XT4 vs Discovery Sport
The XT4 and the Discovery Sport compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Cadillac and Land Rover each making its case. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 1 of 4 areas go to the XT4, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range XT4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.9
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
- 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
-
The XT4 has better fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the XT4 is in a different league: 26 mpg, next to 20 mpg for the Discovery Sport. The XT4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The XT4 has better city fuel economy
For fuel economy (city), the XT4 leads by a wide margin: 24 mpg versus 19 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The XT4 has better highway fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 29 mpg to the Discovery Sport’s 23 mpg, the XT4 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Side by side, the engine & performance figures for the XT4 and the Discovery Sport barely differ. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Fuel Economy & Range
XT4 leads
The Discovery Sport has a tough time in the fuel economy & range section, where the XT4 pulls well ahead. The XT4 comes with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the XT4 is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
XT4: 26 mpg Discovery Sport: 20 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
XT4: 24 mpg Discovery Sport: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the XT4 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The XT4 and the Discovery Sport match each other closely in this area. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the XT4 and the Discovery Sport list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 235 hp | 246 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 48.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | XT4 | Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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 XT4 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (26 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 23 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Discovery Sport if…
- you trust Land Rover and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XT4 or the Discovery Sport?
On the specs compared here, the XT4 makes more sense for most buyers; the Discovery Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The XT4 from Cadillac and the Discovery Sport from Land Rover go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the XT4 brings better fuel economy. Beyond that, better highway fuel economy gives the XT4 another edge.
For fuel economy & range, the XT4 fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Discovery Sport is the better match.
My pick: the XT4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.