their time in city traffic could easily exceed the $2,900 estimate. This figure allows buyers to quickly compare the Discovery Sport’s fuel costs to other vehicles under consideration.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG often differs. Discovery Sport drivers report figures that are generally in line with the EPA’s estimates. Expect to see around 17-21 MPG in mixed driving, with highway trips potentially reaching 24-25 MPG if driven conservatively. Factors that can negatively impact fuel economy include aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, using roof racks, and driving in extreme weather conditions. The Discovery Sport is designed with off-pavement adventure in mind, so operating it in demanding conditions will decrease its MPG. Explore all Land fuel economy data on our site.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Discovery Sport’s fuel economy sits in the middle of the pack. The Acura RDX, for example, achieves a combined 23 MPG with its 2.0-liter turbo engine and front-wheel drive (AWD drops it slightly). The BMW X3 sDrive30i (rear-wheel drive) gets a combined 25 MPG, while the xDrive30i (AWD) manages 24 MPG. The Volvo XC60 B5, with its mild-hybrid system, achieves a combined 25 MPG as well. The Discovery Sport buyer must decide if the Land Rover’s styling, off-road pedigree, and brand image justify the slightly lower MPG compared to these competitors. For some, the trade-off is worth it; for others, efficiency might be a higher priority. Look through ROVER MPG across all years to get a good idea of how this model compares over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the easiest ways to improve your Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is to adopt a smoother driving style. Avoid hard acceleration and abrupt braking. The turbocharged engine delivers plenty of torque, so there’s rarely a need to push it hard. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace to avoid excessive fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is important for optimal fuel efficiency. Keep your tires properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Ensure that your engine air filter is clean, as a clogged filter can restrict airflow and negatively impact performance and economy. Follow the recommended service schedule for oil changes and other essential maintenance tasks.

Minimize the use of accessories that can drain power and reduce fuel economy. Air conditioning, for instance, puts a significant load on the engine. Use it carefully, especially on shorter trips. Similarly, avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove any items from the cargo area that you don’t need.

Consider using the Discovery Sport’s ECO driving mode, if equipped with it. This mode typically adjusts the engine mapping and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. It may make the vehicle feel slightly less responsive, but it can contribute to a noticeable improvement in MPG, especially during city driving. Avoid idling for extended periods, as this wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine.