Volvo XC70 FWD
26 MPG The 2016 Volvo XC70 FWD is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2011–2016 run it averages 22.8 MPG, improving by 5 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 346 | 1 |
| 2015 | 27 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2300 | 336 | 1 |
| 2014 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 416 | 1 |
| 2013 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 415 | 1 |
| 2012 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2011 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 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 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Volvo XC70 FWD ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda CX-5 2WD (26.5), Chevrolet Equinox FWD (27), Jeep Renegade 2WD (27), Mercedes-Benz GLC300 (27), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 2WD (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 346 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volvo XC70 FWD get?
The 2016 Volvo XC70 FWD is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 30 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.8 MPG, ranging from 21 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volvo XC70 FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $2400.
Has the Volvo XC70 FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 2011 to 26 in 2016 — an improvement of 5 MPG, or 24% across 6 model years.
Is the Volvo XC70 FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 8.8 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.