16 MPG combined. The official EPA figure for the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR immediately shows this isn’t a vehicle purchased for saving money. It’s for buyers who prioritize raw power, a commanding presence, and the Land Rover badge, and who likely own multiple other vehicles with very different purposes.

City and highway performance

The Range Rover Sport SVR is rated at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the demands placed on its supercharged 5.0L V8 engine. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic constantly requires bursts of acceleration from this engine, which inherently diminishes fuel efficiency. On the open road, maintaining highway speeds is less taxing, but the vehicle’s considerable weight and less-than-aerodynamic shape still prevent it from achieving stellar fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while smooth and responsive, can only do so much to mitigate the engine’s thirst when paired with a heavy, performance-oriented SUV.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that you’ll spend $3,600 per year fueling a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR. This figure is based on an assumed 15,000 miles of driving annually, with a blend of city and highway miles that approximates typical driving habits. It also assumes national averages for fuel prices. In areas with higher than average gas prices, or for drivers logging significantly more than 15,000 miles per year, the actual fuel cost will be considerably higher. This expense is part of the ownership experience for those drawn to the SVR’s unique blend of luxury and performance.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test for fuel economy, real-world driving often deviates. Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and extended idling will all negatively impact fuel consumption. Careful driving techniques can slightly improve the numbers, but expecting to consistently exceed the EPA estimates is unrealistic. Factors like ambient temperature, tire pressure, and even the grade of fuel used can also subtly influence fuel economy.

How it compares

Competitors in the performance SUV segment offer a range of fuel economy figures. The BMW X5 M, for example, delivers about 15 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is similarly rated at 15 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined. While these numbers might appear marginally superior, the differences are often negligible in real-world driving, and it’s unlikely that a potential SVR buyer will be swayed by a 1 or 2 MPG difference. These buyers are prioritizing performance and exclusivity.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Range Rover Sport SVR isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, you can still take steps to minimize consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The supercharged engine responds immediately to throttle inputs, so a lighter foot will make a difference. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed will also help.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which can improve fuel economy. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure specific to your vehicle. A simple tire pressure check is an easy way to get some extra miles from each tank.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine run while stationary consumes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine when stopped for extended periods, such as waiting in a parking lot or at a long traffic signal. The SVR’s responsive engine starts quickly, without much delay.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to better fuel economy. Set the cruise control at a reasonable speed that allows for safe and efficient travel, and factor in elevation changes which can effect performance.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Ensure that oil changes, air filter replacements, and other scheduled maintenance are performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. See all Land fuel economy data and ROVER MPG across all years.