Man decides he's done with diesel cars and EVs after doing 7,400 miles in a PHEV Range Rover Sport
Published on Sep 24, 2025 at 6:11 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Sep 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid electric SUV has been on long-term test at Harry’s Garage, where it has completed 7,400 miles.
Harry Metcalfe reported that 64 percent of that mileage was driven on electric power, with the petrol engine handling the remainder.
Over the nine-month test, the car returned an average fuel economy of 63.8 mpg.
His observations raised some interesting questions about the role of plug-in hybrids and electric SUVs in today’s market.
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Range Rover Sport delivers the numbers
According to Metcalfe, the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid 460e regularly delivers between 50 and 60 miles of electric range from its 38.2 kWh battery.
A 160 kW motor handles most daily trips, with the petrol engine reserved for longer drives and towing.
He noted that the switch between electric and petrol power is barely noticeable, giving the SUV a consistently refined feel.
Over the nine-month period, Metcalfe found the results consistent.
Towing loads of up to three tons produced fuel economy figures similar to diesel predecessors, while electric driving lifted overall efficiency.
On motorway journeys, the SUV still managed stretches of electric driving even with the battery depleted.
Plug-in hybrids gaining ground
Metcalfe linked his findings to broader market data.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed that UK registrations of plug-in hybrids rose 33 percent in July year-on-year, compared with a 9.1 percent rise for full EVs.
He argued that the Range Rover Sport sits at the center of this shift, offering the benefits of an electric SUV with the reassurance of petrol power.
He also highlighted the reduced use of the petrol engine.
After 7,400 miles, the engine had only been active for about one-third of that distance.
This pattern suggests less wear than a conventional model, though he noted that battery durability will be the bigger long-term factor.
Metcalfe’s test of the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid shows how a large SUV can deliver strong fuel economy while remaining versatile enough for towing and long-distance driving.
With most of its mileage completed on electricity, he sees it as evidence of why plug-in hybrids are proving popular as electric SUVs expand in the UK.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
