Name: Volvo XC90 (2015 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Volvo XC90
Rating: 56.0

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.

The XC90 was due to be replaced by an all-electric model called the Volvo EX90, which went on sale in 2024, but Volvo has decided to keep it around for a few years yet, so it was given a major update once again in 2024 with new looks and infotainment.

As of November 2025, the Volvo XC90 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. It still achieves top marks for its media review scores, some ten years after it first went on sale, but its safety rating and CO₂ emissions are now only average, while its reliability record and Volvo’s new car warranty offering are both poor, and its running costs are very high.

More Volvo Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

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 £65,450 on-road

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

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“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.”

Model reviewed: 2019 to 2024 range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Stuart Masson

The Volvo XC90 is a stylish SUV with a swanky cabin packed full of technology, but it doesn’t drive as well as the best German alternatives

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

More reviews

The Car Expert

“The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine is effective, and will be very tempting to company car buyers.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 (2025 update)
Score: 9 / 10
“Most of the Volvo XC90’s rivals are newer, but it has a sensible, understated and classy appeal. As you might expect, it’s not the last word in sportiness, but refreshingly it doesn’t try to be. If you want a premium SUV that offers the flexibility of seven seats and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with useful – if not world-beating range, the Volvo XC90 remains an excellent choice almost a decade on. “
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 was a car that proved the Swedish company had the chops to not only take on the established German contenders, but beat them. The brand’s strengths of practicality and safety are perfectly in tune with a seven-seat SUV, which is why, even almost a decade after its release, the XC90 remains one of the most appealing cars of its type around.”
Author: Alex Ingram, Matt Robinson
Read review

Model reviewed: XC90 T8 Recharge (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Time is ticking for the XC90, but it’s still a top choice thanks to Volvo’s latest updates.”

Model reviewed: B5
Score: 8 / 10
Verdict 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.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel (mild hybrid) automatic B5 Inscription Pro
Score: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Momentum
Score: 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.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic T8 Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be the elder statesman of this sector but the Volvo XC90 still delivers in being devastatingly fast and handsome, and nowhere near as audacious and flashy as its European rivals. It might be on the cusp of replacement, but it feels like a cut-price Range Rover – and that is praise indeed.” (Tim Pollard)
Read review

Model reviewed: B5 diesel
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 is a hugely practical, handsome, and cleverly engineered luxury SUV that isn’t a Range Rover – and doesn’t come with the same Range Rover image. Not as keen to drive as a RR Sport, not as flash as a BMW X5 – whether they’re good traits is up to you.” (Murray Scullion)
Read review

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine
Score: 8 / 10
“The T8’s potential for both lunging bouts of acceleration and silent electric running is hugely attractive. Much like the car itself.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybrid
Score: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B5
Score: 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.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 looks smart, is very safe and it’s incredibly comfortable and practical.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 Recharge is stylish, luxurious and desirable but it’s not the most economical large hybrid SUV”
Read review

Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 T8 is stylish, luxurious and desirable, but it’s not the most economical large hybrid SUV.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: D5 Inscription
Score: 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)
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine
Score: 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.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Inscription
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD offers the capability for electric motoring (for up to around 25 miles in the real-world) for up to seven people, as well as all-wheel drive. This makes it one of only a few cars that offer this combination. As well as being big and spacious, the XC90 Recharge is also refined and has a premium feel.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine
Score: 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.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Even though it’s been on sale since 2015, the Volvo XC90 is one of the most desirable SUVs money can buy. It still looks fresh today, while its upmarket interior is spacious enough to carry seven people. Combine that with an electrified engine line-up and the XC90 is very worthy of your consideration.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Bringing safety and practicality for all seven members of the family”
Read review

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.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine Inscription
Score: 8 / 10
“This side of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, it’s the nicest interior you’ll find anywhere.”
Read review

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid XC90 Twin Engine
Score: 8 / 10
“The ultimate way for the middle class to waft to work.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic B5 Inscription
Score: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“So well-targeted as a big family wagon: lovely to sit in, safe, very versatile and not too costly to own.”
Read review

Model reviewed: B5 diesel
Score: 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.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 100%

Notes on safety rating

The Volvo XC90 was tested by Euro NCAP way back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used XC90 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of November 2025, 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.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	24 mpg	E
Diesel models	40 mpg	D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	200 g/km	D
Diesel models	183 g/km	D
Plug-in hybrid models	31 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	43 miles	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	44	E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£467	E
Year 2	£1,085	E
Year 3	£1,605	E
Year 4	£1,874	E
Year 5	£2,461	E
Overall	£7,492	E

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.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 358
Average repair cost: £756.41
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Volvo XC90 has a poor reliability score, according to exclusive workshop and 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 engine, with an average repair bill of more than £1,300. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, averaging more than £1,400, althouigh are thankfully less common.

If you’re looking at a used Volvo XC90, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Volvo XC90

Overall ratingD28%
Petrol or diesel modelsE15%
Electric or hybrid modelsC50%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Volvo’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered by any car manufacturer, and nowhere near as good as some other cars of similar size and/or price.

The duration is three years, with a limit of 60,000 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the XC90 plug-in hybrid version has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Volvo XC90

If you are buying a ‘Volvo Selekt Approved Used’ XC90 from an official Volvo dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month/unlimited mileage warranty included.
If you are buying a used Volvo XC90 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Volvo XC90 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Volvo XC90

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/124
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2022 to 07/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 4
Defect: The screw joints for the seats and seatbelts may not have been torqued to the correct specification, which means in the event of an impact, insufficient protection will be available.
Remedy: Check and adjust the torque.

Date: December 2023
Recall number: R/2023/345
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2014 to 09/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 572
Defect: The anchorage bolts for the second-row seatbelts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-case scenario, this may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Inspect and re-install.

Date: January 2023
Recall number: R/2023/025
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 10,197
Defect: There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Remedy: Update the brake control module software.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/313
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 10/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4,755
Defect: The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.
Remedy: Download updated software.

Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/360
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,083
Defect: The thrust bearing in the turbocharger may not be robust enough.
Remedy: Replace turbocharger with a modified version, which has an improved thrust bearing.

Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2019 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 28
Defect: There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake system.
Remedy: Replace the hydraulic unit.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/205
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 14,380
Defect: There is a risk that the 15-amp fuse could blow, which will prevent the low-pressure fuel pump operating.
Remedy: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse, which can withstand this peak.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/001
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 704
Defect: Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body.
Remedy: Inspect and tighten the SRS control unit.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/073
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 56,385
Defect: The Automatic Emergency Brake System – a function of the IntelliSafe system – may not always engage, increasing the risk of a collision.
Remedy: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded.

Date: December 2019
Recall number: R/2019/452
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 53
Defect: Possible loss of power whilst driving.
Remedy: Vehicles must have updated software downloaded.

Date: October 2019
Recall number: R/2019/180
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2014 to 04/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 69,630
Defect: The engine’s plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform.
Remedy: Update vehicles with improved soot-reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/128
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2014 to 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 959
Defect: An engine cooling system hose may break and could cause a coolant leak.
Remedy: Replace the hose on affected vehicles.

Date: January 2019
Recall number: R/2018/377
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2015 to 05/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 30,777
Defect: Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Remedy: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.

Date: November 2018
Recall number: R/2018/314
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 7,322
Defect: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Remedy: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Date: June 2017
Recall number: R/2017/188
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2016 to 11/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 501
Defect: The pre-tensioner in the driver’s side third row passenger seat belt may not have been produced according to the correct specification. In the event of a collision, the pre-tensioner and seatbelt will still operate as intended but a very small part could enter the passenger compartment. As a temporary measure, until the seat belt has been replaced, it is recommended that the seatbelt is not used.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace the seat belt.

Date: March 2017
Recall number: R/2017/105
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2016 to 03/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 2,409
Defect: The retaining bolts used to assemble the Inflatable Curtain may be broken and offer less protection in the event of an incident.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace all retaining bolts.

Date: January 2017
Recall number: R/2017/002
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2016 to 09/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 1,415
Defect: It has been identified by the manufacturer that the airbag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly, which can lead to non-deployment of the airbag. Should a collision occur, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the airbags with a new quality assured component.

Date: November 2016
Recall number: R/2016/257
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2015 to 08/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 47
Defect: There is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and, if required, to replace the seatbelt buckle.

Date: October 2015
Recall number: R/2015/205
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2015 to 09/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 9
Defect: Affected vehicles may have a crankshaft that has been insufficiently hardened, which may fail and may cause engine failure.
Remedy: Check identity of crankshaft. If the relevant marking is not present, replace engine.

Date: August 2015
Recall number: R/2015/174
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2015 to 07/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 1,690
Defect: Interior panels may prevent the inflatable curtain airbags from deploying as intended. This could reduce the level of protection offered to third-row passengers in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Modify affected interior panels to allow the inflatable curtains to deploy as intended.

Date: June 2015
Recall number: R/2015/111
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2015 to 05/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 301
Defect: The wiring harness for the Side Impact Protection System airbag (SIPS) on the driver’s and passenger’s front seats may have been routed incorrectly. This could result in the wiring harness becoming damaged, which will illuminate the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light on the instrument panel. If the SRS light is illuminated, additional care should be taken when driving the vehicle as SRS functions may be affected.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check the routing of the wiring harness and, if required, reroute it and repair any damage.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been 21 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Volvo XC90 – at least one in every year since it has been on sale – to address different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Volvo dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used XC90, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.