19 MPG combined is the stark reality facing anyone considering a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport fitted with the thrilling, yet thirsty, 5.0L supercharged V8. Let’s be blunt: no one buys this Range Rover Sport for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its commanding presence, its off-road capability, its luxurious interior, and, of course, the addictive surge of power only a supercharged V8 delivers. The fuel bill is simply the price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Range Rover Sport 5.0L reflect a significant difference between highway and city driving. The city MPG figure is 17, a number that will rapidly decrease further in stop-and-go traffic. The Range Rover Sport’s considerable weight and the V8’s eagerness to burn fuel when accelerating contribute to this low number. On the open road, the story is slightly better with a highway rating of 22 MPG. While still not stellar, this figure is achievable if you exercise restraint, use the cruise control, and avoid aggressive acceleration. However, tempting as it may be, constant use of the supercharger will lower that number quickly. Think of it this way: the Range Rover Sport V8 is happiest when you aren’t.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0L is $3,050. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and uses the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and prevailing gas prices in your area. For drivers who spend most of their time in congested urban areas, $3,050 may be a best-case-scenario.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the Range Rover Sport 5.0L is often lower than the EPA estimates, particularly in mixed driving conditions. Blame that supercharger. Owners who frequently drive aggressively or spend most of their time battling rush-hour traffic report numbers closer to 15 MPG overall. Conversely, those who primarily use the vehicle for longer highway trips and drive more conservatively may see figures closer to the EPA’s 22 MPG highway rating. Understanding your own driving habits and typical routes is essential to accurately estimate your potential fuel costs. Don’t look at ROVER MPG across all years and think you’ll somehow get better numbers than the EPA says is possible. It’s probably not going to happen.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the Range Rover Sport 5.0L V8 is worse than most of its competitors. For example, the BMW X5 M50i, with its twin-turbo V8, manages around 22 MPG combined. Even the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, packing a similarly powerful V8, often achieves slightly better figures in real-world testing. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, known for its performance, also delivers comparable, or occasionally better, fuel economy. Buyers considering these vehicles typically understand the trade-off between performance and efficiency, but even in this segment, the Range Rover Sport falls towards the less economical end of the spectrum. Those looking for better efficiency within the Land Rover family may want to check all Land fuel economy data and compare against some of the four- and six-cylinder options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Range Rover Sport’s weight and powerful engine make it particularly sensitive to harsh driving habits. Smooth, consistent throttle inputs will significantly improve your fuel economy. Plan ahead and look far down the road to avoid sudden stops.

Regularly check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. A simple tire pressure check can make a noticable difference over the long run.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, so it’s best to turn off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let the engine run unnecessarily.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long highway drives. Avoid fluctuating speeds, as this wastes fuel. Just be sure to disengage cruise control when circumstances require active management of the vehicle’s speed.

Consider using a lighter touch on the throttle. The supercharged V8 is eager to perform, but every press of the accelerator sends fuel into the engine. Resist the urge to floor it at every opportunity, and be mindful of your driving style. Drive like you’re trying to win a fuel economy challenge, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.