16 MPG combined isn’t going to excite anyone looking for Prius-like fuel efficiency. The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover 5.0L 8-cyl wasn’t designed for maximum MPG. This is a vehicle for those who want a commanding view, strong off-road performance, and a luxurious experience above all else. Fuel economy, isn’t the highest priority for the typical Range Rover buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Range Rover with the supercharged 5.0L V8 are 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. This difference shows the engine’s power delivery: it takes considerable gas to get this heavy vehicle moving from a stop, which lowers city mileage. Once at speed on the highway, the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in an optimal range, which improves fuel efficiency when cruising at a constant speed. However, trying to use the engine’s power, even on the open road, will cause highway numbers to drop.

Annual fuel cost

Fueling the supercharged V8 in this Range Rover will impact your yearly budget. The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Remember that premium fuel is required, which increases the cost compared to vehicles that use regular gasoline. Your fuel costs may be higher or lower based on location, driving habits, and fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often changes. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and idling will hurt fuel consumption. But gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic, and longer highway drives can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Many owners find they achieve slightly worse than the stated mileage, but specific conditions and driving style determine observed fuel economy. Checking ROVER MPG across all years may help you get a clearer picture of typical fuel economy.

How it compares

The Range Rover’s fuel economy is predictably low, especially compared to other luxury SUVs. The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i, with its 4.4L V8, achieves 17 MPG combined. A comparable Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e plug-in hybrid, while more expensive, offers superior fuel economy, especially for city commutes, with a MPGe of 43 combined. Also an Acura MDX gets a combined 22 MPG. These comparisons matter, even to Range Rover buyers. While they may not be only concerned about fuel savings, they know the competitive landscape and want to understand the trade-offs of owning a vehicle of this size.

Explore all Land fuel economy data to understand how each of their models compares.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid idling. The supercharged V8 consumes a lot of fuel when stopped. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engine start/stop systems in some vehicles can help, but this Range Rover doesn’t have that.

Monitor your tire pressures. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressures monthly, and adjust them to the manufacturer’s settings. If you plan to off-road, airing down the tires affects gas mileage on the way home.

Anticipate traffic. Look ahead and adjust your speed. Avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration, as these actions waste fuel. Smooth driving is key to maximizing efficiency in any vehicle, especially in a powerful SUV like this Range Rover.

Reduce weight. Extra weight reduces fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy objects. Every extra 100 pounds affects fuel consumption. Which is noticeable when already driving a heavy SUV.