The Volvo XC90 isn't your typical Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, and that's a good thing. Highlights include helpful technology features and a stylish cabin. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a useful amount of all-electric range too. The XC90 might just be the easiest choice outside of something from Germany.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Pros
Elegant interior styling
Helpful Google-based technology features
Available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy
Cons
Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
Third-row seats are tight for adults
What's new
No major changes for 2024
Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
Overview
On its own, the 2024 Volvo XC90 has a lot going for it. It's the largest SUV in the Swedish carmaker's portfolio, it's available as an efficient plug-in hybrid, and it's elegantly styled inside and out. With Volvo's fanatical devotion to safety tech, it's also a strong pick for growing families, but it's starting to show its age after eight years without a redesign. Still, even with nearly imperceptible changes this year (new wheels for the plug-in Recharge model), the XC90 remains one of the better luxury SUVs not from Germany, especially in plug-in hybrid form.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volvo XC90 B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Among three-row midsize luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 distinguishes itself by offering a plug-in hybrid model. On a full charge, you should be able to log 32 miles of electric-only driving and once it's depleted, you'll still enjoy an impressive 27 mpg from the hybrid powertrain. In addition to the fuel savings and greener footprint, the XC90 comes with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features. You also get added assurance from its excellent crash test results, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Competitors to consider
The XC90 may have efficiency and safety mindedness in the bag, but a redesign may be needed to keep it competitive against some newer rivals. Both the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX deliver more enjoyable driving dynamics without sacrificing a comfortable ride quality. All of these SUVs are rather limited when it comes to third-row passenger space, but the MDX holds an advantage for its larger cargo capacity. For more luxury-minded shoppers, the Mercedes GLE is an excellent choice. We point out where the XC90 leads and where it follows in our Expert Rating.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Volvo XC90 isn't your typical Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, and that's a good thing. Highlights include helpful technology features and a stylish cabin. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a useful amount of all-electric range too. The XC90 might just be the easiest choice outside of something from Germany.
How does the XC90 drive? The XC90 is a smooth operator on the road. We tested the Recharge T8 version, which has the plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's easy to drive sedately around town and accelerate quickly to highway speeds thanks to the powerful electric assist. At our test track, our test XC90 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That's about average for a three-row luxury SUV.
Emergency braking from 60 mph was a tad longer than the segment average, but the Volvo's low-grip all-season tires are mostly to blame for the longer distance. The brakes themselves are easy to modulate and make coming to a smooth, considered stop easy.
While you don't get anything more than average handling in the XC90, it's composed and sure-footed on the road thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. Its suspension also maintains excellent control of the XC90's considerable mass over most any type of road surface so you needn't shy away from a twisty, scenic back road.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the XC90? While the seats are typically a highlight in Volvos, our test XC90 had wool upholstery instead of the typical leather. While it's nice to have a different material used, the wool is stretched tightly, and some of our editors thought they were a bit too firm. The ride quality is similarly taut, and even smaller lumps and bumps in the road can be felt through the seat. If it was up to us, we'd go for the leather seats and their softer padding (they also come with ventilation while the wool seats do not) and smaller wheels to ensure the ride is a tad more comfortable.
Those small gripes aside, the XC90 did prove to be a great cocoon. Outside noise and errant vibrations were kept to a minimum, and the high-quality feel of the interior only adds to the XC90's credibility as a modern luxury SUV.
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How’s the interior? The XC90's interior is generally spacious, and visibility is excellent thanks to the big windows. Room is abundant in the first two rows, but it's best to leave the third row to people no larger than most toddlers. It's also easy to get in and out, and models with the air suspension can lower the ride height quickly as you walk up to the car or as you exit.
Our only gripe with the XC90's interior has always been that it isn't the easiest to use. A distinct lack of physical buttons means using the infotainment requires too much menu diving, and adjusting settings that are buried deep in the system is a chore that will almost certainly take attention away from the act of driving. We wish Volvo would embrace physical shortcut buttons to make navigating its infotainment easier.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? Audiophiles will love the XC90's optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system. To our ears, it's one of the best audio systems available in a car right now. The XC90's infotainment interface, though distracting to use at times, is packed with features. Google integration means navigation is a cinch and Google's voice recognition is second to none. Apple CarPlay is also included.
Volvo's driver aids are top-notch. The adaptive cruise control is easy to engage, maintains consistent gaps, and is smooth to both speed up or slow down. The lane keeping system is also spot-on most of the time.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? The XC90's upright profile enables a spacious cargo area, especially with the second- and third-row seats folded flat. There is a rather high floor, but the XC90's optional air suspension can be used to lower the vehicle's ride height for easier loading. Under the cargo floor is a space for carrying plug-in charging cords and other small items, and there are backpack-size cubbies on either side as well. Small-item storage is limited in the front. The slim and graceful-looking center console has two cupholders alongside tiny trays. Volvo designed the cabin more for style than functionality.
When it comes to installing child safety seats, the second row has easily accessible car-seat anchor points. The dual third-row seats, however, have no anchor points for hooking in car seats. We also wish the doors opened at a wider angle to make maneuvering a car seat into place a little easier.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that standard XC90s with the base powertrain get 23-24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We tested the XC90 Recharge, however, which is a plug-in hybrid. According to the EPA, it can go 32 miles on battery power alone. That aligns almost perfectly with our test results. On our real-world test route, the XC90 Recharge went 31.5 miles on pure electric power. After the gas engine took over, the XC90 managed 28.1 mpg, which is comparable to the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg combined and a few mpg better than most other luxury hybrid SUVs.
Value
7.5/10
Is the XC90 a good value? The XC90 Recharge we tested is a pricey machine. That said, we think you're getting your money's worth with the high-quality cabin materials, excellent build quality and extensive tech features. The XC90 does a great job of being fuss-free transport with a heavy dollop of genuine luxury. Volvo's warranty coverage is average for a luxury brand, which includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The latest XC90 generation has been around since 2016, and it hasn't changed much in the looks department in that time. As a result, the styling is getting a little dated. That said, if Swedish design — and the restraint that typically comes with it — is more your speed, the XC90 has appeal. It might not be the newest kid on the block, but there's something to be said for just how well the big Volvo holds its own against the rest of the pack.
Which XC90 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the Base trim level for most people because it comes with all of the basic features expected of a luxury SUV. You won't get some of the luxury and seat upgrades, nor are they available as options, but you will get plenty of safety features. We also suggest stepping up to the B6 powertrain since it's more powerful and doesn't significantly affect fuel economy.
Volvo XC90 models
The 2024 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV that is offered with the choice of three powertrains. The B5 is a mild hybrid with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (247 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). The B6 uses the same engine but with an increase in power output (295 hp, 310 lb-ft). Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The Recharge T8 is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor powering the rear wheels (combined output 455 hp, 523 lb-ft) and an electric-only range of 32 miles on a full charge.
Within these engine choices, you can select from three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Seating for seven is standard, but you can select second-row captain's chairs with the B6 and Recharge engines in either Plus or Ultimate trim, reducing passenger capacity to six.
Core
Standard feature highlights include:
19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch for Recharge)
Panoramic sunroof
Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Roof rails
Synthetic leather upholstery (genuine leather for B6 and Recharge)
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Digital instrument panel
Power-folding rear headrests
9-inch infotainment touchscreen
Google-based navigation
10-speaker audio system
Satellite radio
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
Standard safety features include:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Traffic sign reader
Automatic high beams
Plus
The midrange trim is offered in the Bright theme as well. Beyond the Core features, the Plus trim adds:
20-inch wheels
Headlight washers
Leather upholstery
Wood interior trim
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
Integrated second-row child booster seat
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Ultimate
The luxurious Ultimate trim is only available with the B6 engine and tops off the features list with:
21-inch wheels
Premium leather upholstery
Adjustable front-seat side bolsters and extendable cushions
Ventilated front seats
Rear seat window shades
Crystal shift knob
14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Many features are available as options on supporting trims. Add-ons exclusive to the Ultimate trim include:
Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
Massaging front seats
Synthetic suede headliner
Wool blend upholstery (removes front seat ventilation and adjustable bolsters)
Sadly what should’ve been a peach of a car is turned out to be more of a lemon! My first couple of months of the car I was extremely happy with my purchase. Then all the previously mentioned in other reviews issues with the batteries and the module (whatever that is) started. I have had to leave the car for three separate occasions totaling nearly two months as they had difficulties … getting parts and what not. To make matters worse we don’t live near the Volvo service center so this has created major issues for us. Volvo is now a dirty word in our household. We wish we would have chosen something with better reliability and saved ourselves continuing headaches!
I have now had (3) XC-90's. Two T-6's and now the 2022 T-8 Inscription Recharge. Interior wise they are all essentially the same except the T-8 has a crystal shift knob. Sound systems are all the same and excellent. I had a loaner with the upgraded sound system in it and its not worth the extra $$$ IMO. So let's talk about the recharge hybrid functions that you likely won't understand … just taking a test drive. I've got 20K on mine so I have a lot of drive time with it. The charging cable can be plugged in to a regular 110v outlet in your garage with the adapter that comes with the cable, it takes about 7 hours or so to fully charge. If you have a 220v connection installed you can use the other adapter it comes with and it charges in about 3 hours. A single charge is good for 20 miles. That's it! In my opinion 30-40 miles would be ideal. The hybrid mode varies the engine in between electric (under 70 mph) and gas when you have charge left, otherwise it's all gas all the time. There is substantial lag when you want/need to accelerate quickly in hybrid mode from a standing stop. I mean noticeably a lot, like 1/2 a second a lot. I should point out that the T-8 is NOT AWD all the time like the T-6 (and even that isn't really AWD all the time either) but I digress, you have to go into the menu and select AWD otherwise the car is front wheel drive. The vehicle apparently reserves some of the charge for AWD as the rear engine (rear wheel drive) is electric. To date I have never needed AWD even in the snow. Where is the 400 HP you may be wondering? Well if you change the drive mode from hybrid to sport now you get the full brunt of the 400 HP engine all the time, otherwise, meh, not really all that noticeable in hybrid mode. But, and here's the bad part of that, if you really stomp on it in sport mode, the car takes off like a shot, however, with borderline dangerous torque steer! So hang on to that steering wheel! The actual shifting into gear has 2 modes "D" for drive and "B" for battery. If you use "B" as you should, it charges the battery using your braking and the engine braking a little bit, but its something. The vehicle, for me, gets about 29 MPG average. I drive 24 miles each way to work and I don't have access to a charging station at work or I would be getting way more than that. The best way to drive/manage the vehicle's performance (not gas mileage) in my opinion, is run the vehicle in hybrid mode on local roads, it won't take much to run out the battery. I drive a big portion of my daily drive on the highway where the 400 HP is more of a necessity. So I switch to sport mode entering the highway and switch back to hybrid when I'm back to local. Sounds like a pain, and you don't have to do that, I'm saying how I do it. The XC-90 has a bunch of other features like reserve charge, etc, way too much to go into here.
To summarize the XC-90 Recharge is a very nice vehicle. Period, full stop. But the hybrid functionality could use some work. The torque steer is a real issue if you drive aggressively, even occasionally, and the battery life needs improvement. Would I get another one? Given the current fuel prices probably yes.
XC 90 Inscription hit all the key features that we were looking for and more without the outward appearance of high end luxury. It is just a Volvo (not a Mercedes or BMW!)
Comfort was the first consideration. The driving experience, visibility, heads up display and lane keeping make longer drives a breeze. The seats in the car are amazing. Both the driver and the passenger have the … same control features...both rare and a must!
The interior quality is first rate, leather and wood. The Harman Kardon stereo is superb!
The car is equipped with every safety feature currently available and more. Recently when the car detected a quick stop...the seatbelts retracted with modest force pulling us back into the seats...not a problem but a "safety surprise"!
It is a big car that drives effortlessly just like a midsize (gas mileage is not the same however) but it is truly peppy.
Given the paucity of cars in the market...we were quite lucky connecting with Valenti Volvo of Watertown, CT...they were the only dealer that only charged $500 dollars over invoice...not over list, but over invoice.
All other dealers we visited (Kia, Ford, Subaru, etc. were charging over list(with $5 -10K typical) often with lengthy waits for a car that might be coming in.
As promised our car was delivered on Christmas eve 2021...and they even provided a big red bow (like on TV). They were fantastic to work with.
Long ago we had a Volvo station wagon...this is not your grand dads Volvo!
So far so good we are very happy with our "stealth luxury car"!
8/24/22 Update: I'm still really impressed. The XC90 is a pleasure to drive and supremely comfortable. We're coming up on the first oil change, and that trip to the dealer will be the first time our Volvo has ever been back since we drove it off the lot. I've never owned a new vehicle that didn't have to go back to the dealer to resolve an issue in the first six months. Great quality, … craftsmanship and reliability. My only complaints: the less-than-generous center console storage and the lack of cupholders.
We traded an XC60 with 24,000 miles and essentially got what we paid for it new in 2018. Took the money and bought an XC90 because the cabin is more spacious for a family. Having some experience with Volvos, I knew I wanted one thing in our XC90: the T6 engine w/ AWD. The T5 in our XC60 lacked some oomph. In contrast, the T6 is incredibly powerful for a 2.0 four cylinder. I also enjoy the slight supercharger whine. Altogether, we ended up in a Momentum package with T6 AWD, blond interior in Crystal White with 21" wheels. It's beautiful.
We've owned it for 3 months now and have only put about 2600 miles on it, but so far no trips back to the dealer for any bugs. Everything works as it should. Not surprising since the XC90 has been around for several years so most issues should be worked out by now.
To make things even sweeter, the XC90 seems to be one of the few vehicles in this crazy car market that you can actually buy at or below MSRP.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volvo XC90, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC90 since its last redesign.
The Audi Q7 is currently our favorite in the class by a narrow margin. We like it for its well-built interior, excellent on-road manners, and long list of standard features. The Q7's base engine is more powerful than the XC90's midrange B6 and it may save you a few thousand dollars, too. Neither the Q7 nor the XC90 has particularly large third-row seats or cargo space behind them, but they are at least comparable.
The Acura MDX is the value leader in the class, ringing in several thousands less than the XC90. Don't think that it's a step down, though, as the MDX earns praise for its sporty driving dynamics, comfortable ride and large cargo capacity. Like the XC90, its third-row seats are best left to smaller passengers, but Volvo's infotainment system is less frustrating to use.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is our top-rated pick in the midsize (but not three-row) SUV class. It's priced competitively against the XC90, but the third-row seats will cost you extra. There are more powertrain choices with the GLE, including a raucous AMG version, but there's no plug-in hybrid option as there is with the Volvo. The GLE is a standout for its luxurious cabin and excellent infotainment system, but third-row space is very limited.
Currently the biggest Volvo on sale that's not a semi truck, the XC90 is a seven-passenger three-row SUV available with a traditional gasoline engine or as a plug-in hybrid. The XC90 has carved out something of a niche for itself among buyers who prefer low-key Scandinavian style and comfort over the autobahn-storming fantasies offered up by its German rivals. But that's not to say the XC90 can't get up and go. When equipped with its most potent engine and optional plug-in hybrid powertrain, the XC90 can scoot to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. As an added bonus this XC90 has an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 33 miles.
This current generation of XC90 is already 7 years old, meaning the SUV should be due for replacement by its succeeding generation any day now, but Volvo has seemingly signaled its true intentions for the XC90 with the introduction of the all-electric three-row SUV, the EX90. More or less a direct replacement for the XC90, the EX90 will become available in 2024 and will be sold alongside the XC90 until, well, the XC90 is simply no longer available. This is part of Volvo's plan to roll out EVs, replacing its internal combustion engine models one by one.
If it's too soon to start thinking of a fully electric SUV, there are plenty of other options currently on the market. BMW's X7, Audi's Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUVs all offer various takes on luxurious, tech-laden three-row luxury. And if you'd rather not wait for the EX90 to hit the showrooms, BMW, Audi and Mercedes all offer fully electric luxury SUVs right now.
Edmunds says
Like the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end," and we think the Volvo XC90's days are numbered. With its eventual replacement, the all-electric EX90, due to hit showroom floors in 2024, it's possible this gasoline-powered three-row Swedish SUV may only be around for another year or two.
FAQ
Is the Volvo XC90 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 XC90 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC90 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo XC90. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volvo XC90?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volvo XC90:
No major changes for 2024
Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
To determine whether the Volvo XC90 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the XC90. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the XC90's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volvo XC90 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volvo XC90 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 XC90 and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC90 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 XC90 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volvo XC90?
The least-expensive 2024 Volvo XC90 is the 2024 Volvo XC90 B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $56,000.
Other versions include:
B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $56,000
B5 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $59,900
B6 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $60,900
B6 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $63,400
B6 Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $63,900
B6 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $69,400
B6 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $69,900
Recharge T8 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $71,900
Recharge T8 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,600
Recharge T8 Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $74,100
Recharge T8 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $79,600
Recharge T8 Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $80,100
If you're interested in the Volvo XC90, the next question is, which XC90 model is right for you? XC90 variants include B5 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), B5 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), B6 Core 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and B6 Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of XC90 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more