This is my first post to this forum. I have owned a 2007 V50 AWD 6M for about 5 months, after watching my 2000 VW Passat 1.8t wagon rather quickly deteriorate mechanically. All in all, I have been extremely pleased with the Volvo as compared to the Passat. The Passat was a great car, but the V50 is clearly much better, especially in terms of handling and performance. The only area I am very displeased about is gas mileage. I was expecting better. I averaged 26-30 mpg with the Passat, but am only averaging 18-22 mpg with the V50. My driving patterns and styles have not changed. I am an assertive driver, but not overly aggressive. I have tested being as conservative as possible on a tank of gas to see of it made any difference, and I got around 22 mpg on that tank. Are others with the T5 AWD experiencing the same results? Have you experienced getting better mileage as the car gets older (I still only have about 4500 miles on the car). Any thoughts or comments would be much appreciated. Thanks!
V50 Gas mileage
jhutchison
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This is my first post to this forum. I have owned a 2007 V50 AWD 6M for about 5 months, after watching my 2000 VW Passat 1.8t wagon rather quickly deteriorate mechanically. All in all, I have been extremely pleased with the Volvo as compared to the Passat. The Passat was a great car, but the V50 is clearly much better, especially in terms of handling and performance. The only area I am very displeased about is gas mileage. I was expecting better. I averaged 26-30 mpg with the Passat, but am only averaging 18-22 mpg with the V50. My driving patterns and styles have not changed. I am an assertive driver, but not overly aggressive. I have tested being as conservative as possible on a tank of gas to see of it made any difference, and I got around 22 mpg on that tank. Are others with the T5 AWD experiencing the same results? Have you experienced getting better mileage as the car gets older (I still only have about 4500 miles on the car). Any thoughts or comments would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
Your mileage sounds pretty typical, and mirrors my experience changing from my 94 SAAB 900 to a 2006 V50 T5 M6 FWD. I typically get 18-20 mpg in town (seriously congested downtown Boston/Cambridge MA) and around 30 mpg on the road (70 mph cruise). The comparable numbers for the SAAB were 20-22 and 34, with a 2.3 L normally aspirated M5.
Remember that, compared to your Passat, you are dealing with :
- A bigger (2.5 L) 5 cylinder engines (more cylinders -> increased pumping loss)
- All wheel drive (added weight and drag)
- Higher (IIRC) performance turbocharger
- Close ratio 6 speed - top gear in the V50 is not particularly tall (about 200 RPM higher at 70 in 6th than in 5th on my SAAB)
Taken together, it's not surprising to see significantly worse fuel economy. In addition, there is a psychological factor. The V50 feels more like a performance car than the Passat (I recently drove an '07 Passat 2.0T AT for a month after my V50 was hit by a truck). I find that I use more throttle when driving the V50 around town because it's fun - nice acceleration and exhaust tone.
One thing that I found that helped, especially in town, was to be more aggressive in upshifting. For those of us that have driven a 5 speed for many years, it takes a while to realize that 5th gear is now usable at fairly low speeds, not just on the highway.
Aside from that, we can hope that Volvo decides to sell the D5 with a manual transmission in the U.S. someday.
Your mileage sounds pretty typical, and mirrors my experience changing from my 94 SAAB 900 to a 2006 V50 T5 M6 FWD. I typically get 18-20 mpg in town (seriously congested downtown Boston/Cambridge MA) and around 30 mpg on the road (70 mph cruise). The comparable numbers for the SAAB were 20-22 and 34, with a 2.3 L normally aspirated M5.
Remember that, compared to your Passat, you are dealing with :
- A bigger (2.5 L) 5 cylinder engines (more cylinders -> increased pumping loss)
- All wheel drive (added weight and drag)
- Higher (IIRC) performance turbocharger
- Close ratio 6 speed - top gear in the V50 is not particularly tall (about 200 RPM higher at 70 in 6th than in 5th on my SAAB)
Taken together, it's not surprising to see significantly worse fuel economy. In addition, there is a psychological factor. The V50 feels more like a performance car than the Passat (I recently drove an '07 Passat 2.0T AT for a month after my V50 was hit by a truck). I find that I use more throttle when driving the V50 around town because it's fun - nice acceleration and exhaust tone.
One thing that I found that helped, especially in town, was to be more aggressive in upshifting. For those of us that have driven a 5 speed for many years, it takes a while to realize that 5th gear is now usable at fairly low speeds, not just on the highway.
Aside from that, we can hope that Volvo decides to sell the D5 with a manual transmission in the U.S. someday.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
Although I have the automatic, I'm averaging around 24.5 mpg overall. This is a mix of local and highway driving, although it's hard to get up to speed most mornings on the Mass Pike.
I'm using 93 octane from Hess primarily. I did find a gain of about 2 mpg by running 93 vs. 87 octane (enough to justify the higher fuel cost).
When I get a lot of highway driving, 26-27 mpg is normal.
Of course, in the cold weather we've been having lately, I lose 1-2 mpg with the time to warm up the engine.
As for the comments from Gromit pertaining to the D5 engine, I would love to see Volvo sell one in the States. I had a 2 week trip in the UK this summer, and averaged 40 mpg on a V50 with the D5 engine (automatic trans). It helped make up the difference of paying $7.50/gallon for fuel.
Although I have the automatic, I'm averaging around 24.5 mpg overall. This is a mix of local and highway driving, although it's hard to get up to speed most mornings on the Mass Pike.
I'm using 93 octane from Hess primarily. I did find a gain of about 2 mpg by running 93 vs. 87 octane (enough to justify the higher fuel cost).
When I get a lot of highway driving, 26-27 mpg is normal.
Of course, in the cold weather we've been having lately, I lose 1-2 mpg with the time to warm up the engine.
As for the comments from Gromit pertaining to the D5 engine, I would love to see Volvo sell one in the States. I had a 2 week trip in the UK this summer, and averaged 40 mpg on a V50 with the D5 engine (automatic trans). It helped make up the difference of paying $7.50/gallon for fuel.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
IMO, the Volvo should get better gas mileage than what you are experiencing. I have a FWD but the difference to AWD should be somewhere between 1 - 2 mpg.
I'm getting 26.5 - 28.0 with my very sticky summer tires and lately with the rather economic Nokian RSi winters 27.5 - 33 during commuting which consists of just a bit city and mostly 35, 45 and 50 mph country roads.
The difference between summers and winter tires must be due to toe in alignment, which is going to be checked next week. My tires have been wearing OK but the sticky summers are probably much more sensitive to alignment.
BTW, many tire shops set the pressures automatically to 30psi while Volvo recommends 36psi. This affects gas mileage quite a lot.
IMO, the Volvo should get better gas mileage than what you are experiencing. I have a FWD but the difference to AWD should be somewhere between 1 - 2 mpg.
I'm getting 26.5 - 28.0 with my very sticky summer tires and lately with the rather economic Nokian RSi winters 27.5 - 33 during commuting which consists of just a bit city and mostly 35, 45 and 50 mph country roads.
The difference between summers and winter tires must be due to toe in alignment, which is going to be checked next week. My tires have been wearing OK but the sticky summers are probably much more sensitive to alignment.
BTW, many tire shops set the pressures automatically to 30psi while Volvo recommends 36psi. This affects gas mileage quite a lot.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (FinnSpeed)
The AWD is a not an econo car. I get 20 mpg for a daily 12 mile part highway commute.
And on a long trip the best I got was 26 mpg. (Similar to Bill)
(I am a lead foot and my average highway speeds are 70 mph)
I am still puzzled because my last car AWD Eagle Talon was worse 18 mpg on the daily commute but it would get much better over 32 on a long trip. (maybe the V50 is still a brick at high speeds)
The AWD is a not an econo car. I get 20 mpg for a daily 12 mile part highway commute.
And on a long trip the best I got was 26 mpg. (Similar to Bill)
(I am a lead foot and my average highway speeds are 70 mph)
I am still puzzled because my last car AWD Eagle Talon was worse 18 mpg on the daily commute but it would get much better over 32 on a long trip. (maybe the V50 is still a brick at high speeds)
Re: V50 Gas mileage (VictorVDC)
On my summer vacation last year I averaged 32 mpg from PA to NC and back, with average speeds from 75-85, the a/c on, 3 people on board, and a week's worth of luggage for all. I've never had trouble breaking 30 mpg on long highway hauls.
On my summer vacation last year I averaged 32 mpg from PA to NC and back, with average speeds from 75-85, the a/c on, 3 people on board, and a week's worth of luggage for all. I've never had trouble breaking 30 mpg on long highway hauls.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (VictorVDC)
QFT http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
I average about 23mph overall - that's mostly urban trips with traffic and some hills. On long freeway trips I get up to about 28 or 29mpg.
UKMatt
| Quote, originally posted by VictorVDC » |
| The AWD is a not an econo car. |
QFT http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
I average about 23mph overall - that's mostly urban trips with traffic and some hills. On long freeway trips I get up to about 28 or 29mpg.
UKMatt
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Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
My V50 T5 AWD averages 30+ on the highway, but in town only 23 to 25. I have to say that I do drive pretty aggressively (I love using my turbo) and use premium fuel (ususally 91 octane in my area). My previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited which could only manage 16 mpg at best with a tail wind. So, I consider my V50 mileage GREAT!
My V50 T5 AWD averages 30+ on the highway, but in town only 23 to 25. I have to say that I do drive pretty aggressively (I love using my turbo) and use premium fuel (ususally 91 octane in my area). My previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited which could only manage 16 mpg at best with a tail wind. So, I consider my V50 mileage GREAT!
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Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
Thanks to everyone who replied to this question. It seams there are 2 groups of people out there; One group is getting gas mileage like me, not doing much better than low 20's, regardless of highway and city, and another group that is seeing around 30, at least on the highways. I'm curious what separates us? I also use premium fuel, but I have a hunch that almost everyone who posted does, so I doubt it's fuel. Could it be region/climate? I doubt it is driving style; my guess is most everyone who posted is rather "spirited" in driving. The only other thing I could think of is maybe the trip computer is wrong....I'll double check the computer with my own logs and calculations for the next month or so. Other than that, is it possible that some cars simply get better mileage than others, even if they are the same make and model? Any other thoughts? I really am curious...a difference of +- 8 mpg is a hell of a lot of money these days. Thanks again everyone!
Thanks to everyone who replied to this question. It seams there are 2 groups of people out there; One group is getting gas mileage like me, not doing much better than low 20's, regardless of highway and city, and another group that is seeing around 30, at least on the highways. I'm curious what separates us? I also use premium fuel, but I have a hunch that almost everyone who posted does, so I doubt it's fuel. Could it be region/climate? I doubt it is driving style; my guess is most everyone who posted is rather "spirited" in driving. The only other thing I could think of is maybe the trip computer is wrong....I'll double check the computer with my own logs and calculations for the next month or so. Other than that, is it possible that some cars simply get better mileage than others, even if they are the same make and model? Any other thoughts? I really am curious...a difference of +- 8 mpg is a hell of a lot of money these days. Thanks again everyone!
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
jhutchison
If you get a chance try this. If you get on a fairly level high way set the cruse control then reset the average mileage. After 15 minutes or so the fluctuations will start to average out and slow down giving you a true constant speed mileage.
I tried this with my car last night and got 26.9 MPG at 74 MPH. In the next day or so I will try it a a slower speed.
jhutchison
If you get a chance try this. If you get on a fairly level high way set the cruse control then reset the average mileage. After 15 minutes or so the fluctuations will start to average out and slow down giving you a true constant speed mileage.
I tried this with my car last night and got 26.9 MPG at 74 MPH. In the next day or so I will try it a a slower speed.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
I now have 38000 km on my V50 AWD, this after 20 months of ownership. I've been averaging between 11 l/100km to perhaps 12.3 l/100km at worst (21mpg to 18.5 mpg).
I can barely get about 400 km out of a tankfull in winter, extremely disapointing gas mileage....
![Image]()
I now have 38000 km on my V50 AWD, this after 20 months of ownership. I've been averaging between 11 l/100km to perhaps 12.3 l/100km at worst (21mpg to 18.5 mpg).
I can barely get about 400 km out of a tankfull in winter, extremely disapointing gas mileage....
Re: V50 Gas mileage (VictorVDC)
Cruise control has a huge beneficial effect on economy all on its own, btw. I suspect that once the ECU software knows it's in control, it engages full management and can be much better at it. Try it with your own foot on the same road, it's not just the throttle management.
I use cruise whenever I can, I really like the V50's system. I noticed that you get about 1/2mph for each click of the up and down arrows (1kph?), whereas in our XC90 you get half that (4 clicks per mph).
Tom.
| Quote, originally posted by VictorVDC » |
| set the cruse control then reset the average mileage. After 15 minutes or so the fluctuations will start to average out |
I use cruise whenever I can, I really like the V50's system. I noticed that you get about 1/2mph for each click of the up and down arrows (1kph?), whereas in our XC90 you get half that (4 clicks per mph).
Tom.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (tmtalpey)
I have some interesting information. I measured my constant cruising mileage to work for two days and for 15 minutes at 74 mph I got 27.0 and 25.5, consistency is within 6%. It is also the same mileage I was getting on long trips in the 70 mph range. So setting the cruse control and then restarting the average mileage counter gives a good indication of ideal cruising gas mileage over a 15 minuite average.
I then tried the trip at 62 MPH and got 35.1 MPG. There is the big variance we could be seeing in peoples reported gas mileages. Quite the mileage difference for 12 MPH.
I am getting a rear spoiler in the next few weeks. Now that I have a consistent test it will be interesting to see the difference it makes.
I have some interesting information. I measured my constant cruising mileage to work for two days and for 15 minutes at 74 mph I got 27.0 and 25.5, consistency is within 6%. It is also the same mileage I was getting on long trips in the 70 mph range. So setting the cruse control and then restarting the average mileage counter gives a good indication of ideal cruising gas mileage over a 15 minuite average.
I then tried the trip at 62 MPH and got 35.1 MPG. There is the big variance we could be seeing in peoples reported gas mileages. Quite the mileage difference for 12 MPH.
I am getting a rear spoiler in the next few weeks. Now that I have a consistent test it will be interesting to see the difference it makes.
Re: V50 Gas mileage (jhutchison)
I've had my 07 T5 AWD (automatic) since April 07. On long trips, I can get about 30 mpg with cruise set at 70-72 mpg, slightly lower in winter. My overall mileage is about 22 or 23 with mixed city/highway (about 60/40). I do live in a very hilly area, which may make a difference.
The car is completely stock and I use 93 octane fuel, unless I can find 91 (rare around here).
I've had my 07 T5 AWD (automatic) since April 07. On long trips, I can get about 30 mpg with cruise set at 70-72 mpg, slightly lower in winter. My overall mileage is about 22 or 23 with mixed city/highway (about 60/40). I do live in a very hilly area, which may make a difference.
The car is completely stock and I use 93 octane fuel, unless I can find 91 (rare around here).
Re: V50 Gas mileage (blicero)
I get 28 to 29 life time with a 20/80 mix of city and rural highway (55 to 65 mph). Austin has the worst traffic in the nation for a medium size city. Almost all highway I've been into the mid 30s per tank so ya know the city traffic is BAD. I don't use much A/C but I don't roast the kids either.
I get 28 to 29 life time with a 20/80 mix of city and rural highway (55 to 65 mph). Austin has the worst traffic in the nation for a medium size city. Almost all highway I've been into the mid 30s per tank so ya know the city traffic is BAD. I don't use much A/C but I don't roast the kids either.
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I have a 2005 V50 T5 AWD with automatic and around 50,000 miles. I average around 26 mpg with slightly more highway miles than city. I think the transmission is geared for the best gas mileage around 55-60 mph. On a trip down to Atlanta this week on the 60-65 mph section through SC I averaged 37 mpg which dropped down into the low 30's when I hit the 70 mph interstate in Georgia. This would also support VictorVDC's experience with getting much better gas mileage below 70 mph.
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Re: (SouthernVolvoMan)
I have kept the receipts from every fill-up since my car was new. I use my car for daily commuting with about half the milage on the highway. The computer average reads about 5% higher than actual mpg. My first year I averaged 23.69 mpg (17816 miles/751.77 gal), the second year I averaged 22.87 (17427 miles/761.83 gal). I'll have the third years figures in April. My car is AWD and climbs the mountain home every day, even with lots of fresh snow fall. I'm very happy with the mpg compared to my previous commuter vehicle...V8 Chevy Pickup.
I have kept the receipts from every fill-up since my car was new. I use my car for daily commuting with about half the milage on the highway. The computer average reads about 5% higher than actual mpg. My first year I averaged 23.69 mpg (17816 miles/751.77 gal), the second year I averaged 22.87 (17427 miles/761.83 gal). I'll have the third years figures in April. My car is AWD and climbs the mountain home every day, even with lots of fresh snow fall. I'm very happy with the mpg compared to my previous commuter vehicle...V8 Chevy Pickup.
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