The 2017 Volvo XC90 FWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets 24 MPG combined. This shows Volvo’s engineering capability, especially given the SUV’s size and luxury. Buyers of this XC90 configuration want Scandinavian design, safety, and a certain level of fuel efficiency, which isn’t always found in larger vehicles. They may accept slightly less power in exchange for lower running costs.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates rate the 2017 XC90 FWD at 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the characteristics of a turbocharged 2.0L engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of city driving, where the engine’s turbocharger may not always be fully engaged. The highway MPG shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds. Real-world results depend on driving style, terrain, and load.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,400 for the 2017 Volvo XC90 FWD 2.0L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices when calculated. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices, driving habits, and how much city versus highway driving is done. Buyers should consider personal driving patterns when projecting their fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Drivers who accelerate quickly or carry more passengers and cargo may see numbers closer to the lower end of the EPA range, particularly in city driving. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly and keep consistent highway speeds could exceed the EPA’s highway estimate. Using premium fuel, though not required, can influence performance and fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2017 XC90 FWD with the 2.0L engine is competitive compared to its rivals. The Acura MDX FWD typically gets around 22 MPG combined, while the Buick Enclave is lower at around 18 MPG combined. The Lexus RX 350 FWD gets about 23 MPG combined. The XC90 buyer understands that full-size SUVs rarely have great fuel economy. They choose this specific XC90 trim for its size and better fuel efficiency. If lower fuel costs are most important, hybrids are a better choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the most fuel economy from the turbocharged 2.0L engine. Avoid quick starts and bursts of speed, especially in city driving, because using the turbocharger too much wastes gas. Focus on smooth transitions to keep optimal efficiency.

Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, can affect fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, and old engine oil hurts performance. Follow Volvo’s maintenance schedule for sustained fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. Modern engines use fuel even when stopped. If you expect to stop for longer than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel. This is relevant during traffic or while waiting in parking lots.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed minimizes changes in fuel use. Be aware of terrain and traffic, as cruise control may not always be the best option in hills or heavy traffic.

Remove extra weight from the vehicle. More cargo reduces fuel economy by increasing the engine’s workload, so declutter the car for noticeable savings, especially on longer trips. For more, check out all Volvo fuel economy data. Further information on other models available can be found at XC90 MPG across all years.