25 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a luxury wagon with all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged and supercharged engine. The 2019 Volvo V90 AWD 2.0L isn’t for buyers who want ultimate fuel efficiency above all else. Instead, it’s for those who value a mix of design, comfortable cruising, and secure handling in all weather conditions, even at the cost of a few MPGs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 V90 AWD are 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the V90’s weight and all-wheel-drive system use more gas. The highway figure, however, shows that the V90’s efficient 8-speed automatic transmission and small engine can deliver respectable mileage during steady cruising. While 31 MPG isn’t class-leading, it’s adequate for long road trips, where a vehicle like the V90 works well. Drivers can expect a more substantial range from a single tank on the open road compared to driving in cities.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Volvo V90 AWD at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price when they did the calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. This is merely an estimate, but it provides a useful comparison of the V90’s fuel costs to others in its class. For many V90 buyers, the annual fuel cost is often less important than safety, comfort, and overall driving experience.

Real-World Expectations

EPA figures are a standardized benchmark, but your real-world fuel economy will probably be different. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all hurt fuel consumption. Smooth driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help you get closer to the EPA estimates.

Many owners find that 31 MPG on the highway is possible during long drives. City MPG can drop a lot depending on traffic. The V90’s all-wheel-drive system is helpful in bad weather but also uses slightly more gas than front-wheel-drive cars.

How It Compares

The Volvo V90 AWD competes against other luxury wagons and SUVs, and its fuel economy is in the middle. The BMW 530i xDrive wagon delivers similar performance and fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 24 MPG combined. The Audi A6 allroad achieves around 22 MPG combined. Some SUVs in the same price range, such as the Lexus RX 350 AWD (22 MPG combined), get slightly lower fuel economy. A more fuel-efficient option like the Volvo V60 T5 FWD (27 MPG combined) exists, but it’s not as spacious and doesn’t have standard all-wheel drive. The V90 AWD balances fuel efficiency and the practical benefits of a larger wagon with all-weather capability.

If you want better gas mileage, check out the V90 MPG across all years to see if other model years are better for you.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the V90’s “Eco” drive mode. This optimizes the engine and transmission for fuel efficiency by changing throttle response and shift points. It may slightly reduce performance, but it can improve fuel economy, especially during daily commuting.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a few PSI below can have a noticeable impact.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling uses fuel without moving the car. This matters in city driving, where traffic delays are common.

Minimize aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth acceleration and deceleration can improve fuel economy. Watch traffic flow and avoid sudden bursts of speed or hard braking. Safe driving habits are also fuel-efficient driving habits.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Removing extra items from the vehicle can lighten the load and improve fuel economy slightly. While not a huge deal, it helps on longer trips. All Volvo fuel economy data shows that even small changes can add up.