Discovery Sport vs GLB
In the subcompact luxury suv class, the Discovery Sport and the GLB are natural rivals. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The GLB is ahead in 1 of 4, led by a clear margin in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Discovery Sport wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLB wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
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 GLB has better fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 28 mpg to the Discovery Sport’s 20 mpg, the GLB has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Discovery Sport has 25 hp more power
The gap on total system output is slim (246 hp against 221 hp), yet it tips toward the Discovery Sport. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The GLB has better highway fuel economy
Put simply, the GLB is far ahead here: 33 mpg compared with 23 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The GLB has better city fuel economy
The GLB’s 25 mpg leaves the Discovery Sport’s 19 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Discovery Sport leads
On engine & performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the Discovery Sport. The Discovery Sport delivers 25 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Discovery Sport.
Total system output
Discovery Sport: 246 hp GLB: 221 hp The Discovery Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLB leads
This section belongs to the GLB. In fuel economy & range, it leads the Discovery Sport by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The GLB adds better fuel economy. The GLB uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the GLB has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
Discovery Sport: 20 mpg GLB: 28 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Discovery Sport: 23 mpg GLB: 33 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Discovery Sport and the GLB differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 246 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg Thirstiest in class | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Discovery Sport | GLB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Discovery Sport if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (246 hp vs 221 hp)
- you already know your way around Land Rover’s products
Choose the GLB if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (28 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (33 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (25 mpg vs 19 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the GLB?
The GLB wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless your top priority is 25 hp more power.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Discovery Sport and the GLB are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. I’d put better fuel economy at the top of the list, and it belongs to the GLB. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the GLB has better city fuel economy. The Discovery Sport isn’t without merit: 25 hp more power is a real advantage.
In my head, the Discovery Sport is the engine & performance pick and the GLB is the fuel economy & range pick.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the GLB, unless you care more about 25 hp more power than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.