MPGTerminal
37/100
2012Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDRegular

2012 Volvo XC70 AWD

EPA ID: 31543
17
City MPG
20
Combined MPG
20MPG· Average
23
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Volvo XC70 AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s6), this sport utility vehicle - 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 XC70 AWD produces approximately 444 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this XC70 AWD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,000, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $4,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3L 6-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions444 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,000
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $4,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
19.3
Impact vs EPA
+$101
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$761/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$20,580
45.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,125
28.7%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$11,575
25.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$45,680

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #20V378000·2020-12-10
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

Campaign #12V075000·2012-04-12
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60, XC60, S80 AND XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 16, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2011. IN THESE VEHICLES, THE WIRE HARNESS UNDER THE FRONT SEATS MAY HAVE NOT BEEN ATTACHED PROPERLY TO THE SEAT FRAME. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE SEATS ARE MOVED TO ADJUST THE SEATING POSITION, THE WIRE HARNESS MAY GET PULLED, CAUSING IT TO DISCONNECT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF CRASH, THE FRONT AND/OR SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY IMPROPERLY OR NOT AT ALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. ALSO, THE LAP BELT PRETENSIONER MAY NOT DEPLOY.

Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE SEAT WIRE HARNESS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Volvo XC70 AWD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD Alternatives

2012 Audi Q5

3.2L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 18Hwy: 23$3,450/yr

2012 Audi Q7

3L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 17Hwy: 24$4,050/yr

2012 Ford Edge AWD

3.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 18Hwy: 25$3,000/yr

2012 Ford Escape AWD FFV

3L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 18Hwy: 23$3,000/yr

2012 Honda Pilot 4WD

3.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 17Hwy: 24$3,000/yr

2012 Kia Sorento 4WD

3.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel Drive

20MPG
City: 18Hwy: 24$3,000/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,000
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $4,250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City17 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined20 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

88.9 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 110 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.4 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.