Volvo likes to give you a lot of options when buying a vehicle, ranging from upholstery to stereo systems and everything in between. This means you have a lot of choices when it comes to engines as well, and to help with that choice, Motorcars Volvo Cars has made the following guide, including both gasoline and electrified drivetrains.
Gasoline Volvo Engines
Volvo doesn't actually have any non-electrified models, as every new Volvo is fitted with at least a mild hybrid system. This is a system that gives a boost to low-end torque and fuel economy without the drawbacks of more traditional hybrid systems. But for the purpose of this comparison, we're separating pure electrics and plug-in hybrids into one category, and gasoline engines (with mild hybrid systems) into another. All of Volvo's gasoline engines are inline 4-cylinders with a 2-liter displacement and turbocharging, but there are three different setups for these, the B4, B5, and B6.
Volvo B4
The B4 has only one very specific application. It can be found in front-wheel-drive versions of the XC40. Volvo's most compact model, the B4-equipped XC40 gives Volvo customers the option of a vehicle that gets great fuel economy without the need to ever plug it in. The B4 produces 194 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, it gets 24 city MPG, 32 highway MPH, and 27 combined MPG.
Volvo B5
Volvo's most used engine, the B5 strikes the balance between power and economy that buyers want in the larger models that Volvo offers. AWD also comes standard with all applications of the B5. It produces a robust 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is different for different models, and for that we have a chart.
| Scroll Right > | XC40 | XC60 | XC90 | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo B5 Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) | 23 / 30 / 26 | 23 / 30 / 26 | 22 / 28 / 25 | 23 / 31 / 26 |
Volvo B6
The XC90 is the biggest gasoline-powered model in the Volvo lineup, and as such, it needs an engine with a bit more power. The B6 produces 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and comes with standard all-wheel drive and a mild hybrid system. Fuel economy is 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined.
Electrified Volvo Drivetrains
Volvo offers both plug-in hybrid and pure electric models, but not on the same models. There is also only one plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the T8, which certainly makes it easier to keep everything straight.
Volvo T8
Volvo can still hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds. Pure electric driving range is between 33 and 36, depending on the model, and fuel economy is between 58 MPGe and 63 MPGe. The T8 is available on the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, and XC90 Plug-In Hybrid.
Pure Electrics
Volvo's electric vehicle models is growing quickly, and currently includes four different models. The subcompact option is the EX30, which is available in RWD or AWD, with an incredible maximum output of 422 horsepower. Next is the compact EX40, which is closely related to the gas-powered XC40 in every way except the drivetrain. Maximum power for the EX40 is 402 horsepower. The midsize offering the absolute powerhouse known as the EX60, which produces up to 670 horsepower. Last up is the three-row EX90, which offers 510 horsepower to go with its seven seats.