Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC90 review - Engines, drive & performance

"Powerful petrol and hybrid engines ensure the big Volvo XC90 isn’t short of power"

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.2 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.5 out of 5

The Volvo XC90 has a heavy focus on comfort first and foremost, so don’t expect an involving drive here – for that you’d be better off with something like a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. There’s something to be said for the fact that Volvo has focused on comfort for the XC90, though, because it really doesn’t compromise on ride quality, and doesn’t pretend to be sporty in any way. In fact, there are just two driving modes, called ‘on-road’ and ‘off-road’, while the steering can be tweaked to be heavy or light – we prefer to keep it on the heavier side, because the lighter setting feels a bit odd in a car of this size and heft.

Petrol engine

While the Volvo XC90’s engine lineup used to be broader, there’s now just one petrol version left – the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder, badged the B5. As before, this packs a 247bhp punch, getting the XC90 from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. While that’s quick for an engine propelling a car of this size, it’s not quite as refined as the hybrid model.

Hybrid engine

There’s one plug-in hybrid powertrain for the XC90, called the T8. This version is much more powerful than the mild-hybrid, with a hefty 449bhp. Don’t expect it to feel sporty, though – the power is reassuring and makes overtaking feel effortless, but it’s still very much a relaxed driving machine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

0-62mph is completed in a fairly rapid 5.4 seconds, but from the inside it doesn’t feel all that quick when you are just driving normally. The transition between the electric motor and combustion engine is very smooth and quiet, while the transmission is responsive most of the time – but it can feel a bit sluggish when you need a sudden downchange for a burst of acceleration.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo XC90 review – understated upmarket large SUV
Volvo XC90 front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
25 Nov 2024

Volvo XC90 review – understated upmarket large SUV

Most Popular

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
2025 Kia EV6 GT front quarter
News
5 Dec 2024

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024