The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV Volvo flagship made to compete with the likes of the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, and the Mercedes Benz GLE-Class. The XC90 is one of the most popular Volvo offerings which means that it indeed is a good car.
The XC90 is available with powerful, yet efficient gasoline engines while the hybrid options are both the most powerful and the most economic. Design-wise, the XC90 certainly delivers as it is easily one of the best-looking premium mid-size SUVs on the market. The interior is no different as it also incorporates beautiful design touches with lots of high-quality materials.
As far as reliability is concerned, the XC90 does not suffer from all that many problems, but there are a few problems that seem to be relatively severe and common. These include transmission issues, automatic braking issues, premature tire wear, air suspension issues, and drivetrain leaks.
Value-wise, the XC90 is decent considering its market positioning but is still out of reach for most people. The XC90 is available with up to seven seats which makes it an extremely practical car. Cargo space is also huge while the visibility is excellent.
Volvo XC90 – The powertrain
The Volvo XC90 gasoline engine lineup consists of a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine in various states of tune. The entry-level B5 model offers 250hp while the XC90 T8 Twin Engine offers 320hp and is the most powerful gasoline-powered XC90 model. All of these come with AWD and a sophisticated 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The XC90 diesel engine lineup consists of a 2.0L 4-cylinder once again, but the power outputs are up to 225hp. In some markets, diesel XC90 models even come with a FWD setup which is not something you want from a large SUV. Either way, the 8-speed is also present in all the diesel models.
The most impressive XC90 engine options are the hybrids. All XC90 hybrid models also utilize a 2.0L 4-cylinder but with the added electric motors for a maximum combined output of up to 455hp. Gas-powered XC90 should return around 30MPG, diesel XC90s should return around 40MPG, while hybrid XC90s can return upwards of 100MPG.
Volvo XC90 – Design and chassis
The XC90 utilizes a minimalist design both inside and out which separates it from its more blingy competitors like the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE. This means that the XC90 looks a bit more under the radar even though it oozes class and sophistication, especially the higher-end models.
Interior-wise, the XC90 prioritizes ergonomics and quality which is obvious the moment you step inside the cabin. Everything is cladded with high-end materials such as leather, aluminum, and black piano plastic. The XC90 offers a well-designed and functional infotainment system incorporated into a central portrait-style widescreen display.
The chassis and suspension tuning of the XC90 is focused on comfort and quietness which makes it not all that dynamic. Out of its class, the XC90 offers the dullest driving experience because it more or less isolates you from everything the car is doing which is what some drivers love, while others hate that.
Volvo XC90 – Reliability and common issues
The Volvo XC90 is a reliable car for the most part which means that problems with the XC90 don’t occur all that often. However, when they do, they can be more severe than those of its competitors like the BMW X5, and the Mercedes GLE. The most common issues with the XC90 are transmission-related, drivetrain-related, and air suspension-related.
It’s also worth mentioning that the XC90 suffers from going through tires at an alarming rate which is indeed an issue considering that the tires for the XC90 can cost close to $2,000. The XC90 also suffers from issues related to automatic braking in which the car stops without an apparent reason.
Volvo XC90 – Value and practicality
At the time of writing this article, the XC90 can be had for around high $20,000 or low $30,000 for higher mileage and older examples while the newer models tend to cost more than twice as much. This means that the XC90 perfectly rivals its German competitors when it comes to price as well.
Practicality-wise, the XC90 is one of the best cars in its class because it offers huge amounts of space while also being available with up to seven seats. Visibility is great and so are the interior cubby and storage spaces which means that the XC90 is a great road trip car.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Volvo XC90?
If you are in the market for a mid-size luxury family SUV, the XC90 is certainly worth taking a look at. The XC90 bests its competition when it comes to efficiency, safety, space, and potentially even design. Some people prefer the minimalist approach of the XC90 because it does not stand out too much, at least not as much as a Mercedes GLE.
On the other hand, some people prefer a more special experience which some could say is lacking with the XC90. Many people are keen to skip the XC90 because it only comes with 4-cylinder engines, especially because it is a large SUV. Either way, these 4-cylinder engines can go over 400hp.
Is the Volvo XC90 safe?
The Volvo XC90 is indeed a really safe car because it comes with all the necessary 21st-century safety options. Furthermore, the entire construction of the XC90 is in line with all the latest safety standards and requirements which makes the XC90 one of the safest modern-day SUVs.
After all, the XC90 is a Volvo and Volvo is a brand known for making some of the safest cars on the planet.
How long can a Volvo XC90 last?
It is rather difficult to say how long can a relatively modern car last, but when we take a look at the previous generation XC90, we are seeing examples that are comfortably doing over 200,000 miles. If the current XC90 is at least as good as the older one, it is also likely going to cross the 200,000-mile mark with ease.
Either way, you should maintain it if you want it to last any amount of miles. The XC90 does not cost a fortune to maintain if you do everything correctly.
