22 MPG combined isn’t the primary selling point of the 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar AWD. It’s not a Prius competitor but a limited-production, high-performance wagon designed for drivers who prioritize driving enjoyment and unique Scandinavian style over ultimate fuel efficiency. This buyer wants something different, something special, and they’re willing to accept middling fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the V60 Polestar at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the car’s character and potential trade-offs, balancing power with efficiency. The city figure suffers from the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine has to work harder. The highway figure is better, representing a steady speed where the engine’s efficiency can shine. Even on the highway, the temptation to exploit the car’s power will quickly diminish any attempts at maximizing fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using current national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which the Polestar requires. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs with other vehicles, showing the financial implications of choosing performance over pure efficiency. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, so your actual fuel costs can vary significantly depending on your driving habits, location, and current fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the V60 Polestar can vary considerably based on driving style and conditions. Spirited driving, frequent acceleration, and heavy traffic will all decrease your MPG. Smooth driving, consistent speeds, and careful throttle control can improve it, but don’t expect miracles. Owners often report figures slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly if they frequently use the car’s performance capabilities. It’s a car designed to be enjoyed, and that enjoyment often impacts fuel economy.

How it compares

The V60 Polestar’s fuel economy is lower than some of its competitors. The Audi S4, also requiring premium fuel, achieves a combined MPG in the mid-20s. Even the larger and more powerful Audi SQ5 SUV hovers around 21 MPG combined. The BMW 340i xDrive delivers better fuel economy than the Polestar, reaching close to 25 MPG combined. The V60 Polestar prioritizes a unique driving experience and exclusivity over maximizing every last mile per gallon, a trade-off the target buyer readily accepts. See all Volvo fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

There are ways to improve the V60 Polestar’s efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking because the Polestar’s powerful engine responds readily to throttle input, but every sudden burst of power burns extra fuel. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will help minimize fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation to reduce rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified on the sticker inside the driver’s side door; this can have a noticeable effect on fuel economy.

Minimize idling since a running engine consumes fuel even when the car is stationary. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The V60 Polestar doesn’t have an automatic start/stop system, but manually turning off the engine will save fuel over time.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Maintaining a constant speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel economy and helps avoid speeding. If you want to see the V60 MPG across all years, do some research.

Keep up with regular maintenance: a well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. A properly tuned engine will deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.