Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

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 August 2021, it ranks joint best-in-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.

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUVEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £56,135 on-road

Launched: Spring 2015Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: 2022

Image gallery

XC90 (2019 onwards)

XC90 (2019 onwards)

XC90 (2019 onwards)

XC90 (2015 -2018)

XC90 (2019 onwards)

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: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“If you want a big SUV that is elegantly handsome, supremely comfortable and able to handle any job with effortless ease, the Volvo XC90 is the best in town.”
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“The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine is effective, and will be very tempting to company car buyers.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The XC90 spearheads Volvo’s latest technological, efficiency and style innovations.”
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Model reviewed: B5Score: 8 / 10Verdict 4 “The new B5 diesel picks up right where the D5 left off. It cements its place as our powertrain of choice in the still-superb Volvo XC90; only marginally more expensive than before, the tech brings welcome fuel economy boons and should still occupy a space on your shopping list if you’re after a large premium SUV.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo XC90 is a stylish, understated large SUV that’s beautifully built, has space for seven and is packed with clever technology. It’s good value for money compared with its key rivals, and comes very well equipped. A fabulous all-rounder that’s highly recommended.”
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Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybrid“The diesel-engined Volvo XC90 will suit more people, but for a certain group of drivers – and company car drivers in particular – the low CO2 emissions and consequently low tax liabilities will make this smooth and refined SUV a really attractive proposition.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“A very impressive all-rounder with its own distinctive appeal”
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Model reviewed: B5 R-Design AWDScore: 8 / 10“The mild-hybrid system is so deftly integrated that you could be forgiven for thinking progress was being made entirely by the 2.0-litre diesel engine. “
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel (mild hybrid) automatic B5 Inscription ProScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 feels exceedingly aristocratic inside. Almost every component you look at or touch – including the satin chrome air-vents and sparkling gear-shifter, starter twist-device and drive mode controller – are manufactured from premium quality materials.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 MomentumScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 T8 offers no performance or practicality compromises, while undercutting several PHEV rivals and offering huge BIK savings over only slightly cheaper diesels. Economy started at around 75mpg with a full battery and fell to 35mpg after the battery’s charge depleted.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic T8 RechargeScore: 8 / 10“Since being launched, other manufacturers have caught up by offering plug-in hybrid SUVs. Yet, the Volvo XC90 still delivers in being devastatingly fast and handsome, and nowhere near as audacious and flashy as them.”
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Model reviewed: B5 dieselScore: 8 / 10“This is an exceptionally smooth and refined diesel.”
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin EngineScore: 8 / 10“The T8’s potential for both lunging bouts of acceleration and silent electric running is hugely attractive. Much like the car itself.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“There are few more impressive new cars on sale than the Volvo XC90 T8. Its ability to combine comfort with a superb interior, stunning design and low running costs makes it a seriously appealing large SUV, and if you want seven seats from a plug-in hybrid SUV, it’s your only choice.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B5Score: 9 / 10“The 2019 update may be a very subtle refresh, but it only shows just how excellent the Volvo XC90 was when it debuted four years ago, as it’s a car that remains right near the top of the large premium SUV class.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“The second-generation Volvo XC90 is an impressive SUV, with lots of space and style as well as incredible safety technology.”
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Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybridScore: 8.4 / 10“The Volvo XC90 T8 is stylish, luxurious and desirable, but it’s not the most economical large hybrid SUV.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 is a smart-looking, spacious and safe SUV with a gorgeous interior, but the third row of seats is cramped and there’s no smooth six-cylinder diesel engine.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: B5 2.0-litre diesel automatic R-Design“The excellent Volvo XC90 is now slightly better in efficiency terms on the diesel engine thanks to tech that doesn’t impact upon the driving experience, and residual value improvements mean a lower overall running cost figure.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: D5 InscriptionScore: 10 / 10“It’s amazing in every way, with huge power and economy from the dinky two-litre engine, opulent luxury inside and state-of-the art technology. And, of course, it’s one of the safest cars ever made.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin EngineScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 could be considered the perfect foil to something sportier – a large, safe, luxurious family vehicle, sharing garage space with something lighter, leaner, more entertaining. The XC90 does large, safe and luxurious like few other cars we’ve driven.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin EngineScore: 8 / 10“If the driving cycle makes it work, then a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid such as the Volvo XC90 is a great solution.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“It isn’t cheap, but the impressive quality means it doesn’t feel overpriced. For a family buyer who prioritises safety, comfort and luxury there is probably no better SUV on the market.”
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine Momentum“It is a genuine 7-seater and sliding the centre seats forward slightly makes it possible for an average-sized adult to travel 50 miles or so in the rearmost seats. Children and mothers in law can stay there for 300 miles and the only complaints are the ones you’d get from the mother in law anyway.”
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Model reviewed: D5 diesel“The Volvo XC90 is an incredibly impressive all-rounder and makes a compelling case as the best SUV on the market.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo XC90 offers excellent comfort and refinement, with enough room for seven adults. It has a huge boot, and classy design both inside and out. It’s one of the safest car on sale, as well as one of the most accomplished.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“Bringing safety and practicality for all seven members of the family”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 R-Design“All in all, it’s a fantastic package that’s very difficult to beat. Practical, stylish, all-wheel-drive capability and now with the sort of technology to make Land Rover Discovery owners envious, it’s very hard not fall in love with the Volvo XC90.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine InscriptionScore: 8 / 10“This side of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, it’s the nicest interior you’ll find anywhere.”
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid XC90 Twin EngineScore: 8 / 10“The ultimate way for the middle class to waft to work.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 is very good; so good in fact that it’d be ideal for those who find the current offerings from Land Rover a bit — how can I put this? — pratty.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B5 InscriptionScore: 8 / 10“If you need one of these big seven-seat SUVs and comfort is your top priority, the Volvo XC90 is the one to have. No, it isn’t as sporty as its rivals, but that’s probably a good thing; what it delivers instead is a tremendous sense of calm and wellbeing. And while this new engine won’t rock your world, its very reasonable fuel consumption just might.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo XC90 combines the practicality of the Land Rover Discovery with the running costs of the BMW X5, plus it has a classy interior and puts great emphasis on safety and comfort. Only the wealthy need apply, but it makes a fantastic family car.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“So well-targeted as a big family wagon: lovely to sit in, safe, very versatile and not too costly to own.”
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Model reviewed: B5 dieselScore: 7 / 10“Another very well-executed Volvo that teams sensible, just-what-you-need-and-nothing more oily bits with a rich wellbeing when you’re on board.”
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What Car?

Score: 8 / 10“The Volvo XC90 is one of the best large SUVs, combining a high-quality, spacious and versatile interior with plenty of kit and good driving manners.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“Comfortable and loaded with safety technology, the Volvo XC90 is a standout car in the premium SUV class. With seven seats and a large towing capacity, it’s as practical as they come. However, the new-to-2019 mild-hybrid diesel engine feels like a step in the wrong direction because of its poor fuel economy.”
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Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid“Hugely capable – but diesel is better”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015

97%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

72%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

100%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Volvo XC90 has not 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. Inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, before resuming later in the year with an enhanced testing process.

If the XC90 is selected for assessment by Green NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo XC90 has received

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 Discovery | Lexus RX L | Maserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volkswagen Touareg

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