The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl gets 24 MPG combined. This isn’t a vehicle bought for saving gas; it’s for those who want open-air fun and a unique look over fuel efficiency. Buyers accept this fuel economy as the cost of owning a stylish droptop SUV that’s distinctive, though not that practical. They probably own other, more sensible vehicles, or live in a city where fuel costs aren’t the biggest worry.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for the 2018 Evoque Convertible. The lower city number is due to stop-and-go traffic, the engine working to move the vehicle’s weight (around 4,300 lbs), and using the air conditioning, which you’ll want with the top down on sunny days, and the highway number is better because the 9-speed automatic transmission selects the best gear for cruising. Expect that figure to drop if you often drive above 70 mph since the convertible SUV’s aerodynamics get worse at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is an average, so your fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, where you buy gas, and the gasoline grade you use. Land Rover suggests premium fuel, which will raise your annual gas costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect around 24 MPG in everyday driving. If you mostly drive in the city, expect the high teens or low 20s. Highway driving, if you drive carefully, might get close to the EPA’s 29 MPG estimate. Driving fast, using the turbocharger often, and driving with the top down at high speeds will all hurt your mileage. For more information about all Land fuel economy data please click through this link.

How it compares

The Evoque Convertible is unique, so direct comparisons are hard. Looking at other small luxury SUVs gives some context. A 2018 BMW X1 gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined, which is better. A 2018 Audi Q3 gets 23 MPG combined, which is a bit lower. Even a slightly larger SUV, like the 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 (non-hybrid), gets around 25 MPG combined. These vehicles aren’t convertibles, but they get better fuel economy for buyers watching their ROVER MPG across all years, further information available here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L turbocharged engine in the Evoque Convertible works best with smooth acceleration. Avoid quick bursts of speed and try to see traffic changes ahead to avoid braking. A gentle driving style will help your fuel consumption a lot.

Check your tire pressures often. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Look at the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the right tire pressure for your Evoque Convertible.

Think about how your roof position affects fuel economy. Driving top-down is fun, but it makes the aerodynamics worse, especially at higher speeds. Keeping the top up on long highway trips can improve fuel efficiency.

Take out extra weight. Removing extra items from the trunk can slightly improve fuel economy. Every pound adds up and takes more energy to accelerate, especially since the car is already heavy.

On the highway, if possible, use cruise control. Keeping a constant speed helps fuel consumption. Watch traffic and turn off cruise control if it might make driving unsafe.