I’m looking at buying a used V60 with the four cylinder drive e engine. I’m surprised to see such a huge difference in U.S. Highway fuel economy ratings for the standard FWD versus the AWD, both with the same 4 cylinder engine. I get it that the AWD system is heavier and I would expect lower fuel economy. But a 5 mpg hit in Highway fuel economy ( 6 mpg difference with Cross Country) seems larger than I have noticed with other vehicles. It seems like too big of a hit to be explained by the extra weight alone. Are there other factors at play for why AWD system has such lower rated mpg compared to the standard FWD model? Or is this hit typical? Does the Haldex system power all four wheels even at highway speeds or something ? How does this economy hit translate into real-world driving, if at all? I know just enough about cars to be dangerous, so thanks in advance for your patience.

 

the AWD has more parasitic drive train losses (ie you are spinning up a extra differentials/extra axles/transfer case etc. Additionally there may be differences in gearing. I agree typically the gap seems larger than I'd expect (you can check out other car models like BMWs who offer both drive options). I suspect it may be closer in real world driving.