The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L 4-cyl gets 22 MPG combined. This isn’t a Prius. If you want the best possible gas mileage, you probably wouldn’t be considering a compact SUV with off-road capabilities and a Land Rover badge. The Discovery Sport appeals to buyers who want some adventure, some luxury, and the confidence to tackle tough situations, and they’re willing to spend more on gas for it. They accept the MPG as a tradeoff for the vehicle’s personality and capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Discovery Sport gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the 2.0L turbocharged engine (shared with other Jaguar Land Rover products) works harder due to the vehicle’s weight and city driving conditions. The highway figure is not class-leading; many competitors, even those with all-wheel drive, can achieve highway ratings in the low 30s. The Discovery Sport’s upright design and ground clearance hurt its aerodynamic profile, impacting fuel economy at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0L 4-cyl is $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and fuel prices. It provides a point of comparison and helps to illustrate the financial implications of owning this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized rating, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who frequently engage the Discovery Sport’s off-road capabilities, use its towing capacity, or often encounter heavy traffic should expect figures closer to the lower end of the EPA range, or even slightly below.

Those who primarily drive on open highways at moderate speeds might see results closer to the 26 MPG highway rating. Driving style also plays a role; aggressive acceleration and hard braking will decrease fuel economy.

Check out all Land fuel economy data to see trends over time.

How it compares

The 2016 Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is worse than many of its competitors. The Acura RDX (FWD) achieves 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The BMW X3 xDrive28i gets 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The Volvo XC60 T5 AWD comes in at 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway.

These differences can add up significantly over a year, impacting the overall cost of ownership. These competitors often lack the Discovery Sport’s off-road capability. Consider the ROVER MPG across all years to put this in perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds reduce fuel economy. Strive for smooth, gradual acceleration and maintain a consistent speed. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart easily, and avoiding prolonged idling can improve fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Lighten the load. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. Consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers when they are not in use, as they create aerodynamic drag.

Regular maintenance is important for good fuel economy. Ensure your vehicle receives scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.