by Anura Guruge
on August 23, 2021
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I had noticed that I was getting, at least per the Volvo trip-computer, very good mileage on my 4-month old Volvo XC60 — with under 2,500 miles on it.
Two weeks ago on my trip to ‘Boothbay‘, Maine (on August 12, 2021), I noticed that I was getting 30 mpg (or a tad more) on my trip out & 29 mpg on the way back.
Then last Friday, August 20, 2021, I basically did that same trip again. Same route. That, i.e., from home to ‘Biddeford’, Maine & then I-295 north, is my fastest route into Maine.
The first leg, from home to Biddeford is essentially via secondary roads with 25-, 30- & 35-mph stretches & some traffic lights. Only a few places that I can (legally) do 50- or 55-mph. Plus, the first 2.6-miles are on a dirt road. So, I can’t really stretch the Volvo’s legs. Since I am not known for my slow driving, I can assure you that at NO STAGE did I drive below the speed limit. So, yes, until I hit I-95 & then shortly after I-295, I was NOT driving freeway. Once I was on the freeway I never drove below 60-mph. (Just in case you were wondering, I, like I-295, ‘through’ ‘Portland’, to taking I-95. It is the more direct route to Downeast.)
As you can see I was getting 31 mpg on the first leg. That is not shabby. Then, with freeway driving (& 70-mph is permitted in Maine), I was still getting 30-mpg. I am not complaining. And this is still a very new engine. Under 2,500-miles. It is still not fully ‘broken-in’. So, I am happy, that in the end, I opted against getting a hybrid. Today’s hybrids still do not make much sense to I. The battery is too heavy for the benefits. I don’t want to lug around a 600-pound battery. Just seems wrong.
Anyway, I will keep you posted on what I continue to get on mileage on this Volvo XC60. I will be returning it to Volvo on September 13, 2021. Then I have to wait for my 2022 XC60.
