23 MPG combined. That’s what you’ll see when considering the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Velar 2.0L isn’t aiming for top fuel efficiency. It’s selling to buyers who prioritize design, brand appeal, and road presence, accepting a reasonable compromise in fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the Velar 2.0L’s fuel economy, reporting 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go conditions many Velar drivers encounter daily, navigating cities and suburbs. The highway number, while better, still acknowledges the Velar’s weight and permanent four-wheel-drive system, which demand more fuel than a lighter, front-wheel-drive crossover. The 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes efficiency, keeping the engine in its optimal range across varied driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,500 for the 2018 Range Rover Velar 2.0L. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, assuming a national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. Someone driving primarily in the city will likely exceed this estimate, while drivers with longer highway commutes may see slightly lower costs. If you cover fewer or more than 15,000 miles annually, adjust that $2,500 figure proportionally to get a better sense of your potential spending.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a helpful guide, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Velar 2.0L owners often report figures within a 1-2 MPG range of the official numbers, though aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling can lower the average. The Velar’s onboard trip computer provides instantaneous and average fuel economy readings, allowing drivers to monitor their consumption. Use these tools to understand how your driving style affects your efficiency and make adjustments accordingly. The Velar’s all-wheel-drive system is always engaged. There isn’t a fuel-saving “AWD disconnect” feature.

How it compares

The Velar 2.0L’s fuel economy is in the middle compared to its competitors. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, with its 2.0-liter turbo engine, achieves a slightly better 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC achieves a similar 24 MPG combined. Even the Volvo XC60 T5 AWD is rated at 23 MPG combined, matching the Velar. Opting for a Porsche Macan (base model) will result in 21 MPG combined, lower than the Velar. For those seeking better fuel efficiency within the Land Rover family, exploring all Land fuel economy data might be beneficial. The larger Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, even with their more powerful engines, don’t stray too far from the Velar’s numbers due to their added weight. However, if you are curious about ROVER MPG across all years, you can click that link.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, as these actions consume significantly more fuel. The Velar’s responsive engine can tempt drivers to exploit its power, but gentle acceleration is key to improving fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the Velar’s overall weight, negatively impacting fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, and avoid using the roof rack unless necessary, as it increases aerodynamic drag.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed optimizes fuel consumption. Be mindful of traffic conditions and adjust your speed as needed. Cruise control is most effective on relatively flat terrain.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups ensure the engine is running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine consumes more fuel and may experience reduced performance.