Volvo XC90 vs BMW X6
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the BMW X6, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volvo XC90 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2016–2027
Volvo XC90
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
2015–2027
BMW X6
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volvo XC90 | BMW X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 24 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,800 ✓ | $3,150 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 131 g/mi ✓ | 359 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
XC90 vs X6: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X6?
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the BMW X6, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volvo XC90 runs about $2,800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,150 for the BMW X6 — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the XC90 and X6 offer?
Volvo XC90: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI. BMW X6: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI;.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X6 as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More XC90 comparisons
Comparison id: volvo-xc90-vs-bmw-x6