22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2017 Volvo XC90 AWD with its 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, it’s a realistic compromise. This vehicle is bought by families who need versatile space, Scandinavian design, and Volvo’s renowned safety features, not necessarily by those hyper-focused on pinching pennies at the pump. They appreciate efficient engineering, but prioritize practicality and build quality.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2017 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the XC90’s weight and all-wheel-drive system require more energy to accelerate from a standstill. The highway figure demonstrates the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds, aided by the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The supercharger helps initial acceleration, while the turbocharger boosts midrange power, enabling the engine to operate effectively across a wide range of driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system also adapts to road conditions to optimize grip, never truly disengaging, contributing to the unavoidable parasitic loss inherent in AWD architectures. So, while the engine is fuel efficient for its power output, it still must work to move the heavy mass of the XC90.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L at $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase (premium is recommended for optimal performance), and fluctuations in gas prices. It’s important to consider this cost as one aspect of the overall cost of ownership, which also includes insurance, maintenance, and potential repairs. To get a better sense of Volvo’s overall lineup, you can view all Volvo fuel economy data on this site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy can differ. Some 2017 XC90 owners report figures slightly lower than the EPA’s combined rating, especially with frequent driving in heavy traffic or spirited driving. However, many drivers also report achieving or even exceeding the highway MPG rating on long road trips. Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and the use of accessories that draw power from the engine (like air conditioning) can also affect fuel consumption. Aggressive acceleration will dramatically reduce fuel economy compared to using smoother throttle inputs.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury SUVs in its class, the 2017 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L is in the middle for fuel economy. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, with its 3.5L V6, delivers roughly 21 MPG combined. The BMW X5 xDrive35i, using a 3.0L inline-six, achieves around 20 MPG combined. Both competitors use larger engines compared to the XC90’s smaller, but technologically advanced 2.0L engine. On the more efficient end, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid offers significantly higher fuel economy, around 30 MPG combined, and the hybrid version of the XC90 does better at around 27 MPG. For buyers not quite ready to make the jump to hybrid technology, the XC90’s 22 MPG represents a manageable compromise, especially when they value the vehicle’s overall design, safety, and driving experience. For a more granular view of fuel efficiency across the model range, also consider XC90 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2017 Volvo XC90, despite having an efficient engine, is still a large and relatively heavy SUV. Reduce unnecessary weight by removing items from the cargo area that you don’t need on a daily basis. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, thus consuming more fuel. Even seemingly minor weight reductions can add up over time to noticeable fuel savings.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified on the driver’s side doorjamb. Doing so not only improves fuel economy but also extends tire life and enhances vehicle handling.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The XC90’s turbocharged and supercharged engine responds well to smooth and gradual throttle inputs. Hard acceleration and sudden braking waste fuel and increase wear and tear on the vehicle. Anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible to maximize efficiency.

Take advantage of the XC90’s Eco mode, if equipped. This mode optimizes various vehicle settings, such as throttle response and transmission shift points, to prioritize fuel economy. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can contribute to noticeable fuel savings, especially during city driving.