The 2018 Volvo S60 Inscription AWD 2.0L 4-cyl gets 26 MPG combined, which shows a focus on understated luxury, all-weather security, and a comfortable cabin instead of maximum fuel efficiency. This car isn’t trying to compete with a Prius. The S60 Inscription AWD is for buyers who like Scandinavian design, prioritize safety features, and want the added confidence of all-wheel drive for driving in snow or enhanced stability. If you’re looking at Volvo S60 MPG across all years, remember that this model balances the driving experience instead of maximizing every mile per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 S60 Inscription AWD gets 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The highway number is good for long trips, but the city number shows how stop-and-go traffic affects the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth, but it’s programmed for responsiveness rather than ultimate efficiency, which might contribute to the lower city MPG. If you drive mostly on busy city streets, keep that in mind.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Volvo S60 Inscription AWD is $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will be different depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. If you consistently drive more than 15,000 miles per year or mostly drive in cities, you can expect to spend more than $1,700 on fuel.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Factors like how you drive, traffic, weather, and even tire pressure can change how much gas you use. Drivers who accelerate quickly or often carry passengers or cargo might see numbers a little lower than the EPA estimates. On the other hand, if you drive carefully and maintain your car well, you might get fuel economy that’s close to, or even a little better than, the official numbers. It’s a good idea to track your own fuel consumption to get a better idea of what to expect.

How it compares

The 2018 S60 Inscription AWD faces a lot of competition. The Acura TLX 2.4L with front-wheel drive gets a slightly better 27 MPG combined. The BMW 330i xDrive, while more fun to drive, gets about the same, 26 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic also gets 26 MPG combined, like the S60. The Audi A4 Quattro gets 27 MPG combined, a small advantage. For buyers looking at all Volvo fuel economy data, the decision often depends on things other than MPG, like styling, features, and brand preference. The S60 focuses on comfort and understated luxury, which is different from some of its competitors. All-wheel drive is also important for buyers in some climates.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerating and braking gently makes a big difference in fuel economy, especially with a turbocharged engine. Avoid quick starts and anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking. Driving smoothly and steadily will improve your MPG and make the driving experience better.

Keeping your tires inflated properly is important for good fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it’s at the recommended level, which you can find on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Take out extra weight from the car. Remove anything from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, which increases fuel consumption.

On highway drives, use cruise control to keep your speed steady. This helps to minimize changes in the throttle, which improves fuel efficiency over long distances. Remember to turn off cruise control in bad weather or heavy traffic.

Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running efficiently. A clean air filter allows good airflow and fresh oil reduces friction in the engine, both of which help improve fuel economy.