Against 35 other 5-cyl cars rated 2009–2011, the V50 sits right on their 23.4 mpg average.
Every Volvo V50 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 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2006–2011 | $1,634 | |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 19.8 / 29 | 2005–2010 | $1,655 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 28 mpg, the Honda Fit 31 mpg and the Nissan Juke 29 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2011 V50. The V50 costs the most of them to run: $361 a year more than the Honda Fit.
| 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 | $3,050 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Volvo V50 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 V50 changed over the years
The V50 peaked in 2011 at 24 mpg (21 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 22 — 2 mpg apart, or $145 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 | 20 / 31 | 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 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Volvo V50 — 2 engines across 2005–2011. 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 $3,050. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Volvo V50 get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2005 the V50 has averaged 23.3 mpg.
Is the 2011 V50 more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which V50 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 V50 get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
No: 24 mpg for the 2011 V50 against 28 for the 2012 Kia Soul, about $229 a year more to run.
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