2020 Volvo V90
What’s new
- Adds new active safety features
- R-Design trim gets new gloss-black trim elements
- Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2018
Pros & Cons
- Sleek wagon style with a decent amount of utility
- Comes standard with many driver safety aids
- Premium interior materials and design
- Touchscreen system may be overwhelming
- All-wheel drive only available in upper T6 trim
2020 Volvo V90 Review
A devoted legion of wagon enthusiasts keep the fires lit for cars such as the 2020 Volvo V90. Wagons remain a niche market in America, and luxury wagons an even finer slice at that. But Volvo's rich history in building stylish family wagons with European flair — and using them to launch innovative safety features — makes them a distinct alternative to the established rivals.
The V90, like the related S90 sedan and XC90 SUV, is steeped in tech and style and shares the same design and quality. Leather upholstery, wood, leather and aluminum accents, and infotainment tech anchored by a large central touchscreen highlight the classy interior appointments.
The V90 also excels at both long-distance comfort and the daily shuffle of family life, in a larger package than the compact V60 wagon. The V90 even offers fold-down booster seats for the outer two rear seat positions to help young passengers transition from child safety seats to regular seats. There's even the more all-weather-oriented V90 Cross Country version.
Crossover SUVs tend to make more sense than wagons for many buyers — it's hard to argue the practical benefits of a taller cabin and an expansive cargo space. But wagons represent a solid middle ground, offering enough passenger space and cargo room without the big, boxy bulk of most mainstream crossovers. As a stylish standout in a small segment, the V90 also provides a measure of exclusivity that few SUVs can offer.
Our verdict
7.7 / 10How does it drive?
7.5A minor point to consider for more discerning drivers: We noticed the occasional hiccup from the transmission in selecting an appropriate gear while driving in slow-moving traffic. Also, the V90 lacks the locked-on, straight-ahead highway feel that some of its German competitors possess.
How comfortable is it?
7.5The climate control system works well but operating it can be a little frustrating since you have to access many functions through the touchscreen. However, if you're the type to set and forget, you should be fine.
How’s the interior?
7.5Using the infotainment system, however, is a bit nonintuitive. You'll often find yourself swiping to and fro while looking for a specific function in a sea of icons and menus. Another example is the surround-view camera system. It makes parking a snap, but activating it takes an uncomfortably long time if you're unfamiliar on how to do it.
How’s the tech?
8.0Volvo's Pilot Assist also deserves some mention for how well it tracks lane markings and naturally keeps pace with traffic through its adaptive cruise control. Drivers can easily disable individual systems if they so choose.
How’s the storage?
8.0The only downside is storage space for small items. The front armrest storage bin is average size for this type of vehicle, but the door pockets are thin and shallow. The front cupholders aren't deep enough to hold larger cups and bottles.
How economical is it?
7.5Is it a good value?
7.5In our V90's case, the parts were all well put-together, and there were only minor creaks when it was fully loaded and subjected to some stress. The materials, too, were generally durable and felt good to the touch.
Wildcard
8.0Which V90 does Edmunds recommend?
Volvo V90 models
All 2020 Volvo V90s come very well equipped, so you're basically paying for powertrains. The T5 starts off the lineup with the lowest power and front-wheel drive. Some may find the T5 underpowered, especially when fully loaded. The T6 provides more power and all-wheel drive.
The R-Design and Inscription versions of the T5 are equipped to nearly the same level and differ in interior materials, seat designs and colors. They both are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 258 lb-ft) driving only the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features for both include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free liftgate. Tech highlights are the Sensus infotainment system, composed of a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. A full suite of active driver aids also comes standard.
The R-Design features a unique sport suspension calibration and comes standard with paddle shifters and sport front seats. The Inscription, meanwhile, adds heated and ventilated front seats. Optionally, you can tack on the Advanced package, which includes adaptive LED headlights, high-pressure headlight washers, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
Various stand-alone options include an air suspension, an automated parking system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
The T6 R-Design and the range-topping T6 Inscription are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both turbocharged and supercharged. At maximum power, it produces 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. And unlike the T5, the T6 comes with all-wheel drive. Otherwise, the T5 and the T6 are essentially the same inside and out.
Sponsored cars related to the V90
Features & Specs
| T6 R-Design 4dr Wagon AWD 2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $57,450 |
| MPG | 21 city / 31 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 316 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD 2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $59,450 |
| MPG | 21 city / 31 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 316 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| T5 R-Design 4dr Wagon 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $51,450 |
| MPG | 22 city / 33 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| T5 Inscription 4dr Wagon 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $53,450 |
| MPG | 22 city / 33 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite V90 safety features:
- Run-Off Road Mitigation
- Scans the road ahead and tenses up the seat belts if it detects the car will run off the road.
- Rear Collision Warning
- Warns you if an approaching car may cause a rear-end collision. Will flash the lights, tense up the seat belts and apply brakes.
- Emergency Brake Lights
- Warns rear oncoming drivers when you panic-stop by flashing the brake lights at four pulses per second.
Volvo V90 vs. the competition
Volvo V90 vs. Audi A4 Allroad
The A4 Allroad is a luxury wagon that offers the driving manners of a sedan but with increased cargo capacity and a trace of off-road flavor. The Allroad is the only wagon Audi currently offers, which means you'll need to accept its slightly taller height and rugged looks. While it costs less than the V90, the Audi is also smaller. The longer and wider V90 is more capable of SUV-like cargo capacity. It's best to think of the Allroad as a large hatchback.
Volvo V90 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class has become synonymous with the European luxury family wagon. The Benz has been the go-to for buyers looking for a luxury wagon for decades, and that hasn't changed with today's E-Class wagon. Its exquisite interior, smooth and powerful engines, cavernous cargo space, and semi-automated driver aids make the E-Class the leader in this segment. In the Volvo's favor are its lower price and enhanced off-road ability.
Volvo V90 vs. Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is the newest luxury wagon alternative and a good one at that. Where the Volvo hews closely to the Mercedes template of cool luxury and advanced tech, the Jaguar takes a sportier approach. The Sportbrake excels in handling and driver engagement. But the interior fit and finish isn't up to the V90's standards. The Jag also can't match the V90's level of advanced driver safety aids.
FAQ
Is the Volvo V90 a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Volvo V90?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Volvo V90:
- Adds new active safety features
- R-Design trim gets new gloss-black trim elements
- Part of the second V90 generation introduced for 2018
Is the Volvo V90 reliable?
Is the 2020 Volvo V90 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Volvo V90?
The least-expensive 2020 Volvo V90 is the 2020 Volvo V90 T5 R-Design 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $51,450.
Other versions include:
- T6 R-Design 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) which starts at $57,450
- T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) which starts at $59,450
- T5 R-Design 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $51,450
- T5 Inscription 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $53,450
What are the different models of Volvo V90?
More about the 2020 Volvo V90
2020 Volvo V90 Overview
The 2020 Volvo V90 is offered in the following submodels: V90 Wagon. Available styles include T6 R-Design 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A), T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A), T5 R-Design 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and T5 Inscription 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A).
What do people think of the 2020 Volvo V90?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Volvo V90 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 V90.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Volvo V90 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 V90 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Volvo V90?
2020 Volvo V90 T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
The 2020 Volvo V90 T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $60,445. The average price paid for a new 2020 Volvo V90 T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) is trending $3,241 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,241 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $57,204.
The average savings for the 2020 Volvo V90 T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) is 5.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Volvo V90 T6 Inscription 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Volvo V90s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Volvo V90 for sale near. There are currently 11 new 2020 V90s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $63,250 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Volvo V90. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $7,772 on a used or CPO 2020 V90 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Volvo V90s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Volvo V90 for sale - 12 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $10,484.
Find a new Volvo for sale - 7 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $15,749.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Volvo V90?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volvo lease specials