For those who crave the distinctive blend of style, performance, and off-road capability that defines the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 5.0L 8-cyl, be prepared for 17 MPG combined. This reflects the Velar’s status as a luxury SUV as much about showing off as it is about navigating a winding mountain road. Buyers of this Velar aren’t looking for Prius-like economy; they want the throaty growl of the supercharged V8 and the commanding presence that comes with the Land Rover badge.

City and highway performance

Broken down, the Velar 5.0L’s EPA ratings are 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how the supercharged V8 works harder to overcome the Velar’s weight in stop-and-go urban driving. The highway number, modest still, can be reached during steady cruising. Here, the 8-speed automatic transmission helps find the best gear. However, aggressive acceleration, even on the highway, will reduce any fuel-saving gains quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Range Rover Velar 5.0L 8-cyl is $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, mixing city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Velar buyers, who might live in areas with higher fuel costs or drive more aggressively, could easily exceed this. This is a realistic baseline, but individual spending will change based on driving and location.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but your real-world fuel economy in this Velar will depend on your driving style and environment. Frequent short trips, long idling, and heavy accelerator use will push consumption below the EPA estimates. Mindful driving, longer trips at consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the official figures. Don’t expect miracles, but know that your choices impact your fuel bill.

How it compares

The Velar 5.0L’s fuel economy is where you would expect for a luxury SUV with a powerful engine. The Porsche Macan Turbo delivers similar performance with slightly better fuel consumption, achieving around 19 MPG combined. The BMW X3 M, another performance SUV, has a comparable EPA combined rating. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, with its hand-built engine, will likely have the same stats as the Velar. These alternatives trade some ruggedness for on-road ability, but the Rover target market doesn’t see that as a compromise. Knowing what else is out there and the ROVER MPG across all years helps justify the choice. For someone prioritizing all Land fuel economy data, there are other choices in the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The supercharged V8 is tempting, but each full-throttle use adds to fuel consumption. Accelerate smoothly and drive steadily whenever possible.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance so the vehicle needs more energy to move. Check your tire pressure often and keep the recommended levels for the best gas mileage.

Minimize idling. Long idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine, especially in cities where idling is common.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, reducing acceleration and braking. This can save fuel, especially on long trips.

Lighten your load. Extra weight in the vehicle hurts fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to drive more efficiently, especially if you drive often.