The 2018 Volvo XC60 AWD with its 2.0L four-cylinder engine gets 24 MPG combined, a reasonable figure. It balances efficiency and performance, appealing to buyers who value Scandinavian design, safety, and all-weather capability. While not a hybrid, the XC60 aims for a sweet spot in the luxury compact SUV segment.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 XC60 AWD gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the impact of stop-and-go traffic versus consistent speeds. The relatively small difference suggests that city driving has a greater impact on fuel consumption than highway driving. The XC60’s eight-speed automatic transmission allows for efficient highway cruising, keeping the engine in its optimal power band. However, city driving, with frequent acceleration and braking, puts more strain on the 2.0L engine. Consider XC60 MPG across all years to see options for fuel savings, because drivers spend more time on the road than ever before.

Annual fuel cost

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,400 for the 2018 Volvo XC60 AWD. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and uses the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual driving habits and fluctuating fuel prices can significantly alter this figure. Someone who primarily drives short distances in the city will likely exceed this estimate, while a driver who frequently undertakes long highway trips might see a lower annual cost. The $2,400 figure provides a useful benchmark for comparing the XC60’s running costs against other vehicles in its class. It is a reasonable price point for its luxury status and practical capabilities.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates offer a standardized comparison tool, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, winter conditions, and even tire pressure can all impact the MPG you actually achieve. The XC60’s turbocharged engine encourages spirited driving, so it’s easy to fall short of the EPA figures while enjoying its responsive acceleration. Factors like consistent use of the climate control system and the weight of passengers and cargo can also play a role.

Consider the EPA estimates as a best-case-scenario baseline. Many drivers report achieving figures close to the sticker, however your personal experience will depend heavily on your driving style and typical usage.

How it compares

The 2018 Volvo XC60 AWD’s fuel economy is roughly in the middle compared to its rivals. The Acura RDX, with its V6 engine, delivers around 20 MPG combined, making the XC60 appear relatively efficient. The Lexus NX 300h hybrid achieves around 31 MPG combined, demonstrating a clear advantage in fuel economy, though at a higher initial cost. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, similar in engine size and configuration to the XC60, typically achieves around 25 MPG combined. For buyers drawn to the XC60’s safety and stylish interior, this slight difference in MPG might be an acceptable trade-off.
It’s relevant to compare all Volvo fuel economy data when considering XC60 rivals. The Audi Q5, with its comparable turbo four-cylinder and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, mirrors the XC60’s fuel economy fairly closely, proving that 24 MPG is a typical number for this type of vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps improve fuel economy with the XC60’s turbocharged engine. It’s tempting to exploit the engine’s power delivery, but smooth and gradual acceleration minimizes fuel consumption. Anticipating traffic flow and avoiding sudden bursts of speed significantly contribute to better MPG.

Maintaining proper tire inflation ensures optimal rolling resistance. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more friction, which reduces fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Excess cargo adds to the overall weight of the XC60, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove items you don’t need to carry around regularly.

Consider using the “Eco” driving mode, if equipped. This mode typically adjusts the powertrain settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, often softening throttle response and optimizing transmission shifts. It may slightly diminish the car’s responsiveness, but it can noticeably improve MPG.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, making this simple habit an easy way to conserve fuel.