Volvo XC90

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Volvo XC90 appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 21 to 27 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,950 to $3,800 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201622-25 MPG$3,200-$3,6504
201722-25 MPG$3,200-$3,6504
201823-27 MPG$2,950-$3,4504
201922-25 MPG$3,200-$3,6504
202021-27 MPG$2,950-$3,8004

How it compares

Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 23 MPG), the XC90 sits roughly 1 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a XC90 for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $14,750 to $19,000, averaging about $16,875 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the XC90 varies by about 6 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used XC90 check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the XC90's average combined economy improved from about 24 to 24 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2018 XC90 has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 25 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 24 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 XC90 at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
XC90 AWD PHEV2.0L 4-cyl turboPlug-in Hybrid27 MPG
XC90 FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline25 MPG
XC90 AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline23 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the XC90 against a rival, or go back to all Volvo models.