23 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine. This reflects a balance between the practicality of a three-row SUV, the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive, and the fuel efficiency buyers want if they don’t choose the hybrid. This XC90 suits families who value safety, Scandinavian design, and a touch of luxury, accepting mid-pack fuel economy to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L are 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how hard it is to move a vehicle this size in stop-and-go conditions. The turbocharged four-cylinder is relatively efficient, but it needs to work harder to get the XC90 moving from a standstill. The highway figure is better. The eight-speed automatic transmission lets the engine relax, making long road trips reasonably economical if you drive at a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L at $2,500 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using average national fuel prices. Your actual costs will vary based on driving habits, fuel type, and local prices. This does give you a benchmark for comparing the XC90’s running costs to other vehicles. Shoppers can use this figure to assess all Volvo fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Owners of the 2018 XC90 AWD 2.0L often report numbers close to the EPA estimates. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips where the engine doesn’t warm up, and heavy loads can reduce fuel economy by a few MPG. Expect numbers within 1-2 MPG of the official figures under normal conditions.

How it compares

The 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD 2.0L has average fuel economy for its class. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, for example, is rated at 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, close to the Volvo. The BMW X5 xDrive35i, with its inline-six engine, gets around 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Lexus RX 350 AWD achieves around 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. It is worth researching XC90 MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Smoother driving helps. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. Maintain a steady speed on the highway. The XC90 has an Eco mode that optimizes systems like throttle response and transmission to improve fuel efficiency. Using this mode can make a small difference, especially in cities.

Properly inflated tires are important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the levels on the door. Extra weight hurts fuel economy, too. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk to reduce the load on the engine.

Think about how you use the XC90 for short trips. Combine errands to minimize cold starts, which use more fuel. Route planning to avoid traffic can help with consistent speeds, which improves fuel efficiency. Also, keep your Volvo XC90 maintained with regular servicing, including air filter, spark plug (when needed), and oil changes, to ensure the engine runs efficiently and maximizes its fuel economy.