Volvo 850
20.3 MPG The 1997 Volvo 850 is EPA-rated at 20.3 MPG combined (17.8 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 739 gallons, $2365 a year in fuel, or $0.158 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–1997 run it averages 20.4 MPG, falling by 0.7 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.123 | $1232 | $1847 | $2463 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.148 | $1478 | $2217 | $2956 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.158 | $1576 | $2365 | $3153 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.197 | $1970 | $2956 | $3941 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.222 | $2217 | $3325 | $4433 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.246 | $2463 | $3695 | $4926 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 20.3 MPG | 17.8 | 25 | $3800 | 440 | 4 |
| 1996 | 20.3 MPG | 17.7 | 25.3 | $3783 | 438 | 3 |
| 1995 | 20.3 MPG | 17.7 | 25.3 | $3067 | 438 | 3 |
| 1994 | 20 MPG | 17.7 | 25 | $3117 | 445 | 3 |
| 1993 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Volvo 850 ranks 187 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura TL 4WD (20.5), Daewoo Leganza (20.5), Lexus GS 300/GS 430 (20.5), Acura TL (20.7), Dodge Dynasty (20.7).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 440 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo 850 get?
The 1997 Volvo 850 is rated at 20.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.8 city and 25 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 20.4 MPG, ranging from 19 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo 850 cost in fuel per year?
At 20.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 739 gallons — roughly $2365 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.158 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $3800.
Has the Volvo 850 become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 21 MPG in 1993 to 20.3 in 1997. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Volvo 850 efficient for its class?
It ranks 187 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 6.9 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.