Against 429 other V6 cars rated 2014–2016, the XC70 beats their 21.8 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $127 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 2L 4-cyl (2015–2016), does 26.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (2009–2010), 18: $684 a year apart.
Every Volvo XC70 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23.5 / 30.5 | 2015–2016 | $1,449 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 24.5 | 2008–2015 | $1,892 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 16.8 / 23.5 | 2003–2016 | $1,990 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 21.5 | 2009–2010 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Subaru Outback gets 25 mpg, the Subaru Forester 27.3 mpg and the Nissan Xterra 18 mpg, next to 23.5 mpg for the 2016 XC70.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.136 |
| Fuel per year | $1,634 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,170 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2014–2016 | −$127 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,381 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 Volvo XC70 gives up 7 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 21 in the city, $458 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the XC70 changed over the years
The XC70 peaked in 2015 at 24 mpg (21 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 17 — 7 mpg apart, or $659 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2016 car does 23.5. The biggest single-year change came in 2015: 21 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21 / 28 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 28 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2013 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2012 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2004 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Volvo XC70 — 4 engines across 2003–2016. 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 $3,381. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 Volvo XC70 get?
23.5 mpg combined, 21 city and 28 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 26. Across every year since 2003 the XC70 has averaged 20.4 mpg.
Is the 2016 XC70 more efficient than the 2015?
About the same: 23.5 against 24 mpg combined.
Which XC70 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway).
Does the XC70 get better gas mileage than the Subaru Outback?
No: 23.5 mpg for the 2016 XC70 against 25 for the 2017 Subaru Outback, about $98 a year more to run.
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