X1 vs Discovery Sport
Both the X1 and the Discovery Sport sit in the subcompact luxury suv class, and BMW and Land Rover are clearly watching each other. The Discovery Sport is up against it here: the X1 wins 2 of the 4 areas on our scorecard, with fuel economy & range as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X1 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X1 has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 28 mpg against 20 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the X1. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The X1 has better highway fuel economy
The Discovery Sport gives up a lot on fuel economy (highway): 23 mpg, compared with 33 mpg on the X1. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The X1 has better city fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The X1 brings 24 mpg to the table; the Discovery Sport brings 19 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The X1 has 26 lb-ft more torque
A narrow win for the X1. With 295 lb-ft to 269 lb-ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
A modest lead on engine & performance belongs to the X1. The X1 steps ahead thanks to 26 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the X1 is the safer choice.
Torque
X1: 295 lb-ft Discovery Sport: 269 lb-ft The X1’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
X1 leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the X1 is the stronger of the two. On its side, the X1 has better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Net result: the X1 leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
X1: 28 mpg Discovery Sport: 20 mpg The X1 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
X1: 33 mpg Discovery Sport: 23 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the X1 and the Discovery Sport part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 246 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X1 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 20 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 23 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 269 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Discovery Sport if…
- you already use other Land Rover products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X1 or the Discovery Sport?
On the specs compared here, the X1 makes more sense for most buyers; the Discovery Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the X1 and the Discovery Sport. Honestly, better fuel economy on the X1 does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the X1 brings better city fuel economy.
If engine & performance is your thing, the X1 fits. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters more, the Discovery Sport makes more sense.
My pick: the X1.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.