20 MPG combined isn’t exactly great for a compact SUV, but the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport targets a specific buyer: someone who prioritizes Land Rover’s off-road capability and on-road luxury over segment-leading efficiency. This vehicle is designed to handle weekend adventures and stylish school runs, a mission that requires a compromise in fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The Discovery Sport, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission, gets 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the fuel consumption of stop-and-go driving, which is made worse by the vehicle’s curb weight (around 4,100 pounds). The highway number is more respectable, though still not exceptional for the segment. The complex 9-speed transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but the Discovery Sport’s aerodynamic profile slows it down.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,900 for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a roughly even split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember this is only an estimate and your individual fuel costs may change depending on driving habits and fuel prices in your location. This 2.0L engine requires premium fuel, so that will increase your annual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, or consistent the Discovery Sport’s off-road capabilities will likely lower MPG figures. However, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and highway driving for longer stretches may see figures closer to, or slightly above, the EPA estimates. The Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is heavily influenced by driving style and terrain. This is not a hybrid, so do not try to hypermile your way to better numbers. Look at ROVER MPG across all years to compare similar vehicles.

How it compares

The Discovery Sport’s fuel economy is a weak spot compared to its rivals. The Acura RDX, for example, gets 22 MPG combined, while the BMW X3 sDrive30i manages 25 MPG combined. Even the Volvo XC60 T5, known for its luxury and safety, is better than the Land Rover with a combined MPG of 23. The Lexus NX 300h delivers a knockout punch with 31 MPG combined, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. The Land Rover does not compete well with fuel economy data. However, these competitors often sacrifice off-road capability for better fuel efficiency, and a buyer considering the Discovery Sport is likely accepting the MPG penalty in exchange for Land Rover’s reputation for all-terrain capability and distinctive styling.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Discovery Sport might not be a fuel-economy champion, but you can take steps to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.0L engine has plenty of low-end torque, you often don’t need to bury the accelerator to get up to speed.

Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate it to the recommended level. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. This is especially vital for a vehicle that may see some time off-road and has aggressive tires.

Minimize idling. Modern engines, including the Discovery Sport’s 2.0L, consume fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Avoid using features like sport mode when possible. It changes how the transmission behaves, resulting in quicker acceleration, but worse fuel economy because the rpms are higher.

Service the engine on time and according to factory recommendations. A poorly maintained engine or dirty air filter can noticeably impact fuel efficiency. Using the correct grade of oil is also key. The 2.0L prefers premium fuel, remember to use it.