Volvo 960
19 MPG The 1996 Volvo 960 is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–1996 run it averages 18.4 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1995 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
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 960 ranks 205 on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (19.5), Chrysler Cirrus (19.7), Acura RL (20), Audi RS 5 Sportback (20), BMW 550i (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo 960 get?
The 1996 Volvo 960 is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 24 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 18 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo 960 cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1996 model is $4050.
Has the Volvo 960 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19 MPG today against 19 in 1992 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volvo 960 efficient for its class?
It ranks 205 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG. That is 8.3 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.