Model research hub
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV made since 2002 and completely redesigned for the 2016 model year. Federal data shows 8 recalls on the 2016, 7 each on the 2017 and 2020 and 2 on the 2025, and guides tell buyers to avoid the 2016 first-year cars. The 2026 XC90 starts at $62,345 and is rated 23 to 27 mpg combined.
What the Volvo XC90 is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the XC90 as a mid-size luxury SUV made and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and now in its second generation. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says the second generation was introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year as a complete overhaul that shares nothing with its forebears. The 2026 XC90 is offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, rated 23 to 27 mpg combined by the EPA. Kelley Blue Book base prices start at $62,345 for the B5 Core, $67,445 for the B6 Core and $70,945 for the B5 Ultra.
Best and worst XC90 model years
Federal recall counts are high for the redesigned car: 8 on the 2016 (seat belts, air bags, engine cooling, electrical), 7 on the 2017, 3 on the 2018, 6 on the 2019, 7 on the 2020, 6 on the 2021, 4 on the 2022, 6 on the 2023, 3 on the 2024 and 2 on the 2025. VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) lists the 2017 (228 complaints), 2018 (150) and 2019 (123) as its years to avoid.
Guides single out the first year. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says to avoid the 2016 model year due to inaugural SPA platform software and transmission issues, and that second-generation models, primarily 2016 and 2017, do not typically suffer mechanical failure but owners report severe shifting hesitation and jerking that requires dealer software recalibration. For the plug-in, an Alibaba buying guide (opens in a new tab) says to avoid 2016 and consider 2020 to 2022 for balance. Open the 2016 XC90 page for the first year.
The first generation
Older XC90s are a separate purchase. CarGurus says the earliest XC90s, built between 2003 and 2006, were the worst, with reliability issues in the transmission, suspension and electronics, and that even the newest first-generation cars are now more than a decade old. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says the final years, 2011 to 2014, are the most reliable, provided buyers avoid the complex V8 engine.
Questions buyers ask
Which Volvo XC90 year should I avoid?
CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says to avoid the 2016 because of inaugural SPA platform software and transmission issues, and CarGurus says the earliest first-generation cars, built 2003 to 2006, were the worst.
Does the Volvo XC90 come as a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The 2026 XC90 is offered with a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Volvo XC90 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (B5), turbo four (B6), or plug-in hybrid (T8), rated at 247 / 295 / 455 horsepower across its three-row luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2027 Volvo XC90 is published to tow is up to 5,000 lb (properly equipped).
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 XC90.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Volvo XC90
All three trims come standard with the 247-hp B5 engine, with the 295-hp B6 available as an upgrade; the T8 plug-in hybrid at 455 hp is offered independently of trim level. MY2027 is a minor update continuing the 2025.5 refresh, not a new generation.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Volvo XC90 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Volvo XC90 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Volvo XC90 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Volvo XC90 | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Volvo XC90.
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and in its second generation. The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken in Sweden.
- Safety
- The Second Generation Volvo XC90 SUV feature (IntelliSafe), including Run-off-road protection package and Auto brake at intersection. The Volvo XC90 safety systems include: Run-off-road protection package. In a run-off-road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position.
Source: Volvo XC90 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Volvo XC90 at a glance
- Production
- 2002–present
- Class
- Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or Front-engine, four-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Volvo XC90 generations
The Volvo XC90 has been redesigned in 2015, gaps of 13 years, an average of 13.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation) began in 2015.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 2002–2015 | In January 2001, Volvo debuted its Adventure Concept Car at the North American International Auto Show, to gauge reaction to the styling and features of its upcoming SUV. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2015–present | In May 2012 Volvo announced that the second generation XC90 would go into production in late 2014, unveiled to the public in Stockholm on August 26, 2014, with orders being taken in 2014 and the vehicle officially going on sale in 2015. |
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- December 2025, Back Over Prevention:Software. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed… Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- May 2025, Back Over Prevention:Software. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in… Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Year by year
The Volvo XC90 across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Volvo XC90 | 23–25 | $3,200–$3,450 | 2 | ||
| 2026 Volvo XC90 | 23–27 | $2,850–$3,350 | 3 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Volvo XC90 | 23–27 | $2,850–$3,350 | 3 | 2 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Volvo XC90 | 23–27 | $2,850–$3,350 | 3 | 3 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Volvo XC90 | 22–27 | $2,850–$3,500 | 3 | 6 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Volvo XC90 | 22–27 | $2,850–$3,500 | 5 | 4 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Volvo XC90 | 22–27 | $2,850–$3,500 | 4 | 6 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Volvo XC90 | 21–27 | $2,850–$3,700 | 4 | 7 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Volvo XC90 | 22–25 | $3,100–$3,500 | 4 | 6 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Volvo XC90 | 23–27 | $2,850–$3,350 | 4 | 3 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Volvo XC90 | 22–25 | $3,100–$3,500 | 4 | 7 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Volvo XC90 | 22–25 | $3,100–$3,500 | 4 | 8 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Volvo XC90, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 3 to 2 | 25.0 to 24.0 | Labels: XC90 T8 AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | Labels: XC90 T8 AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV | Labels: XC90 T8 AWD Recharge; Engines: 2L 4-cyl | |||
| 2023 to 2024 | 24.5 to 25.0 | ||||
| 2022 to 2023 | 5 to 3 | 27 to 33 | Labels: XC90 B5 AWD, XC90 B6 AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Labels: XC90 T5, XC90 T5 AWD, XC90 T6 AWD, XC90 T8 AWD Recharge ext. Range; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 4 to 5 | 18 to 27 | Labels: XC90 T5, XC90 T5 AWD, XC90 T6 AWD, XC90 T8 AWD Recharge, and 1 more | Labels: XC90 AWD, XC90 AWD PHEV, XC90 FWD | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 24.0 to 24.5 | ||||
| 2019 to 2020 | 23.5 to 24.0 | 17 to 18 | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | 25.0 to 23.5 | 19 to 17 | |||
| 2017 to 2018 | 23.5 to 25.0 | 14 to 19 |
Buying used
What the Volvo XC90 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | back over prevention (software) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2024 | 3 | seat belts (critical fasteners); back over prevention (software) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2023 | 6 | engine and engine cooling; service brakes, hydraulic; electrical system; 2 more | 2 fixable over the air |
| 2022 | 4 | engine and engine cooling; steering; seat belts (critical fasteners); 1 more | None |
| 2021 | 6 | air bags; seat belts (front); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); 3 more | None |
| 2020 | 7 | forward collision avoidance (automatic emergency braking); electrical system (software); electrical system (wiring); 3 more | None |
| 2019 | 6 | electrical system (software); forward collision avoidance (automatic emergency braking); electrical system (wiring); 2 more | None |
| 2018 | 3 | electrical system (software); seat belts (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2017 | 7 | equipment (appliance); seat belts (front); air bags (side/window); 3 more | None |
| 2016 | 8 | air bags (side/window); visibility (sun/moon roof assembly); equipment (appliance); 4 more | None |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Volvo XC90 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 Core | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) | 247 | 266 | 4,579 | 5,000 | 24 | $62,345 |
| B5 Plus | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) | 247 | 266 | 4,579 | 5,000 | 24 | $66,345 |
| B6 Core | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) | 295 | 310 | 4,522 | 5,000 | 23 | $67,445 |
| B6 Plus | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) | 295 | 310 | 4,495 | 5,000 | 23 | $70,095 |
| B5 Ultra | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) | 247 | 266 | 4,579 | 5,000 | 24 | $70,945 |
| B6 Ultra Dark Theme | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) | 295 | 310 | 4,513 | 5,000 | 23 | $74,645 |
| B6 Ultra | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) | 295 | 310 | 4,495 | 5,000 | 23 | $74,645 |
| T8 Core | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 312 | 295 | 5,075 | 5,000 | 27 | $77,495 |
| T8 Plus | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 312 | 295 | 5,053 | 5,000 | 27 | $80,145 |
| T8 Ultra Dark Theme | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 312 | 295 | 5,069 | 5,000 | 27 | $84,695 |
| T8 Ultra | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 312 | 295 | 5,053 | 5,000 | 27 | $84,695 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Volvo XC90 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 247–312 | 4,495–5,075 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2025 | 18 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 247–312 | 4,442–5,075 | 5,000 | – |
| 2024 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 250–316 | – | 5,000 | 18.5–18.8 |
| 2023 | 10 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 247–312 | – | 5,291–5,952 | 18.5–18.8 |
| 2022 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 250–455 | – | 4,000–5,000 | 18.5–18.8 |
| 2021 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, Hybrid) | 250–400 | 4,374–5,099 | 4,000–5,000 | 18.5–18.8 |
| 2020 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, Hybrid) | 250–316 | – | 4,000–5,000 | 13.2–18.8 |
| 2019 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged, Hybrid) | 250–316 | 4,374–5,077 | 4,000–5,000 | 13.2–18.8 |
| 2018 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Turbo, Supercharged) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Drive-E, Hybrid, Turbo, Supercharged) | 250–316 | 4,327–5,105 | 4,000–5,000 | 13.2–18.8 |
| 2017 | 8 | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T / 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd Hybrid 2.0T | 250–316 | 4,293–5,059 | 4,000–5,000 | 13.2–18.8 |
| 2016 | 10 | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T / 4-Cyl Sprchgd Hybrid 2.0T | 250–316 | 4,293–5,059 | 5,000–8,000 | 13.2–18.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Volvo XC90.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Volvo XC90: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2015 Volvo XC90 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 4.8).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2016 Volvo XC90 : 8 recalls on file, most commonly affecting seat belts and airbags.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 2 | not available | backup camera |
| 2024 | 3 | not available | backup camera, seat belts |
| 2023 | 6 | not available | backup camera, engine cooling, brakes, electrical system |
| 2022 | 4 | not available | engine cooling, steering, seat belts, electrical system |
| 2021 | 6 | not available | seat belts, brakes, airbags, steering |
| 2020 | 7 | not available | electrical system, forward collision system, brakes, steering |
| 2019 | 6 | not available | electrical system, forward collision system, steering, seat belts |
| 2018 | 3 | not available | electrical system, seat belts |
| 2017 | 7 | not available | seat belts, electrical system, equipment, airbags |
| 2016 | 8 | not available | seat belts, airbags, engine cooling, electrical system |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | seat belts |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Volvo XC90 model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Volvo XC90?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2015 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2016 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Volvo XC90 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2016 Volvo XC90 has 8 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting seat belts, airbags, engine cooling. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Volvo XC90 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2015 Volvo XC90 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 4.8. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Volvo XC90 by model year?
2025: backup camera. 2024: backup camera, seat belts. 2023: backup camera, engine cooling, brakes, electrical system. 2022: engine cooling, steering, seat belts, electrical system. 2021: seat belts, brakes, airbags, steering. 2020: electrical system, forward collision system, brakes, steering.
Q05Why do some Volvo XC90 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Volvo XC90 model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering.
2016 Volvo XC90 owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Engine and cooling and Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Volvo XC90 is most often compared with.
Nearest Volvo models
Other Volvo models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 XC90 come in?
The 2027 Volvo XC90 (three-row luxury SUV) comes in 3 trims: Core, Plus, Ultra.
Q02What are the 2027 XC90 trims?
The 2027 Volvo XC90 trims are Core, Plus, Ultra, listed from the entry Core up to the top Ultra.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 XC90 use?
The 2027 Volvo XC90 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (B5), turbo four (B6), or plug-in hybrid (T8), rated at 247 / 295 / 455 horsepower across its three-row luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 XC90 have?
The 2027 Volvo XC90 is rated at 247 / 295 / 455 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder (B5), turbo four (B6), or plug-in hybrid (T8)).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 XC90?
The 2027 Volvo XC90 is offered with Standard AWD.