Tank Ledger

Volvo XC MPG by year — every rating on record

The Volvo XC has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 2 model years, from 2001 to 2002. Across those years its best rated version returned 20 mpg (2002) and its thirstiest returned 18 mpg (2001). The EPA record holds 2 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD.

20best combined mpg (2002)
18worst combined mpg (2001)
20latest year best (2002)
2configurations on record

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Model yearConfigurationsBest combinedWorst combinedClass rank that yearDrivetrainsFuelEPA class
2001118 mpg18 mpg#16 of 59 (74th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DrivePremiumSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2002120 mpg20 mpg#12 of 72 (85th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DrivePremiumSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Volvo XC placed highest in 2002 at #12 of 72, and lowest in 2001 at #16 of 59. It spent 2 of its 2 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 2 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

YearConfigurationEngine detailCityHighwayCombinedGallons/yrBarrels/yrEPA fuel cost/yrCO2 g/miGHG
20022.4L 5-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S5) Premium2.4L 5-cyl, turbocharged172320575.014.9$3,900444.35n/a
20012.4L 5-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S5) Premium2.4L 5-cyl, turbocharged162118638.916.5$4,300493.72222222222223n/a

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 1 of 1 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

ChangeBest combinedDeltaGallons a year at the newer rating
2001 → 200218 → 20 mpg+2 mpg575 gal

What XC fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2002 Volvo XC burns 575 to 575 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

Pump priceMost efficientThirstiestSpread
$3.00/gal$1,725$1,725$0
$3.50/gal$2,013$2,013$0
$4.00/gal$2,300$2,300$0

EPA’s own estimate for the 2002 model year is $3,900 to $3,900 a year in fuel, or $8,250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

Across the 219 nameplates EPA classifies as Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, the median best combined rating is 21 mpg. At 20 mpg the Volvo XC is 1 mpg below the median, which is worth about $96 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

Other Volvo nameplates

Every Volvo model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.