20 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 3.0L 6-cyl. It’s not great, frankly. This isn’t a vehicle purchased by those hyper-focused on saving at the pump. The Velar commands attention, broadcasts a certain lifestyle, and delivers a uniquely British blend of style and capability. Its buyers prioritize design and brand cachet over efficiency, accepting middling fuel consumption as the price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The difference between these numbers isn’t vast, hinting at the Velar’s reality. It’s a heavy vehicle, weighing over 4,500 pounds in this configuration. The supercharged 3.0L V6, while producing a healthy 380 horsepower, requires premium fuel to deliver that performance. Expect the city figure to be especially sensitive to driving style. A heavy foot will see that 18 MPG drop rapidly, turning stop-and-go traffic into an expensive hassle. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. However, on the open road, it still needs to work hard to overcome the Velar’s weight and aerodynamic compromises required by its striking design. Reaching that 24 MPG requires disciplined cruising.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 3.0L 6-cyl is $2,900. This estimation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a presumed mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average price of premium gasoline when the EPA testing was conducted. Several factors can change this result. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles, your fuel costs will change. Regional gasoline prices fluctuate considerably, as does the difference between regular and premium fuel. Those variations directly impact the annual fuel expense. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, and neglected maintenance could easily push this figure higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy with the 2018 Velar often falls short of the official numbers. Owners on online forums report averages closer to 17 MPG in mixed driving. The Velar invites spirited driving with its responsive engine and comfortable ride, and that takes a toll on fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system, while invaluable in inclement weather, contributes to increased fuel consumption. Short trips and cold starts may also lower gas mileage. These conditions characterize suburban life, the Velar’s natural habitat. Achieving the EPA’s 20 MPG combined figure becomes challenging for the average owner. A driver behind the wheel conservatively and predominantly on the highway could see better numbers, but that’s likely not typical for this vehicle.

How it compares

The Velar isn’t alone in its thirst for fuel within the luxury SUV segment. The Porsche Macan S, with its 3.0L V6, achieves a similar 19 MPG combined. The BMW X3 M40i, offering comparable performance from its inline-six, manages a slightly better 23 MPG combined. Stepping up to larger SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 nets you around 21 MPG combined, though you’re dealing with a significantly larger vehicle. The Acura MDX, with its focus on practicality, beats them all at 22 MPG combined but lacks the Velar’s undeniable panache.

These comparisons highlight the inherent trade-offs. Style and performance versus fuel economy. The Velar buyer is willing to sacrifice MPGs to stand apart from the crowd, prioritizing aesthetics and the Land Rover badge.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resisting the urge to constantly unleash the supercharged V6’s full potential can benefit fuel economy. The Velar encourages spirited driving, but gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed on the highway will noticeably improve your mileage. Use the adaptive cruise control whenever possible on longer drives. Its smart acceleration and braking avoids the erratic pedal inputs that waste fuel.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure that your Velar’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires noticeably increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel.

Minimize idling time. Modern engines consume fuel even when stationary. If you are stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, making this habit easy to adopt.

Consider tire choice when replacing your tires. Opting for low-rolling-resistance tires can yield a small but measurable improvement in fuel economy. These tires are designed to reduce friction, allowing the vehicle to roll more freely and requiring less energy to maintain speed. See all Land fuel economy data here.

Careful route planning can affect fuel consumption. If you know your route in advance, consider alternative routes that avoid congested areas and lengthy stop-and-go traffic. Steady state driving yields better fuel results. You can view ROVER MPG across all years here.