16 MPG combined requires justification for any modern vehicle, but the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport FFV 5.0L 8-cyl mostly gets away with it because of its clear mission. This isn’t a car for hypermilers; it’s for those who want British luxury, reliable off-road capability, and the authoritative grunt of a supercharged V8, even if it means frequent trips to the gas station. Those who want to squeeze every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel probably aren’t considering a Range Rover Sport.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Range Rover Sport FFV with the 5.0L V8 at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures show hauling around a vehicle of this size and weight, especially one with a powerful engine that encourages spirited driving. The city MPG suffers from stop-and-go traffic and the engine’s thirst for fuel under acceleration, while the highway MPG benefits slightly from more consistent speeds, although aerodynamic drag remains a significant factor at higher velocities. The 8-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but physics prevails. See all Land fuel economy data.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport FFV 5.0L at $3,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using a national average fuel price. It’s a significant expense that prospective owners should carefully consider. However, for those who value performance, luxury, and capability over absolute fuel efficiency, this cost is often a necessary trade-off for the ownership experience. ROVER MPG across all years can vary significantly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2015 Range Rover Sport FFV 5.0L can vary based on driving habits and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent off-roading, towing, or prolonged idling will all negatively impact fuel consumption.

However, gentle driving, careful route planning to avoid traffic congestion, and consistent highway cruising can potentially nudge the numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates, although exceeding the 19 MPG highway figure consistently would be difficult.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the 2015 Range Rover Sport FFV 5.0L’s fuel economy is at the lower end. For example, the BMW X5 xDrive50i from the same year, with its 4.4L V8, manages a combined 17 MPG. The Porsche Cayenne S achieves around 20 MPG combined. Even the supercharged V6 version of the Range Rover Sport offers a noticeable improvement, delivering around 19 MPG combined.

This comparison matters because buyers often consider a blend of performance and prestige, and while the Range Rover Sport excels in the latter, its fuel economy can be a point of contention against rivals that offer similar power with better efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The supercharged V8 is tempting, but every hard launch comes at a significant fuel penalty. Gradual acceleration and maintaining steady speeds will make a substantial difference in fuel consumption.

Monitor tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated, as specified on the doorjamb sticker, is a simple way to improve efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which directly impacts fuel economy. Remove any items from the vehicle that aren’t essential to minimize the load on the engine.

Plan routes strategically. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and congested areas can prevent excessive idling and frequent acceleration, both of which hurt fuel economy. Using navigation systems to find the most efficient routes can save fuel on every journey.

Consider the driving mode. While the Dynamic mode unleashes the full potential of the supercharged engine, the standard driving mode optimizes for fuel efficiency. Using the right driving mode for the situation can improve fuel economy.