Types Of Gas A Volvo XC60 Takes (Explained)

On this blog, we do a lot of research regarding specific questions about different cars. Today we’ll look at the Volvo XC60 and answer what kind of gas this car requires. We’ve gone through the owners’ manuals of the 2009 – present-day XC60 to find the answer. Here’s a quick answer:

Volvo XC60 manufactured from 2018 onwards require premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 for optimum performance. Volvo XC60 manufactured between 2009 – 2017 require premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91.

However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ll dive into what kind of gas this car takes. We’ll talk about reformulated gasoline, E-85, and gasoline with additives. Should or shouldn’t you use this for the Volvo XC60? We’ll also talk about the fuel mileage of each generation as well as possible knocking noises and so much more. Read on!

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Infographic about the fuel types for a Volvo XC60

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Details About Octane Ratings

As stated previously, it depends on the generation whether Volvo recommends 91 octane or 93 octane for the Volvo XC60. However, we must emphasize that these octane levels are recommended for optimum performance. This means that lower octane gasoline can be used occasionally; however, it most likely will diminish the engine’s performance.

In the case of the Volvo XC60 manufactured between 2009 – 2017, this means that regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 can be used in cases in which premium gasoline is unavailable.

Furthermore, it means that premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 can be used for the Volvo XC60 manufactured from 2018 onwards if 93 octane is not available. However, 87 – 89 octane is still strictly forbidden for this newer generation.

In all cases, we recommend you opt for more premium gasoline when the recommended gasoline is unavailable—for example, using 95 octane when 93 octane is not available and using 93 or 95 octane when 91 is not available.

The reason for this is that this is better for the engine and the fuel system overall. However, it’s not recommended to do this all the time because these types of gasoline are more expensive and won’t provide you with any benefit over the recommended gasoline.

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

Besides knowing the proper octane levels, there are several other things that you should be aware of concerning the gasoline you use in your XC60. These mainly include different kinds of additives used in the fuel.

Reformulated Gasoline

First, there’s the use of reformulated gasoline compared to non-reformulated gasoline. Reformulated gasoline is gasoline that’s become popular over the past decade because it burns cleaner than its counterpart. For this reason, it has even become mandatory in some areas of the United States.

Therefore, it’s good to know that Volvo recommends reformulated gasoline. Its use won’t negatively affect the engine or decrease its performance. Overall, it’s just a better type of gasoline that should be used whenever available.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85

Furthermore, we have to talk about using oxygenated blends of gasoline. These types of gasoline increase the oxygen or octane levels in the fuel while also decreasing the amount of emissions the car is disposing of. However, strict rules should be followed when using this kind of fuel.

First of all, it’s essential to know that Volvo XC60 can use gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol. This goes for all generations, which means that the widely popular 15% ethanol (also called E15) cannot be used. The same goes for E30 (30%) and E85 (50 – 85%).

Furthermore, methanol and MMT cannot be used at all, and using them will almost certainly damage the engine and the fuel system and is not covered under any warranty.

Finally, it’s good to know that MTBE can be used up to specific percentages. For 2009 – 2018 models, a maximum of 15% MTBE can be used in the fuel, whereas from 2019 onwards, this percentage was increased to 22%.

Gasoline With Added Materials

Finally, we have to talk about additives in these types of gasoline. As a general rule of thumb, just using any additive marketed to you is a bad idea. This is because many aftermarket additives contain elements that are harmful to the fuel system and engine.

These elements are most likely going to be some form of silicon or micro metals. Even though many additives are supposed to clean your engine, many will harm your engine. Also, octane boosters are advised against since it’s better to immediately tank the proper octane levels.

To prevent you from figuring out what kind of additives are good or bad, it’s best to buy gasoline from certified TOP TIER gasoline retailers. Volvo, like many other carmakers, actually endorses buying this gasoline. This is because it already has all the proper additives mixed into it, and it has been proven to clean the engine and improve the lifespan of the engine. Visit toptiergas.com to find a retailer near you.

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?

Hearing a knocking noise in a car is a normal occurrence. However, it’s essential to listen carefully to the loudness of the knocking noise. A slight knocking noise is normal, especially when the car achieves peak performance (such as when towing or driving up a hill).

However, a loud knocking noise is a problem, especially if you refilled the car. In this case, you’re likely using gasoline with a lower than recommended octane level, and the car is not handling this well.

In this instance, the best thing to do is stop the car and call your dealer or garage. It’s very likely the car needs to be drained from its fuel, and the fuel filter will need to be changed. Ignoring the knocking noise will result in severe mechanical damage.

You might even hear a knocking noise after refilling with 87 octane or 91 octane; depending on what Volvo says can still be used. Even though 87 octane can be used in the first generation and 91 can be used for the second generation, it’s not ideal. Again, you have to listen to how loud the knocking noise is. A faint knocking noise is expected, primarily if you use this kind of fuel over a more extended period of time. However, if this noise becomes very audible, you must take the necessary precautions.

Also read: 13 Common Problems Of A Volvo XC60

Does the Volvo XC60 Have Good Gas Mileage?

In the United States, the two generations of the XC60 have been sold in a variety of engine configurations. Below, we’ve outlined the fuel economy of each generation and the engine types in which they were available.

We found that, in general, the gasoline versions of the XC60 aren’t that fuel-efficient. However, the (mainly) electric versions have changed that image significantly in the past few years.

2009 – 2017

Engine	Combined	City	Highway
2.0 FWD	26	23	30
2.0 AWD	23	20	29
3.0 AWD	18	16	21
3.2 FWD	21	18	27
3.2 AWD	18	16	22

2018 – Present-day

Engine	Combined	City	Highway
2.0 B5	26	23	30
2.0 B6	24	21	27

The gas mileage is calculated a little differently for the electric versions, as seen in the table below. Here, we’ve clarified the MPG for the combined use of electric + gas and the mileage for the gas-only modes.

Engine	Electric + Gas	Gas Only
PHEV (2018)	59	26
T8 Recharge	57	25
T8 Recharge Ext.	63	28

What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A Volvo XC60?

Volvo XC60 manufactured from 2018 onwards have a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 gallons or 71 liters. Volvo XC60 manufactured between 2009 – 2017 have a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons or 70 liters. Assuming an average gallon price of $4 this means it costs $74 – $75,2 to fill up a Volvo XC60.

Sources

Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!

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