The 2018 Land Rover Discovery with the 3.0L supercharged V6 gets 18 MPG combined. This figure isn’t a typo, nor is it unexpected. The Discovery is designed for capability, utility, and a certain level of luxurious ruggedness first, so fuel economy is a secondary consideration for its target demographic.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery 3.0L V6 break down to 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the vehicle’s weight and the constant stop-and-go driving that plagues urban environments. The supercharged V6, while offering ample power, requires a significant amount of fuel to repeatedly accelerate its considerable mass. The highway figure is more palatable, yet still lags behind many competitors. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds, but aerodynamic limitations and the sheer size of the Discovery prevent it from achieving better numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery 3.0L V6 is $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for regular unleaded gasoline at the time of calculation. It’s a substantial amount of money to dedicate solely to fuel, a factor prospective buyers should carefully consider. These are calculations the EPA performs consistently across all vehicles, giving consumers a standardized baseline for comparison. Of course, your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your individual driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and the specific type of driving you do.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the 2018 Discovery often varies. Aggressive acceleration, frequent off-roading, and carrying heavy loads will significantly decrease fuel economy.

Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds can sometimes yield results closer to, or even slightly exceeding that 21 MPG highway estimate. The Discovery’s onboard computer provides a running average of fuel economy, which can be a useful tool for monitoring your driving habits and their impact on fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery sits in a competitive segment filled with SUVs offering varying degrees of luxury, capability, and fuel efficiency. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, for instance, achieves a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG. The Volvo XC90 T6 manages 22 MPG combined, offering similar levels of luxury and three-row capability. Even the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400, providing a comparable driving experience, achieves a more respectable 21 MPG combined. Buyers considering the Discovery must weigh its off-road prowess and distinctive styling against the less-than-stellar numbers when browsing all Land fuel economy data. Shoppers can also check out ROVER MPG across all years to see how gas mileage trends hold up.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The supercharged V6 in the 2018 Discovery responds well to smooth, deliberate throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits dramatically impact fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. The Discovery’s weight ensures it maintains momentum, so try to minimize unnecessary speed changes.

Check tire pressures regularly and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This is a quick and easy maintenance task that can noticeably improve fuel economy.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Excess cargo not only reduces fuel efficiency but also impacts handling and braking performance. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, translating directly into improved MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed and optimize fuel consumption. This feature minimizes variations in throttle input and allows the engine to operate more efficiently. However, be mindful of road conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary.