19 MPG combined isn’t going to win the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover 3.0L 6-cyl any fuel economy awards. But let’s be honest, the Venn diagram of Range Rover buyers and hypermilers has virtually no overlap. This is a vehicle purchased for its imperious presence, its unmatched off-road pedigree draped in Savile Row tailoring, and its ability to effortlessly transport occupants in quiet comfort. Fuel efficiency, while not entirely ignored, is substantially lower on the priority list. People who buy Range Rovers are willing to pay for the experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway for the 2017 Range Rover equipped with the 3.0L supercharged V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. These numbers reflect typical driving conditions, meaning a mix of stop-and-go traffic and sustained cruising speeds. The city figure highlights the penalty paid for the vehicle’s considerable weight and the engine’s need to work harder in urban environments. The highway figure, while better, still lags behind many competitors, because of the aerodynamic challenges presented by the Range Rover’s upright design. Understanding these figures allows a prospective buyer to realistically assess their fuel consumption based on their driving habits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover 3.0L 6-cyl at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s estimate of national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs with other vehicles, but it’s important to remember that individual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices and personal driving habits. If you live in an area with higher fuel prices, or if you frequently engage in aggressive driving, you can expect to spend more. This underscores the importance of considering your unique circumstances when evaluating the total cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, terrain, and even tire pressure can influence consumption. Owners report a range of fuel economy numbers. Some struggle to achieve the EPA estimates in demanding city driving or when frequently using the vehicle’s towing capabilities. Conversely, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic flow may see figures closer to or even slightly exceeding the highway estimate. It’s prudent to approach the EPA numbers as a guideline, understanding that individual results may differ.

How it compares

In the realm of luxury SUVs, the 2017 Range Rover’s fuel economy positions it amidst a mixed bag. The BMW X5 xDrive35i, with its turbocharged inline-six, boasts a slightly better 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC, powered by a twin-turbo V6, achieves a similar 19 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Cayenne, a performance-oriented SUV, can achieve a comparable 19 MPG combined in its base V6 configuration. These comparisons matter to the Range Rover buyer because while they prioritize luxury and capability, they’re not completely immune to the realities of fuel costs.

The existence of more efficient alternatives underscores the Range Rover’s willingness to prioritize other attributes over outright fuel savings. Prospective buyers can review ROVER MPG across all years to understand the vehicle’s historic gas mileage.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Range Rover’s supercharged engine responds well to smooth, deliberate inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions significantly increase fuel consumption. Focus on maintaining a steady speed and anticipating traffic flow to minimize the need for sudden changes in momentum. This conscious driving style can lead to noticeable improvements in fuel economy, especially during city driving.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure, especially during temperature changes, to maintain optimal efficiency and handling. This simple maintenance task can have a disproportionately positive impact on fuel economy.

Whenever feasible, use the Range Rover’s “Eco” driving mode. This mode typically adjusts throttle response and transmission behavior to prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. While it might slightly dampen the vehicle’s responsiveness, it can contribute to meaningful fuel savings, particularly during highway cruising. Experiment with this mode to determine if the trade-off in performance is acceptable for your driving style.

Limit the use of accessories that draw heavily on the vehicle’s electrical system, such as air conditioning and heated seats. These features place an additional load on the engine, requiring it to burn more fuel. Use them judiciously, opting for natural ventilation or layering clothing when appropriate. By minimizing electrical load, you can subtly reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing comfort entirely.

Consider route planning to avoid congested areas and stop-and-go traffic. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, so minimizing time spent in gridlock can yield significant savings. Explore alternative routes or adjust your commuting schedule to bypass peak traffic periods. A little planning can save both time and fuel. Further resources such as all Land fuel economy data are available online for research.