24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy contests, but for a premium AWD crossover like the 2021 Volvo XC60 with its strong 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, it’s a reasonable balance between performance, capability, and efficiency. This vehicle prioritizes a refined driving experience, a high level of safety, and the added grip of all-wheel drive for challenging conditions. The typical XC60 buyer often values these features, making fuel economy a secondary, though relevant, factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Volvo XC60 AWD at 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the XC60’s turbocharged 2.0L engine is constantly working to accelerate from a standstill. The highway figure reveals the engine’s efficiency at a constant speed.

The smooth 8-speed automatic transmission also plays a big role, keeping the engine in its optimal power band for both performance and saving fuel. These numbers indicate the engine’s tuning that balances responsive acceleration with cruising on long stretches of highway while using less gas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Volvo XC60 AWD is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember, this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel cost will change based on your driving, the type of fuel you use, and fluctuations in fuel prices.

However, the $2,400 figure is a good benchmark for budgeting fuel expenses if you’re thinking about buying this vehicle. Frequent short trips or aggressive driving habits can easily increase this number.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all hurt your MPG. Owners who primarily drive in urban areas or frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic may see numbers closer to the 21 MPG city estimate, or even slightly lower.

Drivers who spend most of their time on the highway, at a consistent speed, may achieve results closer to or even slightly exceeding the EPA’s 28 MPG highway rating.

How it compares

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s fuel economy places it in the middle of its competitors in the luxury compact SUV segment. The Acura RDX SH-AWD, for example, offers an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, very similar to the XC60. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro delivers 23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, and the BMW X3 xDrive30i is rated at 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

These subtle MPG differences often reflect each manufacturer’s engineering priorities. For a potential XC60 buyer, consider that while it is not the most efficient, it’s also not a gas guzzler and is competitive enough to be a valid choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the XC60’s Eco mode whenever possible. This setting adjusts the engine and transmission to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, and is useful for commuting and highway driving where maximum acceleration isn’t always needed. Sometimes, it might even smooth the accelerator pedal’s responsiveness, which helps you save fuel.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which is usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is a simple way to improve your MPG.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern car engines, including the XC60’s, restart quickly and efficiently, and idling uses fuel without providing a benefit. This is especially important for city drivers at red lights.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This minimizes abrupt acceleration and deceleration, which can hurt fuel economy. The XC60’s Pilot Assist feature helps with this by maintaining a safe following distance and lane position, resulting in more efficient and relaxed driving.

Reduce the weight you carry in the vehicle. The heavier the load, the harder the engine works, resulting in lower MPG. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Pay attention to what you’re hauling around every day.

For all Volvo fuel economy data, see Volvo. Drivers who are interested in historical fuel economy information can also compare XC60 MPG across all years to better understand yearly improvements.