23 MPG combined is a reality check for anyone cross-shopping the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 2.0L. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its frugality. It’s purchased for its style, its brand cachet, and the promise of light off-road capability. The fuel economy is simply the price of entry for a certain echelon of SUV ownership.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide separate figures for city and highway driving, giving a more specific view of the Velar’s fuel consumption. The city rating lands at 20 MPG, a figure that reflects the stop-and-go inherent in urban environments. The Velar’s weight and standard all-wheel drive system contribute to this number. On the open road, the highway MPG climbs to 26. This is where the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder can stretch its legs, benefiting from steady speeds and reduced acceleration demands. However, bear in mind that a heavy foot or consistently exceeding posted speed limits will quickly erode this figure.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 2.0L at $2,500. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. It’s crucial to understand that this is just an estimate. Individual driving habits and local fuel prices can significantly impact your actual spending. Someone who primarily does short trips in the city will likely spend considerably more, while someone who mostly commutes on the highway might see a lower annual cost. This number serves as a useful benchmark, but should not be taken as a guaranteed expense.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides valuable data, real-world fuel economy often differs. The Velar’s official numbers are achievable under ideal conditions, but several factors can influence your MPG. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips where the engine doesn’t reach optimal operating temperature, and carrying extra weight can all negatively impact fuel consumption. Terrain also plays a role.

Hilly or mountainous areas will demand more from the engine, leading to lower MPG. Expect that even under reasonably conscientious driving, the Velar’s real-world MPG will likely fluctuate around the official figures, perhaps a few MPG lower on average.

How it compares

The luxury SUV segment offers several alternatives, each with its own fuel economy profile. The Acura RDX, for example, typically achieves a combined MPG of around 23-24, roughly on par with the Velar despite it also being a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and smaller footprint. Some variants of the BMW X3, such as the sDrive30i, can achieve closer to 25-26 MPG combined, offering a slight advantage in fuel efficiency. The Lexus NX 350h hybrid achieves significantly better numbers, often exceeding 35 MPG combined. These comparisons matter to Velar buyers because while fuel economy isn’t *the* deciding factor, it’s rarely irrelevant. Knowing that the Range Rover sacrifices some efficiency for its aesthetic and off-road aspirations helps manage expectations.

Before deciding, be sure to view all all Land fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Velar’s automatic transmission has eight gears, use them. Avoid aggressive acceleration and let the transmission shift smoothly through the gears. Hard acceleration wastes fuel, especially with the four-cylinder engine working harder to overcome the vehicle’s weight.

Maintain proper tire inflation. The correct tire pressure is listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. A simple tire pressure check can make a noticeable difference.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the Velar adds weight, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Remove any items you don’t need to improve MPG, especially for city driving.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that cruise control may not be ideal in hilly areas, where it can sometimes lead to excessive downshifting and increased fuel consumption.

Take advantage of the Velar’s driving modes. While it is unknown if the Velar has an “Eco” mode that optimizes fuel efficiency, consider researching the vehicle’s manual or infotainment system to see if such a mode exists. It is worth researching ROVER MPG across all years to see if alternative engines improve efficiency.