Against 529 other 4-cyl cars rated 2018–2020, the BE trails their 27.1 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $119 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2009, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2020), does 25.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (2014–2016), 21.3: $291 a year apart.
Every Volvo BE engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 31.6 | 2016–2020 | $1,512 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 20.4 / 29.1 | 2009–2016 | $1,634 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.3 / 26.7 | 2014–2016 | $1,803 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2018–2020 | +$119 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,788 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Volvo BE gives up 11 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 21 in the city, $629 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (52%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the BE changed over the years
The BE peaked in 2018 at 26 mpg (22 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2014 at 22 — 4 mpg apart, or $268 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2020 car does 25. The biggest single-year change came in 2017: 23 to 26 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 21 / 32 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2019 | 21 / 32 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2018 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2017 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 28.7 | 3 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 19.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2014 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2013 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2012 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2011 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Volvo BE — 3 engines across 2009–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,788. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Volvo BE get?
25 mpg combined, 21 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2009 the BE has averaged 23.7 mpg.
Is the 2020 BE more efficient than the 2019?
About the same: 25 against 25 mpg combined.
Which BE year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 26 mpg combined (22 city, 32 highway).
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