Kia Niro PHEV vs Volvo XC90 Recharge T8: which is cheaper to run?
Both are plug-in hybrids; both look attractive on the brochure. The interesting question is how much one costs you over a real year of UK driving — at your tariff, your mileage and your charging habits. Here's the honest side-by-side at typical UK assumptions.
| Spec | Kia Niro PHEV | Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 11.1 kWh | 18.8 kWh |
| WLTP electric range | 30 mi | 43 mi |
| WLTP combined MPG | 270 mpg | 235 mpg |
| Real-world petrol-only MPG | 58 mpg | 33 mpg |
Annual running cost (10,000 mi · 60% on battery)
| Cost | Kia Niro PHEV | Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery £/mile | 2.3p | 2.3p |
| Petrol £/mile | 12.2p | 21.5p |
| Blended £/mile | 6.3p | 10.0p |
| Annual cost | £629 | £999 |
| Break-even fuel price | £0.30/L | £0.17/L |
Annual running cost difference
£370
The Kia Niro PHEV is roughly £370 cheaper a year (37%) at these assumptions.
The honest take. On running costs alone, the Kia Niro PHEV is the cheaper of the two at typical UK numbers. But running cost is only one variable — purchase price, finance, tax, insurance and depreciation usually swamp it. Use the free calculator below to plug in your own annual mileage, your home electricity tariff, and what % of your driving you'll realistically do on battery. Two minutes and you'll know which car is actually cheaper for your driving.
Run your own numbers — both PHEVs pre-loaded
Calculator opens with the Kia Niro PHEV and Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 side-by-side · adjust to your miles and tariff · save your comparison free