20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling awards. That’s the fuel economy for the 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport. This compact SUV values capability and reliable charm over outright fuel efficiency, a trade-off many buyers accept. It caters to someone who values the Land Rover badge, the potential for light off-roading, and a degree of luxury, even if it means more trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The Discovery Sport’s EPA ratings are 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go urban driving puts a strain on any engine, and the Discovery Sport’s 2.0L four-cylinder is no exception.

The highway figure is more respectable, but the Discovery Sport’s somewhat boxy shape and permanent all-wheel-drive system create aerodynamic drag, especially at higher speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but physics plays a role.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and current fuel prices in your area. Consider $2,900 a reasonable benchmark for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a starting point, but real-world MPG often falls slightly below those numbers, especially with frequent spirited driving or towing. Terrain also matters, hilly or mountainous areas will negatively impact fuel economy. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, expect efficiency to drop further, cold weather, in particular, can significantly reduce MPG.

The best way to know? Track your own fuel consumption over time to get a true picture of what your Discovery Sport is costing you.

How it compares

Several competitors offer better fuel economy. The Acura RDX, with its 2.0L turbo engine, gets 23 MPG combined. The Lexus NX 350h hybrid achieves an impressive 39 MPG combined, a good option for those wanting less gas. You can examine all Land fuel economy data and see how the Discovery Sport compares to its siblings. The Range Rover Evoque, with the same 2.0L engine, achieves a slightly better 21 MPG combined.

This comparison matters to Discovery Sport buyers because while they want the Land Rover image, they may not want the worst fuel economy numbers in the class. Someone looking at ROVER MPG across all years will likely cross-shop within the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to your driving style. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Discovery Sport’s all-wheel-drive system is always engaged, so you can’t switch to a more efficient two-wheel-drive mode, but smoother driving will still make a difference.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo in the trunk or on the roof rack impacts fuel consumption. Remove anything you don’t need to carry regularly and consider using a cargo box only when necessary.

Consider using premium fuel. Although the Discovery Sport doesn’t require premium fuel, some report slightly improved fuel economy when using it. Experiment to see if it makes a difference for you, but factor in the higher cost of premium when calculating the overall savings.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups ensure that your engine is running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine will consume more fuel.