Against 517 other 4-cyl cars rated 2019–2021, the V90 trails their 27 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $55 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1997, the 2L 4-cyl (2017–2021), does 26.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.9L 6-cyl (1997–1998), 18.5: $610 a year apart.
Every Volvo V90 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 22.6 / 33 | 2017–2021 | $1,466 | |
| 2.9L 6-cyl | 16 / 23.5 | 1997–1998 | $2,076 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2021) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2019–2021 | +$55 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,307 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2021 Volvo V90 gives up 11 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 22 in the city, $581 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2021) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the V90 changed over the years
The V90 peaked in 2019 at 27 mpg (23 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 18 — 9 mpg apart, or $711 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2021 car does 26.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2020 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2019 | 23 / 35 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2018 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2017 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1997 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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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 7 EPA ratings of the Volvo V90 — 2 engines across 1997–2021. 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 $3,307. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2021 Volvo V90 get?
26 mpg combined, 22 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1997 the V90 has averaged 24 mpg.
Is the 2021 V90 more efficient than the 2020?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which V90 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 35 highway).
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