16 MPG combined is what you can expect if you buy the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport with the supercharged 5.0L V8. This isn’t a vehicle known for saving fuel. The Range Rover Sport is bought for its strong performance, high driving position, and distinctive style. Fuel economy is often a secondary concern for buyers, tolerated for the vehicle’s other benefits.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Range Rover Sport 5.0L V8 are 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The difference between city and highway MPG shows how much fuel the engine uses with frequent stops, starts, and idling. While 19 MPG on the open road is possible with easy driving, that number will drop when using the engine’s power to pass or drive at higher speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, is geared for performance rather than saving gas, which also hurts fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

Owners of this Range Rover Sport can expect to spend $3,600 per year on fuel, based on EPA estimates. This is figured from driving 15,000 miles per year, split evenly between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price when calculated. This annual cost is significant, and buyers should think about it along with the vehicle’s price, insurance, and maintenance. Gas price changes can greatly change this figure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Driving hard, short trips, cold weather, and using the air conditioning can all lower fuel economy. Expect numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, especially in cities. But, if you mostly drive on the highway and drive more carefully, you might get closer to, or even slightly better than, the 19 MPG highway estimate.

How it compares

The 2015 Range Rover Sport 5.0L V8 is among the worst for fuel economy compared to other vehicles in its class. A BMW X5 xDrive50i, with its turbocharged V8, gets around 17 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Cayenne S, also with a turbocharged V8, usually gets slightly better MPG, around 18 combined. The Cadillac Escalade, with its large V8, also uses a lot of gas, but it has much more interior space. People who buy the Range Rover Sport often want its performance, luxury, and off-road ability, which few rivals can match. For them, slightly worse fuel economy is often a worthwhile trade.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t push the supercharged V8 too hard. Accelerating smoothly and holding a steady speed, particularly on the highway, will improve fuel economy. Predict traffic and avoid quick acceleration and braking when you can. Bursts of power consume a lot of gas.

Keep your tires inflated to the pressure the manufacturer recommends. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and adjust it, especially when the temperature changes.

Avoid idling. Modern engines burn less fuel when running than when idling for more than a minute. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. This is especially true in cities with lots of traffic lights.

Consider using a fuel additive to clean fuel injectors and improve how well the engine burns fuel. Deposits can build up in the fuel system over time, lowering engine performance and fuel economy. A good fuel additive can help keep the engine running well and save gas.

Remember to explore all Land fuel economy data and the historical ROVER MPG across all years to inform your larger research. Always remember that driving in a fuel-efficient manner is the best way to save gas in any car.