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Volvo XC90

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Expert Rating

Volvo XC90

(2015 - present)

    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. In fact, in September 2020 Which? magazine declared the XC90 to be “the UK’s most unreliable car” due to the number of faults reported on cars more than three years old.

    As of August 2023, 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 an Expert Rating of 77%, based on 42 reviews published by the UK motoring media.

    The XC90 will ultimately be replaced by an all-electric model called the Volvo EX90, which was unveiled in late 2022 but won’t go on sale in the UK until 2024.

    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: Winter 2023/24 (to be called EX90)


    Media reviews


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

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Daily Mail

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Motors.co.uk

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    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 August 2023, 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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    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 £500. The other area to look out for is the engine, which unfortunately has highest average repair costs, with a bill of around £1,700.

    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

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    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

    2023

    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Luxury SUV

    2022

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Used Large SUV
    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Luxury SUV

    2021

    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Hybrid Luxury SUV

    2020

    • News UK Motor Awards – Best Family SUV (XC90 T8)
    • What Car? Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid over £50K
    • Auto Trader Awards – Best seven-seater
    • What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Hybrid seven-seater
    • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Large SUV

    2019

    • What Car? Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid
    • 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
    • Autocar Awards – Game Changer
    • WhatCar? Awards – Safety Award
    • 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


    More news, reviews and information about the Volvo XC90 at The Car Expert

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    Subscribe to a Volvo XC90


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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