Volvo V50 AWD
22 MPG The 2010 Volvo V50 AWD is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (19.5 city / 26.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 682 gallons, $2182 a year in fuel, or $0.145 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2010 run it averages 20.6 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 6 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 | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.136 | $1364 | $2045 | $2727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.159 | $1591 | $2386 | $3182 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.205 | $2045 | $3068 | $4091 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 26.5 | $2850 | 404 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2007 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2006 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 24.5 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3850 | 444 | 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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Volvo V50 AWD ranks 55 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Subaru Wagon (22.3), Honda Civic Wagon 4WD (22.5), Saab 9-3 SportCombi (22.5), Hyundai Elantra Wagon (23), Audi A4 Avant quattro (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 404 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo V50 AWD get?
The 2010 Volvo V50 AWD is rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.5 city and 26.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 20.6 MPG, ranging from 20 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo V50 AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 22 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 682 gallons — roughly $2182 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.145 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $2850.
Has the Volvo V50 AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2005 to 22 in 2010 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 10% across 6 model years.
Is the Volvo V50 AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 55 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 7.5 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.