Starting and driving

Economical driving

~1min read

A more economical driving style can help reduce fuel consumption.

Before Driving

  • If possible, precondition the vehicle before driving.
  • If preconditioning is not possible when it is cold outside, use seat and steering wheel heating first. Avoid heating the entire passenger compartment to reduce the amount of current being taken from the start battery.
  • Avoid using idling to warm up the vehicle before driving.
  • The type of tires and inflation pressure used could affect energy consumption – consult an authorized Volvo retailer for advice on suitable tires.
  • Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle - the heavier the load, the higher the fuel consumption.

While Driving

  • Activate Eco drive mode.
  • Use gear selector position D as often as possible.
  • When using manual gear shifting, drive using the highest possible gear. Use the gear indicator1.
  • Maintain a steady speed and a generous following distance to traffic ahead to minimize braking. Use engine braking whenever possible.
  • Higher speeds increase energy consumption because air resistance increases with speed.
  • In a cold climate, reduce heating of the windshield/rear window, mirrors, seats and the steering wheel.
  • Avoid driving with the windows open.
  • Do not use the accelerator pedal to keep the vehicle stationary on an uphill gradient. Instead, activate the Auto Hold function to keep the vehicle stationary.

Use the trip data to see the current fuel consumption.

After Driving

  • If possible, park in a climate-controlled garage.

1 Only available in certain markets.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo XC90 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.