Volvo V50 FWD
24 MPG The 2011 Volvo V50 FWD is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2011 run it averages 23 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 7 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 | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 24 MPG | 21 | 30 | $2600 | 370 | 1 |
| 2010 | 24 MPG | 20.7 | 30 | $2600 | 370 | 3 |
| 2009 | 23.3 MPG | 19.5 | 28.8 | $2675 | 382 | 4 |
| 2008 | 22.8 MPG | 19.5 | 27.8 | $3388 | 391 | 4 |
| 2007 | 22.3 MPG | 19 | 27.5 | $3463 | 400 | 4 |
| 2006 | 22.3 MPG | 19.3 | 27.8 | $3463 | 400 | 4 |
| 2005 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27.5 | $3500 | 404 | 4 |
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 FWD ranks 46 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi allroad quattro (25), Dodge Caliber (25), Fiat 500 L (25), Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA35 4matic (25), Suzuki SX4 (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 370 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo V50 FWD get?
The 2011 Volvo V50 FWD is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 30 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 23 MPG, ranging from 22 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo V50 FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $2600.
Has the Volvo V50 FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 2005 to 24 in 2011 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 9% across 7 model years.
Is the Volvo V50 FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 46 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 5.5 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.