- Consumer Reports recommends nearly every Volvo SUV
- The XC90 is the only Volvo SUV Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend
- How bad is the XC90’s fuel economy?
- Should you buy a 2022 Volvo XC90?
Volvo is one of the most popular luxury automakers globally. There are many excellent options in the car and SUV segments in its lineup. Out of four different classes of luxury SUVs reviewed by Consumer Reports, nearly every model earned the coveted “recommended” label. However, only one Volvo SUV, the 2022 Volvo XC90 luxury midsize model, isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports recommends nearly every Volvo SUV
2022 Volvo XC90 | Volvo
Consumer Reports judges luxury SUVs in four different segments. They are entry-level, compact, midsize, and large. Volvo has a model in every class except for the luxury large SUV section. Furthermore, it’s incredibly impressive that almost all of them are recommended by the publication. For example, the entry-level XC40 and compact XC60 are both recommended to buyers.
2022 Volvo Model | Luxury SUV Class | Recommended by CR? |
XC40 | Entry-level | Yes |
XC60 | Compact | Yes |
XC90 | Midsize | No |
The XC90 is the only Volvo SUV Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend
2022 Volvo XC90 | Volvo
The 2022 Volvo XC90 luxury midsize SUV ranked 12th overall on Consumer Reports‘ list in its class. However, it scored very well on the road test. CR’s road test is a comprehensive test involving driving, space, tech, fuel efficiency, and more. Why isn’t the Volvo SUV recommended if the road test went well?
Consumer Reports’ complaints about the XC90 are the ride quality, complicated controls, fuel economy, and engine refinement. Although they’re all valid complaints, some might not be deal-breakers for everyone. For example, not everyone will find the touchscreen controls confusing or expect excellent fuel economy from a midsize SUV with a turbo non-hybrid engine.
However, another major concern of CR is the XC90’s predicted reliability. The publication uses the experience of owners from previous model years to determine future reliability. As a result, the Volvo XC90 earned the lowest possible rating. As you might expect, low reliability is heavily weighed by Consumer Reports for the overall score. It’s improved recently, but even in 2020 and 2021, XC90 owners had frequent brakes, electric, body, and drive system issues.
How bad is the XC90’s fuel economy?
One of Consumer Reports’ most significant issues with the 2022 Volvo XC90 is fuel economy. Owners get less-than-stellar efficiency using the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine making 250 horsepower. More specifically, the luxury midsize SUV gets 14 city and 28 highway mpg for a combined 20 mpg. Moreover, how does it compare to other models in its class?
The best models in the luxury midsize SUV class aren’t drastically better. Other than electric or hybrid variants CR tested, most models don’t excel in efficiency. For example, the number one overall ranked model is the BMW X7. It gets 15 city and 33 highway mpg for a combined 23 mpg, which is barely better than Volvo’s offering. Additionally, the second-ranked Lexus RX L averages 12 city and 30 highway mpg for a combined 20 mpg. As a result, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is very similar to the best luxury midsize models in terms of fuel economy.
Should you buy a 2022 Volvo XC90?
According to the experts at Consumer Reports, you should avoid buying the 2022 Volvo XC90. Consumer Reports recommends every other Volvo SUV. The automaker has a recommended luxury entry-level and luxury compact SUV but failed to meet expectations for the luxury midsize category. In conclusion, CR can’t recommend the 2022 Volvo XC90 due to its poor fuel economy, predicted reliability, confusing controls, poor ride quality, and engine refinement.
Keyword: Only 1 Volvo SUV Isn’t Recommended By Consumer Reports