2021 Volvo S90 Hybrid
| MSRP | $68,845 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $65,681 |
2021 Volvo S90 Review
- Seat comfort is among the best in the class
- Impressive materials throughout the cabin
- Comes standard with an array of convenience and safety features
- Costs less than the German competition
- Ride can be a little too firm in S90 equipped with optional wheels
- Steering is on the heavy side
- Touchscreen-dependent controls aren't very user-friendly
- Minor exterior styling revisions
- New upgraded Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system
- New wireless charging pad and rear USB ports
- Part of the second S90 generation introduced for 2017
The Volvo S90 is a take on the classic midsize luxury sedan with a few distinctly Volvo twists: sleek Scandinavian design, excellent seat comfort and an emphasis on safety features. For 2021, the S90 is slightly refreshed to keep it competitive with heavy hitters such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Volvo altered its look, included new standard features, and added an optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo with stunning acoustics.
The S90 also returns with its innovative powertrain: a small four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, along with an optional plug-in hybrid. That version is called the Recharge and we've been impressed with its efficiency and smooth operation in other Volvo models. Altogether, the S90 is an example of Volvo's willingness to go against the grain and try something new. While it can't quite match the supreme polish of the E-Class or the tech-heavy vibe of the A6, the S90 is nonetheless an appealing choice for a roomy and classy luxury sedan. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to learn more.
Our verdict | |
Like so many Volvos before it, the S90 Recharge is cooly understated. It's powerful and fuel-efficient, but its clean design doesn't advertise its performance or eco credentials. It's also spacious and comfortable, with a handsome interior and much-improved ride. The picture looks even better when you consider the long list of standard features and driver aids, most of which can't be had on any rival at this price. | |
How does the S90 drive? | |
The Volvo S90 Recharge uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning there's both a gasoline engine and a battery pack that allows for an estimated 21 miles of all-electric range. That combination provides a generous amount of power. Acceleration is quick and relatively smooth, and there's plenty of power for passing on the highway, though it sometimes takes the transmission a second to kick down a gear. The brakes are a huge improvement over those on the last plug-in S90. It's easy to come to a smooth stop, and the brakes are strong enough to give you confidence in panic situations. This isn't a sport sedan, but the S90 Recharge feels composed on winding roads. The steering lacks road feel but is light and direct, which helps make parking a breeze too. | |
How comfortable is the S90? | |
When the S90 debuted a few years back, it lacked the polish of its German rivals. That's changed. While Volvo hasn't given the S90 Recharge a wholesale redesign, it's done a lot to improve refinement. It no longer crashes over bumps or potholes. It's still not quite as insulating as some other luxury cars, but bumps in the road are muted rather than amplified. It helps that Volvo's seats remain some of the best around. Soft but supportive padding is wrapped in great-feeling leather. There's a good bit of adjustment, and the S90 Recharge is available with heated and ventilated seats both front and rear. The controls for the climate control can be frustrating since they're located in the touchscreen, but the system works quickly and quietly. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The S90 Recharge splits the difference in size between mid- and full-size luxury cars. There's acres of rear seat room, with plenty of space for passengers well over 6 feet tall to stretch out. Headroom is equally ample, helped by the bucket-style seats. The low seats make getting in and out a bit of a climb, but the large doors mean it's easy to swing your legs in. It's not difficult to find a relaxed, comfortable driving position that places most controls within reach. Visibility is generally good too, though the rear window is a bit narrow. It's not all perfect. Volvo's user interface continues to frustrate. While the audio controls have fixed buttons for volume and track, most other settings, from the navigation to climate control, are tied to the touchscreen, and it's not always easy to figure out where stuff is located. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The S90 Recharge is loaded with just about all of the tech and driver aids we expect from a modern luxury car. Volvo has always focused on safety, and the S90 comes with a good suite of driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment. The suite is not as refined as some we've experienced, but it wasn't throwing up any red flags either. The navigation is cumbersome to use and only encourages you to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which are standard. The S90 Recharge comes with four USB ports plus 12-volt outlets, so there's no shortage of places to charge. One high note is the excellent audio system. It's clear and loud, but it doesn't get buzzy or mushy when pushed. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The S90 Recharge might have more passenger space than its rivals, but it falls short when it comes to cargo space. The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk is one of the smallest in the class, but the space itself is wide and low, so you can utilize what's available. The rear seats do fold down in a 60/40 split, which helps open up the rear at the cost of a seat or two. Storage up front isn't great either. The center console is shallow and can't even fit a pair of sunglasses. The door pockets are fine but don't fully make up for the lack of storage elsewhere. Getting a car seat in and out is a much easier task. You'll have plenty of space to move around while installing or removing a seat. Anchors are easily accessible, and the copious legroom is a boon for rear-facing seats. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The S90 Recharge has an EPA-estimated electric range of 21 miles. Once the battery runs out of juice, the EPA estimates 30 mpg for both city and highway. On our 115-mile test loop, we saw just 19 miles of electric range but averaged 37 mpg over the entire drive. | |
Is the S90 a good value? | |
The S90 Recharge really shines here. It offers more passenger room, more standard features and far more power than any rival at its price. The gap increases when you stack it up against some plug-in hybrid SUVS. And it's not like Volvo was cutting corners elsewhere. The interior is handsome and clean, with excellent wood and leather trim and interesting touches such as the crystal shift knob in the Inscription trim. Volvo offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. Additionally, Volvo includes four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of free maintenance. That's as good as or better than coverage offered on just about every other plug-in hybrid around. | |
Wildcard | |
This Swede oozes cool charm. The S90 Recharge's combined output of the turbocharged and supercharged inline-four and the electric motor is an impressive 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The fact that it's wrapped is such a clean and conservative design makes it a bit of a sleeper. It's not the most engaging or athletic luxury car on the road, but it's far from boring. It stands out without standing out. | |
Which S90 does Edmunds recommend?
Volvo S90 models
The Volvo S90 is a midsize luxury sedan with seating for up to five passengers. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Each one is equipped with the same standard powertrain, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) that's both turbocharged and supercharged.
2021 Volvo S90 Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Volvo S90 Hybrid Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $60,050
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / 30 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 400 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 472 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 200.4 in. / Height: 57.1 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 79.5 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 4673 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite S90 safety features:
- Pilot Assist
- Maintains a gap between the S90 and the car in front and keeps the S90 in its lane, giving the driver an added 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.
- Low & High Speed Collision Mitigation
- Warns the driver if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if no action is taken.
Volvo S90 vs. the competition
2021 Volvo S90
2020 Audi A6
Volvo S90 vs. Audi A6
The A6 is a stately sedan that, similar to the S90, balances performance and luxury with impressive execution. Also like the S90, the A6 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a number of driving assistance features. We've found the biggest differences lie in the added driving and interior refinement of the A6 — that and its much larger price tag.
Volvo S90 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
While the S90 has some impressive highs, the E-Class simply delivers all-around excellence. It offers a range of gutsy engines and technology that is better and easier to use than the Volvo's. On top of that, every model is exceptionally comfortable. For these reasons and more, the E-Class is the Edmunds Top Rated midsize luxury sedan.
Volvo S90 vs. Lexus ES 350
Compared with its highfalutin European counterparts, the Lexus ES 350 is the budget luxury sedan — and it's a good one at that. Loaded ES models cost about as much as base versions from Volvo, Audi and Mercedes. Yet you'd never guess by the quality of the Lexus' interior or ride comfort. We're even impressed by the handling in some models.
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FAQ
Is the Volvo S90 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Volvo S90?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Volvo S90:
- Minor exterior styling revisions
- New upgraded Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system
- New wireless charging pad and rear USB ports
- Part of the second S90 generation introduced for 2017
Is the Volvo S90 reliable?
Is the 2021 Volvo S90 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volvo S90?
The least-expensive 2021 Volvo S90 is the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $60,050.
Other versions include:
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $60,050
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $60,050