Volvo XC90 vs Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Volvo XC90, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2016–2027

Volvo XC90

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations

27mpg combined (best)
All Volvo XC90 specs

2022–2027

Rivian R1S

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations

85mpg combined (best)
All Rivian R1S specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricVolvo XC90Rivian R1S
Best combined MPG27 mpg85 mpg
Best city MPG26 mpg94 mpg
Best highway MPG30 mpg77 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,800$900
Lowest CO2 output131 g/miNot available
Engines offeredSIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDINot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8)Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium and ElectricityElectricity
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2016–20272022–2027
Configurations on record4394

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

XC90 vs R1S: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Volvo XC90 or the Rivian R1S?

The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Volvo XC90, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,800 for the Volvo XC90 — a difference of roughly $1,900 per year.

What engines do the XC90 and R1S offer?

Volvo XC90: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volvo XC90 and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More XC90 comparisons

Comparison id: volvo-xc90-vs-rivian-r1s