Volvo XC90 SUV review

The Volvo XC90 is the Swedish brand’s most well-known model and, depending on who you ask, also its best. It features everything that Volvo is known for, including practicality, safety, comfort and a high-quality interior.

The XC90 is quite expensive, so its closest rivals are other ‘premium’ cars including the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery. All feature plenty of tech and an upmarket interior, though the XC90’s cabin has a different feel to these models; it’s more minimalist, yet with all the high-quality materials and tech you would expect.

On the outside you get what Volvo calls its ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED lights and a smart if undramatic body. If you want a large, seven-seat SUV but don’t want to look like you’re showing off to the neighbours, then the XC90 is definitely worth considering.

Volvo knows its customers appreciate the little things, so it’s included some neat touches including small Swedish flags stitched into the seats, plus a small inscription on the seatbelts that reads 'Since 1959' - the year Volvo introduced the three-point seatbelt.

Top 10 best large SUVs 2022

Tech is a strong point despite the minimalist-looking dash. The focal point is the portrait-oriented touchscreen display, which houses all the key features. You control it like you would a smartphone, by swiping, pinching and tapping thanks to its advanced Google-based software.

There’s lots of room inside and even the sixth and seventh seats are roomy enough for adults. The comfortable ride means that, even on bumpy roads, the whole family will stay settled and it’s a very smooth car on the motorway.

Considering its bulk, the XC90's 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines might seem a little on the small size, but they prove capable of endowing the big SUV with respectable performance, as well as impressive fuel economy. The Recharge T8 petrol plug-in hybrid makes particular sense for company car users and those who live in crowded, urban areas. All models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Our favourite is the B5 (D) diesel which offers up to 40.3mpg fuel economy. The B5 (P) and (now discontinued) B6 petrols are more powerful but rather more costly to run, and although the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid offers impressive economy on paper, not all motorists will achieve it in the real world. While the grippy XC90 is happy to carve through corners, the high degree of body lean and light steering don't encourage the spirited driving that a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 allows. The XC90 is far better suited to quiet, relaxed cruising.

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The XC90 is very well equipped as standard, thanks to features like its intuitive infotainment system, LED headlights, leather seats, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels. You can choose from Core, Plus and Ultimate trim levels, the two offering enhanced sportiness and luxury respectively. Our pick of the line-up is the XC90 B5 diesel in Plus trim.

Volvo is regarded as something of a pioneer when it comes to safety and the XC90 is its flagship model, so there’s a long list of technology to keep you safe. This resulted in a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, with an impressive 97% score for adult occupant protection. The XC90 is designed to keep other road users safe, too, with pedestrian and cyclist detection to help avoid collisions.

USED SECTION

Read our used review of the Mk2 Volvo XC90...

How about a used or nearly new Volvo XC90 Mk2?

With a supremely stylish, well-appointed cabin and distinctive exterior design, the Volvo XC90 Mk2 is a popular choice in the used premium SUV market. Another large part of its appeal is that it will genuinely seat seven adults, and still have space for luggage. It’s comfortable to ride in and pleasant to drive, and its engine range includes petrol and diesels, as well as mild hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. 

What’s its history?

The Volvo XC90 Mk2 had its UK launch at the end of 2014, with sales taking off in earnest in 2015. It looked fabulous inside and out, and its standard seven-seater configuration made it an instant hit on the school run. Also standard were four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. From the outset it offered a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model alongside the regular petrol and diesel versions; the latter were superseded during 2019 by mild hybrid petrol and diesel derivatives. The XC90 Mk2 also underwent a facelift that year, when its equipment levels were enhanced and extra safety technology added. There was another revamp in late 2021 that boosted the power and EV range of the T8 Recharge and introduced new trim grades.

Read our buying guide of the Mk1 Volvo XC90...

Used XC90 Mk1 (2002-2014)

Volvo’s first attempt to break into the large premium SUV market was well-received, especially as at the time few others offered the versatility of seven seats. It’s a good-looking car with a first-rate interior, and its engine range extends from the predictable turbodiesels all the way up to a 4.4-litre V8 petrol. The XC90 Mk1 enjoyed a long lifespan and its looks and specification evolved over the years.