Against 35 other 5-cyl cars rated 2011–2013, the C30 sits right on their 24 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2008, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2009–2013), does 23.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 5-cyl (2008), 23: $57 a year apart.
Every Volvo C30 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 20.6 / 29.6 | 2009–2013 | $1,613 | |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 20 / 28 | 2008–2008 | $1,670 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 30.7 mpg, the Ford Focus 32 mpg and the Nissan Versa 34.3 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2013 C30. The C30 costs the most of them to run: $480 a year more than the Nissan Versa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2013) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 2011–2013 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,742 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2013 Volvo C30 gives up 9 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 21 in the city, $549 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2013) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (43%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the C30 changed over the years
The C30 peaked in 2013 at 24 mpg (21 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 23 — 1 mpg apart, or $70 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Volvo C30 — 2 engines across 2008–2013. 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 $2,742. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2013 Volvo C30 get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2008 the C30 has averaged 23.7 mpg.
Is the 2013 C30 more efficient than the 2012?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which C30 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2013, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the C30 get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 24 mpg for the 2013 C30 against 30.7 for the 2014 Toyota Corolla, about $349 a year more to run.
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