16 MPG combined. Let’s be honest: that figure isn’t going to win the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR any green awards. But for the few who crave the thunderous roar of a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and the commanding driving position of a Range Rover, fuel economy is a distant consideration. This isn’t a practical choice; it’s an emotional one, and the SVR delivers on the emotional front in spades. The buyers considering the SVR aren’t cross-shopping with Priuses; they’re after a performance SUV with genuine off-road pedigree and a badge that signifies a certain status. Fuel efficiency is simply the price of admission to this exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the SVR’s weight and the energy required to repeatedly accelerate its mass from a standstill. The highway number, while still modest, benefits from the automatic transmission’s ability to select higher gears and allow the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, even on the open road, any enthusiastic application of the throttle will quickly see that 20 MPG figure plummet.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR 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 national average fuel prices. Given the SVR’s thirst for premium gasoline, that $3,600 figure could easily climb higher for drivers who rack up more miles or have a heavier foot.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized measure of fuel economy, real-world results can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, stop-and-go traffic, and even weather conditions can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Owners who frequently use the SVR’s performance capabilities or live in congested urban areas should anticipate seeing numbers closer to the 15 MPG city rating, and possibly even lower. Conversely, drivers who primarily use the SVR for highway cruising, and who exercise restraint with the accelerator, might approach the 20 MPG highway figure, but exceeding it is unlikely. Keep in mind the terrain you plan on generally driving on as this will affect whether you achieve the stated MPG. You can view all Land fuel economy data here.

How it compares

Compared to other performance SUVs, the 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR’s fuel economy sits near the bottom of the pack. The BMW X5 M, for example, is rated at 16 MPG combined, identical to the SVR, however the fuel cost may differ. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe also comes in with 16 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, known for its performance, manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined. While these alternatives offer similar levels of performance and luxury, the Range Rover Sport SVR distinguishes itself with its off-road prowess and unique British character which is why buyers will sometimes opt for the SVR over competitors. See ROVER MPG across all years for more information on the Rover brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly unleash the SVR’s supercharged power. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed on the highway and avoid unnecessary bursts of acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified on the door jamb.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The SVR’s engine is designed to restart quickly and smoothly when needed.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy items in the vehicle increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Think of this as one of the costs of carrying around the mass of an SUV built to tackle any terrain.