Owners of the 2015 Volvo S60 AWD with the 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine get around 22 MPG combined. This car isn’t a fuel-sipping hybrid, nor is it trying to be. It’s a comfortable, compact luxury sedan with all-wheel drive and Swedish performance. The buyers who choose this particular S60 know what they’re getting: a distinctive driving experience that prioritizes confident grip and effortless power over high efficiency. They likely appreciate the smooth power delivery of the inline-six more than squeezing every last mile from a gallon of premium.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 S60 AWD 3.0L are 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger spools up more frequently. The highway number is respectable, thanks to the automatic transmission’s ability to settle into a fuel-efficient cruising gear. Drivers who spend most of their time on the open road will likely see numbers close to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s estimate, especially with careful throttle management. Those primarily commuting in urban environments should expect to see figures closer to the city rating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Volvo S60 AWD 3.0L 6-cyl is $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that gas prices and your driving habits will impact this number. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling will all increase your real-world fuel expenses, potentially pushing them above $2,000. On the other hand, gentle driving and prioritizing highway miles can help keep your fuel costs closer to, or even below, the EPA’s estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates offer a useful baseline, but real-world MPG can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Drivers who regularly engage the turbocharger’s full potential will see lower fuel economy. Driving in hilly terrain or consistently carrying heavy loads will also impact efficiency. Keeping tires properly inflated, adhering to recommended maintenance schedules, and avoiding excessive idling are all important for the best possible MPG. Some owners have reported averaging around 24 MPG in mixed driving conditions, suggesting that achieving numbers better than EPA estimates is realistic with a mindful approach to driving. See S60 MPG across all years for more user reported data.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury sedans from 2015, the S60 AWD 3.0L’s fuel economy is in the middle. The BMW 335i xDrive, with its turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel drive, achieves a similar combined rating of 24 MPG. The Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, with its smaller turbocharged four-cylinder, offers a slightly better 26 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC, with its V6 option, comes in around 23 MPG. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Acura TLX 2.4L with front-wheel drive achieves 28 MPG combined, but it lacks the S60’s turbo punch, all-weather grip, and performance. Owners considering the S60 are typically willing to compromise slightly on fuel economy for the thrill of the T6 engine and the security of all-wheel drive. If you look at all Volvo fuel economy data, you see the S60 is far from their least efficient model.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the S60 T6. Avoid hard starts and abrupt braking, as these actions force the engine to work harder and consume more燃料. Instead, gradually apply the throttle and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a consistent speed. This is important with a turbocharged engine, as excessive turbocharger use can significantly reduce MPG.

Proper tire inflation is crucial for good fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and decreasing MPG. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels indicated on the doorjamb sticker, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. This simple step can make a noticeable difference.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying around heavy items in the trunk or backseat adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry regularly to lighten the load and improve MPG, especially when driving in the city.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. Cruise control helps minimize variations in throttle input, leading to more consistent fuel consumption. This is effective on long, flat stretches of road where speed adjustments are minimal. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, reducing fuel economy.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with deposits, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and performance. A high-quality fuel injector cleaner can help remove these deposits, restoring optimal fuel flow and improving MPG. Follow the instructions on the fuel additive carefully and use it as recommended.