The 2015 Volvo V60 AWD 2.5L 5-cylinder gets 23 MPG combined, and while it’s not the most fuel-efficient vehicle, understanding its strengths is important. It’s a practical, comfortable wagon with subtle style made for those who prioritize safety, all-weather capability, and Scandinavian design over saving money on gas. These buyers are willing to accept slightly lower fuel economy for the V60’s unique features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show typical driving conditions. The 20 MPG city rating demonstrates how much stop-and-go traffic affects the turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive system. The 28 MPG highway figure is better, suggesting the V60 does well on long trips. The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and it values comfort over maximum efficiency by avoiding constant gear changes. It helps the engine relax when cruising, but accelerating or driving in the city will lower that 20 MPG city number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Volvo V60 AWD 2.5L 5-cylinder at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. While the accuracy of this depends on driving habits and gas prices, it’s a good way to compare the V60’s fuel costs to similar vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a starting point, actual fuel economy changes based on driving style, terrain, and cargo. Driving fast, taking many short trips, and carrying heavy loads will lower MPG. However, driving smoothly on flat roads can improve upon the EPA highway estimate. Also, owners who frequently use the all-wheel-drive system in snow or other bad conditions should expect lower gas mileage. Check all V60 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2015 V60 AWD’s fuel economy puts it in a specific spot. Consider the 2015 BMW 328i xDrive wagon. It has similar performance and all-wheel drive, but it gets closer to 22 MPG city / 33 MPG highway with its more modern turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A comparable Audi allroad is rated around 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway. While slightly better, these are not huge differences. The V60 buyer isn’t looking for the absolute best MPG, they are likely comparing safety features, cargo capacity, interior design, and brand reputation, and they’re willing to sacrifice a bit of MPG for those factors. See all Volvo fuel economy data to view the rest of the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. The Volvo’s turbocharger provides plenty of power, but using it often will burn more gas. Accelerating gradually and watching traffic will improve MPG, especially in the city.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. This makes the engine work harder and lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended amount listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Check this monthly, especially when temperatures change.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, and this hurts fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the trunk or cargo area that you don’t need regularly. Think of it like carrying another person.

Avoid idling. Idling wastes gas, especially with modern engines. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars restart fast and efficiently, and this saves fuel and reduces emissions.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed helps save fuel on long highway drives. However, be careful on hills. Cruise control may downshift too much to maintain speed, and this can reduce some of the fuel savings.