Against 35 other 5-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the S40 sits right on their 23.4 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2000, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2004–2011), does 23.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.9L 4-cyl (2000–2004), 22: $111 a year apart.
Every Volvo S40 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 | 20.3 / 29.3 | 2004–2011 | $1,634 | |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 19.8 / 28.5 | 2005–2009 | $1,670 | |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 19.2 / 27.2 | 2000–2004 | $1,745 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 29.7 mpg, the Nissan Versa 31 mpg and the Audi A4 25.3 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2011 S40. The S40 costs the most of them to run: $361 a year more than the Nissan Versa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 2009–2011 | −$41 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,246 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Volvo S40 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 (2011) | 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 S40 changed over the years
The S40 peaked in 2011 at 24 mpg (21 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 21 — 3 mpg apart, or $229 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2003 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2001 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Volvo S40 — 3 engines across 2000–2011. 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 $3,246. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Volvo S40 get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2000 the S40 has averaged 22.8 mpg.
Is the 2011 S40 more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which S40 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the S40 get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 24 mpg for the 2011 S40 against 29.7 for the 2012 Ford Focus, about $307 a year more to run.
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