The 2017 Land Rover Discovery with the 3.0L supercharged V6 gets 18 MPG combined. Fuel efficiency isn’t the main draw. This Discovery is for a specific buyer: those who want space, go-anywhere capability, and some British style, more than saving money on premium fuel. This includes families who often go off-road, whether on snowy mountain roads or to remote campsites.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates a clear picture. The Discovery gets 16 MPG in the city. This reflects the stop-and-go driving and idling that hurts larger, heavier vehicles. The highway MPG is slightly better, at 21. That highway number can be reached on long trips with careful driving. Expect it to drop when the Discovery is full of people and gear, or fighting strong winds. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel use, but its main job is smooth and decisive shifting, not ultimate efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery 3.0L is about $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which it needs. This number is a guide for buyers, but individual costs change based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and more demanding driving.

Real-world expectations

The official numbers are a guide, but real-world MPG changes a lot. Owners often report numbers below the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving. The Discovery’s weight, four-wheel-drive system, and supercharged engine all add to its abilities, but hurt fuel consumption. Hard acceleration, frequent short trips, and long idling will all hurt your MPG. You’re getting a capable and comfortable SUV, but it will cost more at the pump.

How it compares

The Discovery’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack for luxury SUVs with real off-road ability. The Volvo XC90 T6, gets a combined 22 MPG, a more efficient option for mostly on-road drivers. However, the XC90 has less off-road capability than the Discovery. The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V8 engine often gets similar or lower fuel economy, but offers more aggressive off-road equipment at some model trims. Someone putting fuel economy first may prefer a road-focused SUV. Those needing all-terrain ability may find the Discovery’s MPG a reasonable trade-off.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Because of the Discovery’s supercharged engine, accelerate gently, especially from a stop. The supercharger delivers quick power, but uses more fuel the harder you push it. Gentle acceleration and watching traffic flow can help.

Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure your Discovery’s tires are for on-road mileage, not off-road use. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Switch to tires for lower resistance if you mainly drive on the highway.

Minimize idling. Modern engines restart easily, so turning off the engine during long stops, like at traffic lights or in parking lots, can save fuel. Even short idling adds up.

Think about the terrain response system. While it’s tempting to leave it in “Auto,” choosing the right mode for the conditions can optimize fuel economy. “Eco” mode prioritizes efficiency on paved roads. Other modes are for specific off-road environments, which may not be as fuel-efficient. Land Rover fuel economy data shows careful driving saves fuel across their lineup.

Regular maintenance is important. A well-maintained engine runs better. Have your Discovery get regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance as recommended. Skipping these can hurt fuel economy. Research ROVER MPG across all years to see if there are variations between model years.