2019 Volvo S90 Review
2019 Volvo S90 Review





+151
Used S90 for sale
Appraise This CarVolvo S90 types
- Sedan
- Plug-in Hybrid
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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.
Pros
- Seat comfort is among the best in the class
- Impressive interior materials throughout the cabin
- Comes standard with a wide array of convenience and safety features
Cons
- Rough ride when equipped with optional wheels
- Steering is on the heavy side
What's new
- Revisions to standard equipment and trim level contents
- Part of the second S90 generation introduced for 2017
Volvo fully embraced its heritage when creating the S90. At the vanguard of elegant Scandinavian design, this luxury sedan is roundly attractive inside and out. Its sheet metal is crisp, and its cabin materials are first-rate. While it's not an overtly sporty luxury sedan, the S90 confidently goes its own way.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$173/mo for S90 T5 Momentum
S90 T5 Momentum
vs
$206/mo
Avg. Large Car
There's substance to back up the style, too — the 2019 Volvo S90 boasts a long list of luxury appointments and driver assistance features. Roominess is another virtue of the S90. While it's priced like competitors' midsize luxury sedans such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the S90 is as long as sedans one class higher. This length gives the S90 a lot more rear legroom and a bit more front legroom than the midsize competition.
The S90 draws criticism for one thing: its four-cylinder engine. While the power specs are solid, it doesn't offer the same level of refinement as its competition's optional six-cylinder engines. The same could be said of the S90's ride quality, which can be overly firm for this class of vehicle. Overall, though, we think the Volvo S90 is an appealing pick for a stylish luxury sedan.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.9 / 10Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Volvo S90 T6 Inscription Sedan (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current S90 has received some revisions, including the switch to a longer-wheelbase version. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's S90, however.
Scorecard
Overall | 7.9 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 8.0 |
Utility | 7.5 |
Technology | 8.5 |
Driving
7.5The S90 doesn't wow you with performance, but it's plenty fast when called upon. The steering feels precise but needlessly heavy. The car's mass also makes it less snappy than its rivals in quick turns and corners. It can still hustle, but it's no sport sedan.
Acceleration
8.0The T6 engine's turbo-supercharger tandem whips the S90 to highway-merging speeds in no time, but it sounds raspy at higher engine speeds. There's plenty of power almost anywhere in the first six gears; seventh and eighth are fuel savers only.
Braking
7.5The firm, solid pedal feel transmits confidence, which is good since this is a heavy car for its size.
Steering
6.0The steering requires more effort than we expect in a large luxury sedan. There's good feel on-center, and decent road feel is sent back to the driver, but extended driving will induce some fatigue.
Handling
6.5All-wheel drive and grippy tires signal sporting intentions but feel outmatched by the car's mass. Handling is able but not inspired. The S90 feels less willing to change directions than some other cars in the class.
Drivability
7.0The refined driving character is oriented more to comfort than speed or sport. Comfort mode is too sedate and dulls the S90's senses and accelerator response. Sport mode will be the default for most drivers seeking some spirit.
Comfort
8.0What the S90 lacks in heart-racing performance, it makes up for in high-class cabin comfort. But the ride quality is too harsh, perhaps due to a poor wheel-tire combination. Smaller wheels might ease the thumping we observed.
Seat comfort
9.0The firm but pliable seats have excellent support and shape. Ten-way power adjustments include thigh extenders and upper and lower lumbar. It's easy to dial in comfort and adjust for sustained comfort during long drives.
Ride comfort
7.5The ride is regal and undisturbed on most road surfaces but jostles like a sports car over more severe bumps and imperfections. Our test car came with the optional rear air suspension, which helped, but also optional 20-inch wheels, which made it worse.
Noise & vibration
7.5Wind and road noise is well suppressed, but there's a dull tire roar from the low-profile tires. Engine noise pipes in through the speakers. It's not a bad sound but not worth highlighting either.
Climate control
8.0The stylish center console vent design has directional vents and adjustable fan speed for rear-seat passengers. The seat coolers emit some fan noise, but it's muted. Most functions are accessed via a touchscreen menu instead of buttons and knobs.
Interior
8.0The S90 concedes nothing to its rivals in cabin design and materials. This interior is first-rate all around, from upholstery, touch points and surfaces to infotainment integration. However, the large rear pillars and a sloping roofline create blind spots and diminish headroom.
Ease of use
8.0The button labels aren't always obvious, which leads to some confusion. The touchscreen is intuitive, so it's easy to access primary navigation, phone, audio and climate functions.
Getting in/getting out
8.0Getting in and out of the front seats is easy thanks to a wide door swing and aperture. The sloping rear roofline means taller passengers might need to stoop slightly to get into the rear seats.
Driving position
7.5The steering column has manual tilt-and-telescoping, though it should be power-adjustable at this price. A 5-foot-10 driver will have no trouble finding a good position, and we wouldn't anticipate trouble for taller or shorter drivers.
Roominess
7.0There was enough legroom for a 6-foot passenger seated behind a 6-foot driver in the smaller-wheelbase S90 from last year, so we expect the 2018 long-wheelbase model to feel even more spacious. The sloping roofline eats a bit into the rear headroom, but headroom is on par with what competitors offer.
Visibility
6.5The sloping roofline and wide pillars inhibit some rear corner visibility, but generally there's no problem quickly assessing the blind spot before a lane change or when reversing. Blind-spot monitoring sensors are optional, an odd circumstance for a car in this price range.
Quality
9.0Time will tell with Volvo's latest family of new products. But to the eye, the S90 is free of unsightly gaps and obvious build quality issues. Early impressions suggest Volvo sweated the details.
Utility
7.5A 60/40-split folding rear seat with a long-item/ski pass-through improves flexibility for what is an otherwise average-size trunk. The optional hands-free trunklid and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area add some errand-running and tailgating utility.
Small-item storage
7.0The door pockets, center console and glovebox storage are all adequately sized.
Cargo space
7.0At 13.5 cubic feet, the Volvo's trunk is roughly the same volume as the rest of the segment, give or take a cubic foot. The disappearing gooseneck hinges keep luggage from getting smashed.
Technology
8.5We sampled only the high-end stereo system, but it sounds worth every penny. The navigation system also impressed with its precision. Wireless connectivity comes via 3G but should be 4G at this level. Semiautomated driving features work well both on the highway and in city traffic.
Audio & navigation
9.0The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system is top-shelf, with only slight bass distortion when cranked (the standard audio system was unavailable to test). Turn-by-turn navigation is impressively accurate.
Smartphone integration
8.0There are no issues with standard Bluetooth connection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional.
Driver aids
8.0Pilot Assist coordinates adaptive cruise control, steering and lane keeping assist systems for semiautomated driving that works well at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera are available.
Which S90 does Edmunds recommend?
The Momentum trim hits the sweet spot since it is well-equipped and offers many of the Inscription's features as options. There's simply more flexibility to configure a Momentum to your liking. As for engines, it's worth springing for the higher-output T6 engine over the T5.
2019 Volvo S90 models
The 2019 Volvo S90 is offered in either Momentum or Inscription trim level with a choice of three powerplants. The T5 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional on T5 models. The T6 is both supercharged and turbocharged (316 hp, 295 lb-ft) and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid T8 adds an 87-hp electric motor to the T6 engine for a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft.
Standard features for the T5 Momentum include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, simulated-leather upholstery, wood interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory functions, and power-folding rear headrests.
On the technology front, you also get Volvo On Call remote features, a virtual instrument panel, a 9-inch touchscreen with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio.
Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, a drowsy driver warning system, and a traffic sign reader.
The T6 Inscription trim extends the features list with 19-inch wheels, Harman Kardon premium audio, four-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, interior ambient lighting, upgraded wood interior trim, leather upholstery, leather coverings on the dash and door panels, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front-seat side bolsters and thigh extensions, and power sunshades for rear windows.
An optional Advanced package adds parking assist, a surround-view camera system, upgraded headlights and a head-up display. For the Inscription only, Volvo offers the Luxury package, which includes massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded materials for the headliner and sun visors.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Volvo S90.
5 star(43%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(12%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
It’s a BIG and Plush vehicle. Review +1 year
Howie K, 06/06/2019
2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I generally favor sportier cars, but now I am driving a Volvo S90 T5 which I got at a lease price that I could not refuse! [Actually less per month that my former Infiniti Q50.] So I will say I got a lot of bang for the buck. This is a luxury car that one would not mind being chauffeured in. The rear passenger area is HUGE and comfortable. I can finally sit in front passenger seat … and not even have to think about adjusting the seat for rear passages leg room. The Driver’s seat is very pleasant for sitting and was designed by a Orthopedist. The package came with a Blonde (white) interior which (needs occasional cleaning), is wonderful and elegant. I would say it is the most nicely appointed car I ever owned. (And I have and had several MB and BMWs).
The Tech is amazing! Though sometimes touch screen is a bit overwhelming. The great thing is that you can put the car on Auto Assist Pilot, play with it without worrying about hitting anything on the road. (PS I do not support being a distractive driver, but this practically eliminates it under the right conditions. Always be alert).
The Auto Assist Pilot is from the future. It is not quite at Tesla level, but does much to keep you very safe while also removing the the tedium of Stop and Go traffic. Driving is now an ‘AHHH”. (My insurance rates actually went down when ordering this car.). It is a wonderfully solid vehicle. I will lend this Car to anyone of my family and know they will be safe in it. Gotta love that Swedish engineering.
The trade off is the sporty feel of performance. The Volvo is powerful for a 4 cylinder, and I get 25.5 mpg. (Again better than my past Infinity). 0-60 is quite good for a car this size, but you do lose the ‘feel’ of lungeing acceleration. (But you can use electronic options). It is a great luxury (family) car before it is a sports car. The ride is firm as you ‘float’ over the road. It’s very nice and quiet. Long trips are a pleasure. All in all, it is a car to enjoy the ride in. If you can get great deal on this extremely plush car, don’t hesitate. (P.S. also drove the Volvo S60 for the while. The ride and feel of the S90 is much better).
{A buying note: Volvo pricing is company set and it is difficult to negotiate a lower price When visiting other dealers. There is not much wiggle room so choose the dealership with the best service.}
1 Year Later - still the most comfortable car I ever owned. A pleasure to take a ride in for long road trips.
Pros: Orthopedically Seats 5 w/ enough backseat legroom to play football in. No more squishing upfront seat to allow backseat room. Trunk is large doesn’t seem to be. I guess it is the awkward design. Low but deep. I Love how in winter seats & steering wheel heat up to settings automatically when temp is below 40 degrees. 3 individual temp settings (not even my son’s Tesla S has that.). The Swedes made it solid and sure foot in harsh weather. It is my go-to car in snow and slush. Much better handling than my wife’s Mercedes C Class (which isn’t bad). This car is tank-like sturdy. An idiot SUV driver already backed into my rear fender in a parking lot, and l had no major damage. Have no doubt it will do a great job protecting passengers and family in a crash. (HF).
Con: I still find the screen controls cumbersome and confusing. The car has only driver 1 USB, so had to plug in a hub to use both phone and SD music card (no biggie). I have found that the autopilot is not perfect. It will veer of the road (not follow the road lines in certain situations, [with steep curves in road at higher speeds) so keep you hands on the wheel and pay some attention, [so NO napping!], but it is still a great feature 90% of the time.. But Is still a pleasure to take the stress out of everyday driving.
Still love this car as the next evolution in driving.
TWO YEARS IN;
Still enjoying the ride. Still a very comfortable, plush and quiet car to drive. Volvo has engineered a great car. Some of the Lux tech is great. ex- I can preset the the temperature (like an alarm clock) so I can enter the car at my preferred climate for trips to and from work.
However, center panel navi-entertainment system gets a bit tiresome. Not simple to operate. And the Nav system itself, while 98% accurate most of the time. Does not adjust best route for traffic & other delays. I miss my old Garmin made system (ie-MB). However, I do enjoy the S90’s ride.
5 out of 5 stars
The UnCola of luxury cars
Rabbi Mitch, 08/23/2018
2018 Volvo S90 T6 Momentum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
I have had my S90 for one month and couldn’t be happier with every moment of my experience. After testing other marquis brands, the S90 was suggested and my search was over.
It glides under the radar, yet is sleek, luxurious, quiet, powerful and beyond comfortable. It is a drivers car in that I need to participate and I like that.
Give it a shot and move over to the UnCola side of life. … You will be happy you did!!
5 out of 5 stars
8 pluses, 1 minus
Catbert, 08/17/2018
2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The S90 is a beautiful car. The proportions are perfect, and the styling is classic. The interior is the best place to be of any of the 50 plus cars I’ve owned. The aesthetics are perfect. The performance of my T5 AWD is what I expected, not a killer, for sure. I knew that going in, and if performance with a capital P was totally important, I would have sprung for the T6. My … driving is mostly highway, and 250ish HP is a OK. And now the minuses. The corporate 4 cyl. is....well, a 4 banger. It isn’t particularly smooth, and doesn’t sound that great either. It’s obviously a modern motor, but suffers from a cylinder deficiency in a large car application. Sorry Volvo, but one size really doesn’t fit all. It isn’t a horsepower issue, it’s about refinement and smoothness. Lastly, the ride...it’s not that great. Even on a smooth interstate highway, you can feel too way much road. I understand it isn’t a Rolls or Big Jag, but it isn’t an C class either. Volvo would do well to farm out the chassis tuning if they can’t do better. Bottom line the S90 is one or two cylinders and a more compliant chassis away from a World class near luxury sedan.
UPDATE. Seems a large part of the road harshness was not one, but three Pirelli P Zero tires that were not able to be balanced, or maybe not exactly round. After replacement the road noise and vibration/harmonics are hugely improved. Second ride update...after replacing the O.EM. Pirelli P Zeros with Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires, the ride characteristics are excellent.
MY GAS MILEAGE. Now that the S90 is well broken in, I can report Interstate mileage of 32.9 MPG on my last long trip. This is at speed limit plus 4 mph, i.e. 64-74 mph. My suburban every day driving is right at 25 mpg. I am not a feather foot.
Last update: The Volvo is gone at the end of the warranty period. It was a very good experience, but not good enough to buy another or purchase an extended warranty. The T5 is just not a satisfying motor, even considering it’s the base offering. Another issue is the headlong plunge into electrification by Volvo. I applaud the effort, but I don’t want to own a ICE Volvo when the company is in a mad rush to discontinue my technology. So goodbye sweet S90, hello Lexus.
5 out of 5 stars
Like it
Diane, 06/23/2019
2018 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Updated 6/23/21: I have now owned my S90 for 3 years. This is the second Volvo I've owned, prior to this I owned a XC60. I have owned a Mercedes diesel sedan and a Lexus SC400. The S90 has most of the bells & whistles because there weren't many cars to choose from on the lot. I love how roomy it is and the leather seats. Favorite feature is the heads up display. I'm looking to buy … a second car but really hard to consider buying my dream sports car without the heads up display. The reason I didn't give this a 5/5 is because I had to take my practically brand new car in when my turn signal and several other features just stopped working. Also, the tires cost a fortune and a big chuck broke off when I parked...badly. I do love the car for road trips because it's a smooth ride, performance is like driving a jet, and the upgraded stereo is awesome.
Update: I bought my dream sports car and I still own my Volvo S90. I use my S90 for my daily driving. I really like all the upgrades my S90 has and I haven't had any problems since the initial glich so I'm updating to 5 stars. I think I'll end up keeping this car even when I buy another car because I really like this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Volvo S90, so we've included reviews for other years of the S90 since its last redesign.
2019 S90 Highlights
Sedan
T5 Momentum
Base MSRP | $47,350 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $173/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the S90 models:
- Pilot Assist
- Maintains a gap between the S90 and the car in front and keeps the S90 in its lane, giving the driver an additional layer of safety.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Notifies the driver if a car is lurking in the blind spot as well as if cars are approaching from the sides when backing up.
- Collision Mitigation Support
- Warns the driver if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if no action is taken.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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