16 MPG combined isn’t going to excite fuel economy enthusiasts. However, for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover SVA with its rumbling 5.0L supercharged V8, it’s almost irrelevant. This isn’t a vehicle people buy to save gas. It’s a statement, an experience, and a supremely capable machine for those who prioritize power, luxury, and off-road abilities over trips to the gas station. Consider this fuel consumption a tax to enter a very exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Range Rover SVA put city driving at 14 MPG, a number that will likely feel right in stop-and-go traffic. The supercharged V8 needs a steady flow of premium fuel, and creeping along in urban environments won’t help. On the open road, the SVA does a little better, getting 19 MPG on the highway. This is possible when cruising at a constant speed, but quick acceleration or high speeds will lower that number quickly. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps overall efficiency, but it can only do so much against the engine’s power and the vehicle’s heavy weight.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover SVA will be $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving. It assumes national average fuel prices, which can change a lot based on location and time of year. If you live in an area with high fuel costs, or if you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, expect to pay even more to keep this beast fed.

Real-world expectations

Real life often differs from EPA estimates, and the Range Rover SVA is no exception. Expect your real-world MPG to change based on driving style, terrain, and even tire pressure. Those who often the vehicle’s performance, or who spend a lot of time in busy city environments, will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. However, those who mainly use the vehicle for highway cruising may get slightly better results. Tire pressure is especially important because a few PSI loss will increase rolling resistance and can hurt your mileage.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance luxury SUVs, the Range Rover SVA’s fuel economy is predictably low. The BMW X5 M, with its 4.4L twin-turbo V8, gets a slightly better 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is similar, rated at 15 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. The Cadillac Escalade ESV, though larger, delivers similar numbers. These differences can matter for some buyers, but those drawn to the SVA often prioritize its unique mix of luxury, ability, and brand appeal over minor MPG advantages.

For buyers who want a more efficient version of the Range Rover, the diesel-powered models provide a far superior MPG, or consider a Range Rover PHEV for the best efficiency. Those who want even more Land Rover fuel economy data can view all Land fuel economy data here and/or browse ROVER MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Range Rover SVA isn’t very fuel-efficient, there are still steps you can take to improve your MPG. Avoid quick starts and stops, because the supercharged engine consumes much more fuel under heavy acceleration. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed when you can.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, lower fuel economy, and drastically affect handling. Regularly check your tire pressure, especially when the temperature changes.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel and avoid the very low MPG from idling.

Remove extra weight. Taking excess cargo from the vehicle reduces the load on the engine and improves fuel economy. Every extra pound uses more energy to move.