24 MPG combined won’t top any fuel economy charts, but many 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport TDV6 owners find it acceptable, considering what the vehicle offers. This isn’t a compact crossover focused solely on saving gas; it’s a luxury SUV with a reputation for off-road performance, a comfortable interior, and a powerful diesel engine. The Range Rover Sport TDV6 is for buyers who want performance, luxury, and go-anywhere ability, and are okay with slightly higher fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Range Rover Sport TDV6 gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. City driving with its frequent stops reduces fuel economy, as reflected here. The diesel engine’s torque provides strong acceleration, but frequent stops and starts always impact fuel efficiency. Fuel economy is better on the open road. The 8-speed automatic transmission lets the engine run at lower RPMs, which increases highway MPG, a real plus for long trips where the Range Rover Sport excels. This makes it a decent option for owners that do considerable highway mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,300 for this model year. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will change depending on driving style, local fuel prices, and driving type (city vs. highway). Still, this gives potential buyers a general idea of annual fuel expenses. Owners are usually aware of this cost when choosing this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy can vary. Driving fast, carrying heavy loads, and frequent off-roading will all lower fuel efficiency. Gentle acceleration, steady highway speeds, and regular maintenance can help improve it. Owners often see numbers close to the EPA estimates under normal conditions, but lower numbers are possible depending on how the vehicle is driven. If you use the Range Rover Sport mainly for commuting in a city, expect fuel economy to be on the lower end of the estimates.

How it compares

Among luxury SUVs with off-road capability, the 2016 Range Rover Sport TDV6 has typical fuel economy. The BMW X5 xDrive35d, which also has a diesel engine, gets about 25 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne Diesel has similar numbers. Gasoline engines change things, with models like the Range Rover Sport Supercharged V8 falling to the mid-teens for combined MPG. Buyers of the TDV6 often consider these alternatives, balancing diesel efficiency against the power and sound of gasoline engines. The TDV6 is often a good choice for those who want great fuel economy and torque, especially compared to the gasoline-powered ROVER MPG across all years. You can also view all Land fuel economy data for a broader look at the brand’s lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Range Rover Sport’s driving modes. The “Eco” mode, if available, optimizes the engine and transmission for maximum fuel efficiency. This usually means earlier upshifts, slower throttle response, and optimized climate control. Performance might be slightly reduced but it can improve fuel consumption, especially on long highway trips.

Maintain a steady speed and don’t accelerate or brake unnecessarily. The diesel engine’s strong torque means you don’t need to push it hard to maintain speed. Anticipate traffic, use cruise control when you can, and avoid aggressive driving to save fuel.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. This is easily overlooked.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and other services. A neglected engine will not perform as well and will use more fuel. There may be specific maintenance needs for the diesel engine that differ from gas engines.