Volvo V90 (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
Volvo V90 is a premium large estate car, the saloon version of which is called the S90. The current model was launched in 2016, and a lightly facelifted version arrived in the UK in early 2020.
In addition to the regular V90 range, there is a more rugged version called the the V90 Cross Country aimed at owners who want more off-roading ability but don’t want an SUV.
The Volvo V90 has received consistently good ratings and several awards from the UK motoring media, although the model tends to sit in the shadow of its SUV sister, the enormously popular Volvo XC90. It has received widespread praise for its exterior and interior design, as well as its overall comfort levels. The driving experience is not as good as the class-leading BMW 5 Series Touring, but this is not necessarily a priority for a large estate model.
The Volvo V90 Cross Country has also received considerable praise and is considered an excellent compromise for those who want the ability to venture beyond the bitumen but would prefer a regular car to an SUV-style vehicle.
Key specifications
Body style: Large estateEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £39,835 on-road
Launched: Summer 2016Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 8.6 / 10“The V90 Cross Country offers all the refined performance and upmarket luxury of the regular V90 but with a welcome extra dose of versatility. When the road stops, it doesn’t.”
Read review
“The V90 and S90 represent Volvo’s most concerted effort yet at breaking into the premium club. The Germans should be worried…”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 isn’t the biggest executive estate on sale, but what it lacks in volume it makes up for with style and comfort.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 6 / 10“Volvo’s raised and rugged V90 Cross Country aims to bridge the gap between traditional estate and SUV”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 isn’t the biggest executive estate on sale, but what it lacks in volume it makes up for with style and comfort.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 MomentumScore: 8 / 10“With the more powerful D5 engine, the Volvo V90 is an excellent executive estate: it’s fast, comfortable, practical and feels very upmarket inside. The boot isn’t the biggest in its class, which sounds unusual for a Volvo, but there’s loads of space for passengers and the load space is still competitive in its class.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 is classy, comfortable, practical and safe – everything that an executive estate car should be, in fact. Add in elegant looks and a high standard of equipment and it all adds up to one of the best cars in the class.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross Country“The Cross Country has all the strengths of the standard V90 – its classy cabin, refined and smooth drive, and decent practicality, for a start – but it also has a wider range of abilities that justify the higher price tag.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo V90 doesn’t try to be the most dynamic, engaging car in its class. Instead, it counts suave design, a heightened focus on safety, exceptional rolling refinement, impressive practicality and impeccable roundedness as its star attributes.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic B5 InscriptionScore: 8 / 10“While company car buyers or those concerned with outright fuel economy might want to look at the plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrains, the Volvo V90 remains a compelling alternative for those seeking a large executive car. And, happily, it proves that there’s still plenty of life in a stylish Swedish estate.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T6 R-DesignScore: 9 / 10“Cheaper, less powerful, more refined take on the big plug-in Volvo hits the nail right on the head. A more pleasant, practical, relaxing executive option you will not find.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 T5 R-Design ProScore: 7 / 10“The Volvo V90 T5 is a fine choice for those who want an executive estate to prioritise refinement and cruising ability, but you’d have to be ardently against the idea of diesel to consider it over the excellent D5.”
Read review
Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine R-Design ProScore: 7 / 10“Those for whom the car’s modest electric range can bear the brunt of their daily mileage will own something of tremendous versatility. Anyone else who wants a sprightly Volvo V90 might be better off settling for the smoother-riding D5 AWD and save themselves £14,000 in the process.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 8 / 10“The Cross Country feels like the most complete V90 to date. With the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) now fully understood by Volvo, and the need for sporty handling taking a back seat, the engineers have been able to hone its ride comfort, turning the V90 into what it always should have been: a proper continent-cruising tourer.”
Read review
Business Car
Score: 7 / 10“The Volvo V90 is an enjoyable drive and might just appeal to a space and performance-conscious user chooser looking for something a bit different.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 R-Design ProScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 T8 is a worthwhile choice thanks to its elegant and luxurious design and those low BIK tax costs. Just make sure you’ve got the right driving profile for hybrid power, otherwise this car will cost you dearly in fuel bills.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 Cross CountryScore: 8 / 10“It’s possibly the most sensible and reserved of all premium off-road estates, but that’s no bad thing by any stretch. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is an elegant and stylish choice that makes a great deal of sense on paper and out on the road, particularly when venturing off the beaten track.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic MomentumScore: 8 / 10“A stylish and modern choice in the luxury estate market that majors on whole-life costs.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“Agile for its size, smooth and comfortable, with a lovely cabin and a handy turn of speed.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 Cross Country ProScore: 8 / 10“Would we have a Volvo V90 Cross Country over a comparable XC90? Personally, the jury is out on that one; the XC90 is a very good car but the V90 Cross Country makes an incredibly strong case for itself.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic R-DesignScore: 8 / 10“This is a good version of a good car, if you’re looking for a smooth, comfortable, well-made estate that’s as much about the passengers as about the driver. While not exactly cheap, you get a lot of well-targeted tech, built-in safety and quality engineering for your money.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 does feel special to drive, with an utterly unwavering focus on comfort and refinement. It’s a splendid, relaxing way to travel, and the design, materials and build quality deliver on Volvo’s premium aspirations. Packed with technology and handsome too, the V90 is a genuinely desirable estate car.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T6 RechargeScore: 9 / 10“Volvo has more experience than most when it comes to plug-in hybrids, and this knowledge pays dividends when it comes to the V90 T6. It remains a brilliant estate car that’s only even better when you select an electrified setup.”
Read review
Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybridScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo V90 T8 should be praised for its superb all-round ability. It’s comfortable, offers superb performance, has more boot space than you could dream of and is also surprisingly efficient.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Cross Country Ocean RaceScore: 9 / 10“The Cross Country Ocean Race is a celebration of one of the world’s trickiest sailing races and a stylish model that stands out from the drab estate pool. It’s a very capable model that rides comfortably and comes with plenty of great features – including Volvo’s latest excellent safety kit.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Volvo has been known for its estates for years, but always struggled with an image problem around them. The V90 changes this with its striking design and elegant interior, which is now a genuine rival to Mercedes, Audi and BMW estates.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 MomentumScore: 8 / 10“Volvo has injected some 21st Century spirit into its estate range with the new V90. It’s, without doubt, a step in the right direction for the Swedish brand, with a definite sense of modernity oozing from its design and drive.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“The Volvo V90 is the latest – and very possibly greatest – in a long line of large executive estates that the brand has almost become synonymous with.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 T8 Twin EngineScore: 8.4 / 10“Achingly stylish, well made and very comfortable, but not as big as a Volvo estate should be.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 7 / 10“The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a more rugged version of the Swedish company’s swish estate car. Like its rivals – the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain – its gets a raised ride height and four-wheel drive to help it cope with rough roads and slippery conditions.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Volvo V90 is the estate version of the S90 saloon and is a left-field alternative to executive cars such as the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes E-Class Estate.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: T6 PHEV AWD R-DESIGN“T6 powertrain brings down the cost of a Volvo V90 PHEV by almost £5,000, putting it in line with rival PHEV estates and making the car a better package for executive-level company car drivers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview“The kind of car that gets better the longer you live with it.”
Read review
Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine Inscription Pro“The Volvo V90 T8 is well equipped, handsome and works well as a PHEV when journey patterns suit. However, it is very expensive, so drivers will need to make sure their usage will eventually pay back that big outlay in saved fuel.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 Cross Country“Looks good, and offers decent off-road capability without sacrificing efficiency or driving dynamics.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic R-Design Pro“The Volvo V90 R-Design model looks fantastic and enhances an already-stylish car that makes great sense financially for anyone who’s happy to eschew the premium German badges.”
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: V90 Cross Country“Though not a full-blooded off-roader, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is nimble up steep, muddy slopes and the extra 65mm of clearance helps navigate ruts on forest tracks. The hill-descent keeps you in check on the downhill so the car can be held on a steep incline.”
Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 Momentum“The Volvo V90 is a classy motor – very attractive on the outside and equally impressive on the inside. You expect a clean and simple design from Scandinavia and Volvo delivers. There’s a central touchscreen that’s easy and clear to use backed up by simple and high-quality conventional controls.”
Read review
Eurekar
“From its softly welcoming interior to the way it coaxes the best out of a bad road surface, this is distinctly a German contender for your cash.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T6 R-DesignScore: 6 / 10“Volvo’s excellent active safety features are a highlight, doing a great job of reassuring, without taking over.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid automatic T8 Twin Engine Inscription ProScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Pro is a very desirable car. It’s extremely quiet, refined and comfortable – either driving around town on electric power, or at 70mph on the motorway. It offers huge amounts of space for people and luggage. It also looks great, and the interior is a relaxing, upmarket environment.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 Cross CountryScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 Cross Country offers the security of all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance to cope with most off-road tracks that owners are likely to be confronted with, yet it has an estate body style, so it’s more efficient than a traditional 4×4. It also offers lots of space, refinement and comfort.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D4 MomentumScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 D4 is a very agreeable car overall. It has a pleasing exterior design, a classy interior, and there’s lots of space inside, particularly in the rear and in the boot. It’s very comfortable to drive, and reasonably economical in real-life driving, but comfort and economy take priority over performance and agile driving dynamics.”
Read review
Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“It may not be the king of the class when it comes to practicality, but it still offers plenty of space. Couple that with a good quality cabin, a sleek design and a selection of economical, yet punchy powertrains, and the Volvo V90 is an attractive proposition.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“Volvo’s largest estate majors on style, safety and super-cool image”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 8.6 / 10“Safe and stylish Volvo estate with rugged looks and off-road ability”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: V90 Cross Country“The new Volvo V90 Cross Country is a refreshing change from the avalanche of soft-roading SUVs aimed at families. The Volvo is a good old-fashioned estate that’s been doing the business for 20 years – and isn’t stopping yet.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview“The new Volvo V90 is such a departure from its reputation as a family estate wagon that you would not be surprised to see it being used by gangsters”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 8 / 10“A welcome alternative to a 4×4 SUV”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 InscriptionScore: 4 / 10“This side of a Rolls-Royce Phantom you will find no finer car interior. The combination of wood, aluminium and leather is sublime, and the way it all works is even better. However, start the engine and straight away things are going to unravel.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 is smooth, agile, even chic. It is, for perhaps the first time in Volvo’s history, an estate car that aspires not merely to manage and prolong your life, but also to enhance it.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a very fine car indeed. While it carries a price premium over a standard V90, the even more cosseting ride alone is arguably worth it, while those who live down muddy and rutted tracks or need to get to remote locations will appreciate this car’s useful off-road ability.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V90 proves once and for all that boring Volvo estate cars are a thing of the past. It looks fantastic and, provided you are happy to prioritise comfort over fun, is a delight to drive.”
Read review
Top Gear
Score: 9 / 10“A properly desirable Volvo wagon – finally a decent alternative to the Germans.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross Country“This, perhaps, is the best of them. Unless you need seven seats, it’s basically a greatest hits package of the Volvo V90 and Volvo XC90: the coolest to look at (to these eyes) and the best combination of comfort and cornering nous, with some off-road ability thrown in.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The V90 is spacious, practical and classy.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross CountryScore: 6 / 10“The standard V90 is more comfortable to drive but, for those who need mud-plugging ability, the Cross Country is worth a look.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid“The Volvo V90 plug-in hybrid offers the prospect of low running costs by large estate car standards – but only if you mostly do short journeys, since its electric range is low. It does a great job of mixing practicality with luxury: ride comfort, cabin feel, workmanship and technology are all high points.”
Read review
Model reviewed: V90 Cross Country“If you don’t need a giant SUV, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is a good alternative. As its name suggests, it’s sturdy enough to cope with most off-road driving, yet looks sleek. It can also tow heavy loads. It’s spacious, comfortable, beautifully made and is good to drive on the road, too.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview“Superb mix of luxury and practicality”
Read review
Safety rating
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: January 2017
95%
ADULT OCCUPANT
80%
CHILD OCCUPANT
76%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
93%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Volvo V90 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo V90 has received
2019
- Car Dealer Magazine Awards – Best Used Executive Car
2017
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Estate Car
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Estate Car
2016
- Top Gear Awards – Best Estate
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Estate Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volvo V90, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A6 Avant | BMW 5 Series Touring | Jaguar XF Sportbrake | Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate
Buy or lease a Volvo V90
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used V90, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing.
We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Keyword: Volvo V90