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Expert Rating

Volvo XC90

(2015 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

57
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

67
%
C

Eco Rating:

65
%
B

Reliability Rating:

52
%
D

Running Costs:

31
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

57
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

67
%
C

Eco Rating:

65
%
B

Reliability Rating:

52
%
D

Running Costs:

31
%
D

Summary

The Volvo XC90 is a large seven-seat premium SUV, which shares its architecture with the Volvo S90 saloon and V90 estate. The current model is the second generation, which arrived in the UK in early 2015 and received a mid-life update in the summer of 2019.

Volvo makes what is almost certainly a unique claim for the XC90 – that “not a single Volvo XC90 occupant has died in a car-to-car accident in the UK” since the original model was launched in 2002.

The Volvo XC90 has received universally positive reviews from the UK motoring media and has also received numerous awards. As of November 2022, as it enters the last months of its production life before being replaced, the XC90 still ranks as one of the best cars in its class according to our Expert Rating index, alongside the Land Rover Discovery and just ahead of the Audi Q7 and BMW X5.

The XC90 has been particularly praised for its styling, comfort and safety technology, with the main criticisms relating to reliability concerns on early models.

As of January 2025, traditional petrol and diesel models are no longer available to purchase new from the manufacturer (though they are available on the used market) – customers can choose between petrol mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The Volvo XC90 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%.

The XC90 will ultimately be replaced by an all-electric model called the Volvo EX90, which went on sale in 2024, but will be around for a few years yet, as it was updated once again in 2024 with new looks and infotainment.

XC90 highlights

  • High-quality tech-laden interior
  • Clean exterior styling
  • Comfortable long-distance cruiser
  • Spacious cabin and boot space

XC90 lowlights

  • Expensive, base price and up
  • Fiddly infotainment
  • Alternatives are better off-roaders
  • Heavy weight felt through the handling

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £62,140 on-road

Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motors

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 100%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Volvo XC90 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the XC90 is selected for assessment by Green NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Volvo XC90 has a lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation XC90 and the original (pre-2015) version.

The most common reported problem with the XC90 relates to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of more than £400. The other area to look out for is the engine, which unfortunately has some of the highest average repair costs, with a bill of around £1,200.

If you’re looking at a used Volvo XC90, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models204 g/kmD197 – 221 g/kmD – D
Diesel models185 g/kmC175 – 190 g/kmC – C
Plug-in hybrid models30 g/kmA28 – 73 g/kmA – A
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models42 milesD29 – 44 milesD – E
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models44D37 – 50C – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£407C
Year 2£968D
Year 3£1,440C
Year 4£1,699C
Year 5£2,234C
Overall£6,748C

Given that it’s such a large and heavy vehicle, running costs for the Volvo XC90 are better than you might expect, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t currently have fuel consumption data, but it will be closely related to CO2 emission data, which is average for diesel models and below average for petrol models – as you’d expect for a two-tonne, seven-seat SUV. While it’s not great, it’s still better than several similarly sized rivals.

Servicing costs are also pretty reasonable for a car of this price and sophistication, while insurance is in line or better than rivals.

The plug-in hybrid looks fantastic on paper, but this is largely due to ineffective EU/UK government lab tests that don’t propery account for plug-in hybrids. However, with an official battery range of 42 miles, you can do a fair amount of your daily driving on electric power if you are careful with your right foot.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo XC90 has received

2022

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Used Large SUV

2020

  • News UK Motor Awards – Best Family SUV (XC90 T8)
  • Auto Trader Awards – Best seven-seater
  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Large SUV

2019

  • DrivingElectric Awards – Best Electrified Seven-Seater
  • Diesel Car and Eco Car – Best Used Luxury Car

2018

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large SUV
  • BusinessCar Awards – Best Large SUV

2017

  • Auto Trader Awards – Best Green Car
  • Tow Car Awards – Best Hybrid

2016

  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Best SUV
  • Auto Express Awards – Best Large SUV
  • Fleet World Honours – Best SUV
  • Car Dealer Power Awards – Car of the Year
  • Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards – Best Green Car

2015

  • Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Large SUV
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best SUV
  • DieselCar Awards – Best 4×4
  • Stuff Gadget Awards – Car of the Year
  • ACFO Awards – Fleet Safety Initiative Award

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Volvo XC90, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi Q7 | BMW X5 | Land Rover Defender | Land Rover Discovery | Lexus RXMaserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volkswagen Touareg

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The Volvo XC90 has received universally positive reviews from the UK motoring media and continues to receive awards year after year.Volvo XC90