I'm debating if I want a Volvo wagon or not. I started looking at the V60T5 and the V90T5 but now see they require a premium fuel. Do all Volvo wagons require premium fuel?

 

All turbo Volvos require premium fuel. In fact, most turbo cars require premium fuel due to the higher compression.

 

It would be wise, yes. Even the older ones. Even those without turbo had high compression.

 

Thanks Dingus1. After posting this question I found the Owners Manuals on line for the cars I was thinking about and read the same thig you are saying.

 

thank you.

 

FWIW, back around '08/'09 I read some automotive columnist state that he had never put anything but regular in his Acuras, despite what the manual said without problem. As luck would have it, I was preparing to leave on a "across Texas" trip with my wife's MDX a few days later. I ended up going East to West on regular and returning on premium. Same time of day, same speeds (almost entirely on cruise control) and no wind or other weather. The car did run well although I noted a nearly 2 mpg difference., (the car typically got around 15 on the road at 70-80 mph).
I told my son put regular in his S70, with turbo, and it threw a code shortly thereafter (can't remember which one although the car seemed to run fine). Switching back to premium cleared the code within a tankful.

Talked to my independent Volvo mechanic, his reply was "It says use Super. Use Super." Always have since then.

 

Two days ago, I ended up buying the 2018 V90T5 AWD I was looking at. The salesperson stated because it had a turbo, I would be able to run regular unleaded in it. She went on to say if it was the T6 I would have to run Premium unleaded due to it having a turbo and a supercharger.
It had a full tank when I bought it and it's down to half full now and I don't see any issues. I'll check the mileage when I fill it again but will run 91 instead of the 89. This way I can check the mileage and do a comparison.

 

there's been some interesting research on whether running 91 vs 89 will improve gas mileage. The background is that they have almost identical energy densities (that's the real reason why diesels get better MPGs - more bang per gallon) but when the knock sensors detect any pre-ignition, the ECU will set back the timing and enrich the mixture to cool the burn. As it turns out, some engines do in fact get slightly better mileage with premium, others don't. Another factor is how you drive - heavy foot, hills, lots of changing speeds will demand more of the fuel.

That said, a 2018 V90 requires 91 octane for all engine models. Per the owners manual: "Octane rating Volvo demands premium fuel (91 octane8 or higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines. See both supplied decal examples." Will running 89 damage the engine? probably not but this is what the factory advise is...

 

I'll be more comfortable running the 91 octane. Thanks