19 MPG combined won’t excite most drivers, especially for a plug-in hybrid. However, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl prioritizes the prestige, capability, and comfort of a Range Rover Sport with some level of electrification. Buyers choose this vehicle for its off-road abilities and on-road presence, often in cities where the electric range can reduce gasoline use on short trips.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Range Rover Sport PHEV achieves 18 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. This small difference suggests the powertrain relies on its electric motor in stop-and-go traffic, and then on the 2.0L four-cylinder engine at higher speeds. The 2.0L four is a strong engine, but it moves a significant amount of weight, impacting efficiency, particularly outside the city. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, tuned for performance and refinement more than fuel savings. Consequently, the highway MPG isn’t much better than the city number, showing the engine’s workload at steady speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV at $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage of those miles in the city versus on the highway, using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline at the time of calculation. Your fuel costs can change based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how often you charge and the electric range. Regular charging and short trips could mean much lower fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

The Range Rover Sport PHEV’s fuel economy depends on how you drive it. If your daily commute is within the vehicle’s roughly 19-mile electric range, and you charge often, you can greatly reduce your gasoline consumption. Once the battery is empty, the 2.0L engine is the main power source, and the fuel economy will likely be around the EPA combined estimate, or even lower with aggressive driving. Many drivers report different results, with some getting much better mileage by charging consistently, while others see numbers closer to a standard Range Rover Sport.

How it compares

Compared to other plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Range Rover Sport PHEV’s fuel economy has pros and cons. The BMW X5 xDrive45e achieves a combined MPG of 50 MPGe in electric mode and 20 MPG on gasoline, demonstrating the efficiency of a PHEV of similar size. The Volvo XC60 Recharge offers a better 28 MPG combined using gasoline only and up to 63 MPGe while using electric and gasoline. Even the smaller Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV achieves a higher electric MPG equivalent. The Range Rover Sport PHEV prioritizes the overall Range Rover experience with some electrification over maximizing fuel efficiency. If MPG is your priority, there are other options. You can see ROVER MPG across all years to get a better sense of what Land Rover offers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Charge often. The Range Rover Sport PHEV’s electric range is limited, so use it fully to improve fuel economy. Plug in at home, work, or public charging stations. Even a partial charge can reduce gasoline use on short trips.

Drive carefully. The 2.0L engine is turbocharged, but it works harder when pushed. Avoid quick acceleration and maintain a steady speed, especially on the highway, to minimize fuel use once the battery is empty. Use the adaptive cruise control system; it helps maintain speed and improve fuel efficiency.

Select the right driving mode. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offers hybrid, electric, and save modes. Use hybrid mode for typical driving, letting the vehicle manage the electric motor and engine. Choose electric mode for short, low-speed trips, and save mode to keep battery charge for later in urban areas.

Track your driving data. The vehicle’s infotainment system shows energy consumption and driving habits. Review this data to find ways to improve efficiency, such as reducing hard braking or optimizing your route to avoid traffic. Watch your average MPG and adjust your driving accordingly.

Check tire pressure and vehicle weight. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Worn tires or incorrect pressure can hurt fuel economy. Also, watch the vehicle’s weight; unnecessary cargo adds strain on the engine, impacting fuel efficiency in gas-only mode. To compare this, see all Land fuel economy data to understand how charging habits change fuel costs among Range Rover Sport PHEV owners.