The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0L 8-cyl gets 16 MPG combined. Clearly, fuel efficiency isn’t the main reason people buy this vehicle. It’s a statement with the sound of a supercharged V8 and the feeling of command from behind the wheel. The Range Rover’s presence is unmistakable. Its buyers want a specific mix of performance, luxury, and off-road ability few other vehicles can match. This means making some sacrifices which, in this case, means paying more at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic and the engine’s need to overcome the Range Rover Sport’s weight. The highway number is more appealing, but drivers should still expect to stop for gas often on long trips. The supercharged 5.0L V8 is powerful and responsive, but it’s not designed to conserve fuel. It delivers effortless performance and burns premium gasoline.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0L 8-cyl. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline at the time of calculation. Remember that fuel prices change, so your actual cost may vary depending on your location and driving habits. $3,600 is a benchmark for budgeting and puts the Range Rover Sport’s fuel consumption into perspective. This is a large expense, and buyers need to consider it when estimating ownership costs. You can find all Land fuel economy data on this site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy varies. This depends on driving style, terrain, and weather. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and off-road excursions will lower your MPG. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and sticking to maintenance schedules can help you get closer to the EPA estimates, but exceeding them is not likely. Consider the EPA ratings a best-case scenario when calculating your fuel costs for ROVER MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to competitors, the 2017 Range Rover Sport 5.0L 8-cyl isn’t very efficient. The BMW X5 xDrive50i, with its turbocharged V8, gets a slightly better 17 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, another performance SUV, achieves a similar 17 MPG combined rating. Even the Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e plug-in hybrid offers higher combined rating when factoring in electric driving, but offers limited electric range. Driving the Rover over these options means prioritizing performance and brand recognition over efficiency; it reflects the Range Rover Sport buyer’s priorities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid constantly using the supercharged V8’s full power. The acceleration is addictive, but it consumes a lot of fuel. Accelerate smoothly and maintain a steady speed.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure listed on the doorjamb.

Remove extra weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, so the engine works harder and consumes more fuel. Remove items you don’t need, like sports equipment or tools.

Schedule maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs better. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; this includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections.

Don’t idle. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you expect to stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so you won’t cause wear and tear.