Skip to content
US diesel $4.049 per gallonWeek ending Aug 17, 2026 · EIA
SemiTrucks.org
← All engines

Volvo D16

16.1 litre2007 to presentGHG17 (2017)

The heavy-haul option, and one of the largest displacement engines still offered on-highway. Bought for pulling rather than for economy, and it does not pretend otherwise.

Output

500-605 hp

1850-2050 lb-ft peak torque

Fuel per mile

$0.658

at 6.2 mpg and $4.049 a gallon

Fuel a year

$79,005

over 120,000 miles

In-frame overhaul

$26k-$38k

rough, and shop rates move it

In the exhaust

DPF and SCR

The first greenhouse gas phase targets the whole vehicle rather than the engine, so this era is as much about aerodynamics, tyres and axle ratios as combustion. Downspeeding becomes standard: tall gears, low cruise revs.

Known issues

Weight, thirst, and the usual aftertreatment items. Nothing unusual for its class.

Verdict

Correct for oversize, heavy haul and sustained grades. Wasteful for anything that grosses under 80,000 pounds on flat ground.