The 2021 Volvo S90 AWD 2.0L gets 25 MPG combined. It aims to offer Scandinavian luxury with all-weather confidence and reasonable fuel efficiency. For buyers who value safety and understated elegance, this MPG is acceptable.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the S90 at 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the S90’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can struggle to maintain efficiency, especially with all-wheel drive’s added weight. The highway number is more optimistic.

At steady cruising speeds, the engine operates more efficiently, and the eight-speed automatic transmission selects the optimal gear for fuel conservation. That 32 MPG makes longer trips possible.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Volvo S90 AWD at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with mixed city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price. Individual costs may vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and miles driven.

Real-world expectations

EPA tests are standardized, but your mileage may vary. Expect slightly lower numbers in colder climates because the engine works harder to reach operating temperature and winter tires increase rolling resistance. Aggressive driving, hard acceleration, and extended idling also hurt fuel efficiency.

Careful driving, well-maintained tires, and adhering to speed limits can potentially yield EPA-estimated fuel economy. The Volvo S90’s safety and driving assistance features help create a smoother, more efficient driving experience when used properly.

How it compares

The S90 is in a competitive segment. The BMW 530i xDrive, also with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, gets around 27 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, with a similar engine, achieves about 25 MPG combined. The Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro is around 25 MPG.

The S90’s fuel economy is on par with its competitors, but not class-leading. S90 buyers often prioritize Volvo’s design, safety, and interior over fuel efficiency. They may also consider Volvo’s SUVs, which provides them access to all Volvo fuel economy data.

For fuel consumption-focused buyers, a T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid S90 would be better, but also has other factors to consider.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Volvo’s drive mode selector. “Eco” mode optimizes engine and transmission settings for fuel efficiency. It may slightly reduce throttle response, but can save fuel on longer trips.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate to the levels on the door jamb sticker. Correct tire pressures significantly improve efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines don’t need long warm-up periods. It’s more efficient to begin driving gently after a short period. Extended idling wastes fuel and produces emissions.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed improves fuel economy and reduces driver fatigue. The Volvo S90’s adaptive cruise control can enhance efficiency by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your S90 receives scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements at the specified intervals. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and delivers better fuel economy with all S90 MPG across all years.