The official EPA combined fuel economy figure for the 2022 Land Rover Discovery MHEV with its 3.0L inline-six engine is 21 MPG. This isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it reflects the reality of a large, luxurious SUV designed to blend on-road comfort with genuine off-road capability. Discovery buyers prioritize space, versatility, and the Land Rover badge, accepting the associated fuel costs as the price of entry.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Land Rover Discovery MHEV achieves 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s work needed to haul the Discovery’s weight from stoplight to stoplight. The highway number demonstrates that it can deliver reasonable efficiency when cruising at a steady speed. This spread is typical for larger SUVs; aerodynamics and weight play a significant role at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Land Rover Discovery MHEV at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that individual driving habits, local fuel costs, and the grade of gasoline used can all impact this number. Owners who do mostly city driving or have a heavy foot may find themselves exceeding this estimate, while those who prioritize highway miles and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques could potentially lower their annual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy inevitably varies. The Discovery’s mild-hybrid system (MHEV) provides some electric assistance, primarily smoothing out stop-start events and supplementing the engine during initial acceleration to improve throttle response. However, it does not offer significant electric-only driving range. Expect that aggressive acceleration to merge onto the highway or pass slower vehicles and frequent off-road excursions where extra thrust is needed will impact fuel economy. The average owner will likely see figures close to the EPA estimates with mindful driving, but deviations are certainly possible.

How it compares

The Land Rover Discovery competes in a crowded segment of luxury SUVs. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its similar inline-six engine, manages 23 MPG combined, making it a slightly more fuel-efficient choice. A Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC, also with a mild-hybrid inline-six, achieves 22 MPG combined. The Acura MDX, with its non-hybrid V6, lands around 21-22 MPG combined. The Volvo XC90 B6 also lands around 22 MPG combined. These figures demonstrate that the Discovery’s fuel economy is competitive within its segment, but not class-leading. Buyers often trade a few MPG for the Discovery’s superior off-road pedigree and distinctive British styling. See ROVER MPG across all years to compare models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Land Rover Discovery’s MHEV system benefits from smooth, predictable driving. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions negate the efficiency gains provided by the electric assist. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Ensure that your Discovery’s tires are properly inflated, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and negatively impact efficiency. Also, keep up with scheduled oil changes and other maintenance items to keep the engine running smoothly. Check all Land fuel economy data for more information.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the Discovery’s already considerable weight, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items that are not essential for your daily driving to improve efficiency.

When possible, use the Discovery’s “Eco” driving mode. This mode adjusts throttle response and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can contribute to noticeable savings on longer trips.

Avoid extended idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Discovery’s stop-start system will automatically shut off the engine at traffic lights, but manually turning off the engine eliminates fuel consumption during longer waits.