The 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD gets a combined fuel economy figure of 22 MPG, a number that’s unlikely to deter its target audience, but also not a major selling point. This SUV appeals to families prioritizing safety, Scandinavian design, and a comfortable ride over all-out efficiency. The XC90 buyer often cares about appearances and is willing to pay more for the Volvo brand and what it represents. The fuel economy, while average for the segment, is simply the cost of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the XC90 B6 AWD 2.0L gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The relatively small turbocharged and supercharged engine, paired with a mild hybrid system, works surprisingly hard to move this sizable SUV. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go realities of suburban life, where the XC90 often shuttles kids to school and activities. On the open road, the highway MPG is respectable, but still not class-leading. Drivers will notice the engine working harder during sustained climbs or when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, impacting real-world efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volvo XC90 B6 AWD is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Note that premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, potentially increasing this annual cost. Individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and weather conditions can all significantly impact the real-world fuel expenses of owning an XC90.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, expect real-world MPG to fluctuate based on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and sustained high speeds will all negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway cruising, and maximizing the use of regenerative braking (part of the mild hybrid system) can help you approach the EPA estimates. Owners report a range of MPG figures, but most settle in around the EPA’s estimates under normal driving conditions.

How it compares

The XC90 B6 AWD’s fuel consumption places it squarely in the middle of the three-row luxury SUV segment. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, for example, achieves a combined 21 MPG with its V6 engine. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, while offering more power, returns a similar 23 MPG combined. The Lexus RX 350L, another popular choice, manages around 22 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid offers significantly better mileage with the advantage of electric-only driving for shorter trips, but at a higher initial price and with different ownership considerations. View XC90 MPG across all years to see how the current models compare to older versions.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the XC90’s Eco driving mode. This setting optimizes engine and transmission settings for fuel efficiency, often softening throttle response and encouraging earlier upshifts. It may slightly reduce performance, but the difference is subtle and can yield noticeable improvements in MPG over time, especially in city driving.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and decrease fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. A small investment of time and effort can translate into significant savings.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking. By looking ahead and adjusting your speed accordingly, you can minimize the need for hard braking, which wastes energy. Use the XC90’s adaptive cruise control system on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and distance from other vehicles, further optimizing fuel consumption.

Reduce the amount of weight you carry in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and cargo area to improve fuel economy, especially if you frequently drive with a fully loaded vehicle.

Consider a lighter foot on the accelerator. The combination of supercharging and turbocharging in the B6 engine can make the XC90 feel surprisingly quick, but resist the temptation to frequently exploit that power. Gentle and gradual acceleration will significantly improve fuel consumption, particularly when getting up to speed from a stop. For more details, refer to all Volvo fuel economy data.