The 2015 Volvo XC60 AWD with the 3.2L inline-six gets 20 MPG combined. It’s not known for great fuel economy, but that number reflects the combination of all-wheel-drive, decent power, and the weight of a vehicle designed with safety as a priority. This XC60 is for those who want secure handling in all weather and the solid feel of a well-engineered machine, even if it isn’t particularly thrifty.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for this XC60 configuration. The city figure reflects the demands of frequent stops and starts, plus the all-wheel-drive system. The highway number, while better, reflects the engine’s size and the XC60’s design, it’s a boxy SUV, not a sports car. Expect real-world highway numbers close to the EPA estimate if you maintain consistent speeds and avoid fast acceleration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,200 for the 2015 Volvo XC60 AWD 3.2L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Understand that this is an estimate, your fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, city versus highway driving, and gasoline prices. The EPA methodology is a standard for comparison, but individual results will differ. You can find XC60 MPG across all years on this site.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can vary. Owners of this XC60 often report numbers slightly below the EPA estimates in combined driving or meeting the highway MPG figure on long trips. Driving style matters, fast acceleration and hard braking will lower fuel economy. Hills also affect MPG. Getting the EPA estimates requires efficient driving.

How it compares

The 2015 Volvo XC60 AWD 3.2L is about average for fuel economy compared to other vehicles in its class. For example, a 2015 Acura RDX with its 3.5L V6 and front-wheel drive got 22 MPG combined. A 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i, with its turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, got 24 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro gets around 23 MPG combined. The Volvo’s inline-six offers smooth power, but smaller engines or less powerful drivetrains are more efficient. For other Volvo options, see all Volvo fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s specifications, which are on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid fast driving. Fast acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed cruising decrease fuel economy. Drive smoothly, maintaining a steady speed. On the highway, use cruise control.

Reduce weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk to lighten the load. Even small amounts of weight add up.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling. This is especially true with modern vehicles.

Consider premium fuel. The 3.2L engine is designed to run on regular gasoline, but some drivers report slightly better fuel economy and performance with premium fuel. Try it, but the cost may cancel out any gains.