Name: Volvo XC90 Review
Item: Volvo XC90
Author: Gumtree.com

While you might think combining elegance with muscle is a difficult task, the Volvo XC90 is a crossover SUV that does this effortlessly. Since the launch of the first generation model in 2002, the XC90 has proven to be a showstopper, giving other luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7 a run for their money. With more space than you’ll know what to do with, the four, five, six, or seven-seater XC90 is an ideal companion for family trips.

Take a tour of the Volvo XC90 model page to learn about the model.

What we think about the Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 offers a cocktail of strength, comfort, and sophistication, making it a family favourite in the modern SUV range.

Pros

Roomy cabin

Exquisite interior and exterior

High-powered engine

Advanced technology

Cons

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Cabin storage could be improved

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Touchscreen display isn’t the most user-friendly

Volvo XC90

The second generation XC90 models (from 2014 onwards) are available in four trims: Momentum, R-design, Inscription and Excellence, and offer a wide variety of engine types. The petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models run on 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, brilliantly engineered to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Driving performance of the Volvo Xc90

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The driving position in the XC90 makes you feel in command, while the big windscreen ensures you have excellent visibility. The XC90’s steering is agreeably crisp and it maintains good stability around tight turns. For its size, it’s surprisingly easy to park, and with the front and rear park assist function, you can more easily slide into your favourite spot. If you’re looking for a smoother ride, you might want to consider the models equipped with 19 or 20-inch wheels.

Safety and reliability of the Volvo Xc90

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

Volvo’s reputation for making safe cars is self-evident in the XC90, with the 2020 model earning a well-deserved five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. One of the safety features included is the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which assess the distance between you and other vehicles. The front seats also come equipped with a whiplash prevention system. The XC90 scores even more family-friendly points with two Isofix child seat mounts in the second row seats.

Under the bonnet of the Volvo Xc90

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The XC90 has a wide range of engine options to help tailor your driving experience. All available engine types are 2.0 litres in size and come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 238 bhp diesel engine is the most frugal of the range, employing mild hybrid technology to enhance acceleration, covering a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds. The 233 bhp B5 petrol engine matches the diesel’s sprint time while the 303 bhp B6 variant can do it in 6.3 seconds. The combined power of the 306 bhp petrol engine and the 90 bhp electric motor in the T8 plug-in hybrid makes it the fastest in this range, covering a 0-62 mph sprint in an impressive 5.8 seconds.

What you'll find in the Volvo Xc90

Our Design Rating9 / 10

Volvo display a deep understanding of elegance and refinement in the design of the XC90. The Inscription trim is a statement of modern Swedish luxury and sophistication, with leather upholstery and 21-inch eight-spoke silver diamond-cut alloy wheels. The R design offers an athletic build, with silk metal roof rails and a high-gloss black grille. The Momentum comes packing high-performance audio and 19-inch turbine silver alloy wheels. For extra comfort and luxury, the Excellence offers rear footrests and a touchscreen to make your ride even more enjoyable. In every trim there’s a range of exterior colours to pick from including birch light metallic, bright silver metallic, ice white and onyx black metallic.

Comfort and interiors in the Volvo Xc90

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

One thing the Volvo XC90 does not lack is space. The second-row seats offer enough legroom for you to stretch out on a long journey and sufficient headroom to ensure you don’t feel cramped. The interior design in more recent models is more minimalist, with each seat individually adjustable. Looking to the cockpit, you’ll find a well-arranged and accessible digital dashboard with a touchscreen positioned at the centre of the console. The boot space is gigantic and provides enough room for a family camping trip, even with all the seats upright. For extra cargo space, the third-row and second-row seats can be folded down.

What features you'll find in the Volvo Xc90

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Volvo has taken no prisoners when it comes to equipping the XC90 with the latest technology and infotainment systems. You’ll find a standard 9-inch portrait touchscreen with clear graphics – no need to squint or take your eyes off the road. The XC90 also comes with a 12.3-inch digital driver display showing important information with a head-up display. Features like voice control, Bluetooth, internet, and Apple Airplay and Android Auto are standard, while the high-quality audio system surrounds you with the music you love.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Volvo Xc90

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

The XC90 manages to strike a good balance between performance and efficiency through installing lightweight, low-friction engines. It has a fuel capacity of about 70 litres, allowing you to confidently go on long trips without having to worry. The diesel variants are a better choice for fuel economy at between 34.0 and 44.1 mpg, while the petrol models run a little thirstier at 26.2 – 33.6 mpg. As you’d expect, the plug-in hybrid models are the best at cutting down on CO2 emissions.

Running costs of the Volvo Xc90

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Unsurprisingly given its size, maintaining the XC90 is likely to leave a dent in your pocket. While it isn’t cheap, it’s certainly not as expensive to maintain as the Audi Q7 or BMW X5. You’ll need to service your Volvo XC90 every 12 months or 15,000 km as recommended, with Volvo offering a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. At about average for the segment, the XC90 falls within insurance groups 33-45.

Our verdict of the Volvo Xc90

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Volvo XC90 shows us that a family car can still be stylish and luxurious, making it a crossover SUV that's hard to fault.

Volvo XC90 Review