2018 Volvo XC90 Review
2018 Volvo XC90 Review





+130
Used XC90 for sale
Appraise This CarVolvo XC90 model years
Volvo XC90 types
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review

byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- Elegant styling inside and out
- Precise handling that inspires confidence
- Spacious second- and third-row seating for a midsize SUV
- Many standard safety technology features
Cons
- Overly busy ride quality for a vehicle in its class
- Comes up short on performance and real-world fuel economy
- Some of the standard touchscreen controls can be hard to use
What’s new
For 2018, the Volvo XC90 gets some additional equipment as standard such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (previously optional) are now standard as well.
Vehicle overview
If there is one virtue that the 2018 Volvo XC90 possesses in spades, it's elegance. From the extra classy exterior styling to the impressively well-appointed interior, the XC90 exudes panache. It's a luxury crossover with all the fancy vibes you could ever hope for.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 4dr SUV (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 $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$195/mo for XC90 T5 Momentum
XC90 T5 Momentum
vs
$238/mo
Avg. Large SUV
More than a good-looking car, though, the 2018 XC90 drives well and has precise handling and a sense of stability on the road. It has plenty of room inside and an abundance of high-tech safety features, both on the standard equipment sheet and available as options.
All of this adds up to a respectable and desirable crossover, but there are a few drawbacks. Our main issue: the XC90's powertrains. While Volvo's turbocharged (T5) and turbo-and-supercharged (T6) four-cylinder engines work fine in the brand's smaller vehicles, they seem less ideally suited for the big XC90. Performance and fuel economy suffer as a result. The T8 hybrid fares better, but it's pricey. And we've found all XC90s can have a rather rough ride over bumpy roads when fitted with the bigger optional wheels. That's not something you expect, or want, in an SUV of this caliber. The XC90's flaws aren't fatal, though. There is a lot to like about this upscale crossover, and if it ends up on your short list, we recommend a test drive.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Volvo XC90 as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018 and as one of the Best Luxury SUVs for 2018.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.1 / 10Elegant and stylish, the 2018 Volvo XC90 is easy on the eyes. Inside and out, it is exquisitely appointed and decidedly classy. But it doesn't quite stack up to class leaders when it comes to ride quality and power.
Trim 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 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription (turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L inline-4| 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 2018 Volvo XC90 has received some revisions, mostly including the addition of options packages and availability of items such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Volvo XC90.
Scorecard
Overall | 7.1 / 10 |
Driving | 7.0 |
Comfort | 6.5 |
Interior | 8.0 |
Utility | 8.5 |
Driving
7.0This T6 is a big, three-row SUV with a 316-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The best word for this combination is "adequate." Drivers with hilly commutes, serious grades or tough highway merges might want to look for something with more power. Handling is competent and controlled.
Acceleration
8.0Reasonably quick off the line, but the engine runs out of breath quickly, leading to a leisurely 7.9-second 0-60-mph time. Dull engine response is fixed by switching to Sport mode. The eight-speed automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift.
Braking
5.5The XC90's brake pedal has a short, firm action that we like. Virtually zero nosedive during panic stops. Lots of control and no jumpiness. The XC90 stopped in 124 feet from 60 mph, which is about average for an SUV with all-season tires.
Steering
7.0The steering doesn't provide a lot of feel or feedback, but it is reasonably quick and predictable. Rare for a car with steering this quick, the XC90 is never twitchy. Good on-center control.
Handling
7.0The numbers don't tell the whole story, but the XC90 (ours had the optional adjustable suspension) is very controllable. It feels low and planted. Stability control is tuned for safety, and it turns on early and often.
Drivability
8.0The best safety and fuel-efficiency systems are transparent to the driver. The Volvo's many systems are frequently in the way, from false alarms from every sensor to one of the roughest automatic stop-start systems we've experienced.
Off-road
The low-profile tires on 21-inch wheels don't make for good off-road tires, but with 9.3 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, the XC90 shouldn't have any trouble with light off-roading.
Comfort
6.5From the first time you sit down, it's obvious Volvo spent a lot of time on the XC90's seats. They're great. What's not so great is the ride. Our tester suffered from impact harshness over any bump that sent a physical and audible shock through the cabin. The cabin is extremely quiet otherwise.
Seat comfort
9.0Exceptional front seats. As in other Volvos, the XC90's headrests don't adjust, but everything else does. Tons of thigh adjustment, great lateral support and lots of available lumbar adjustments. The second-row seats slide and recline.
Ride comfort
5.0When equipped with the optional 21-inch wheels, the XC90's ride can only be described as unsophisticated. The SUV bangs over small bumps and bounces over the big ones. The ride is well controlled after the initial bump harshness.
Noise & vibration
5.0With the exception of the wheel-tire-suspension smack, the XC90 is exceptionally quiet. No wind or tire noise. It's the kind of quiet that makes you speed on the highway. Some engine wheezing during hard acceleration.
Interior
8.0A bit of a mixed bag from Volvo. Materials, design and workmanship are very good, class-leading in some areas. Ergonomics and functionality are behind the leaders. The centerpiece of the XC90 is a big 9-inch touchscreen that is very quick to respond, but it controls more functions than it should.
Ease of use
7.0Even after you've mastered the big touchscreen's menus and controls, there are features that are hard to use and unnecessarily packaged into the screen, such as climate control, radio tuning and seat heating. Trip computer and gauge controls, too, are inscrutable.
Getting in/getting out
8.0With the optional air suspension, the XC90 has a neat trick: It automatically lowers itself once parked, making getting in or out a snap. The doors aren't particularly long, which makes access in tight parking situations easy, too.
Roominess
8.0The cabin of the XC90 feels open and spacious. There's plenty of room for driver and passenger, who won't feel cramped. The second row offers good legroom, headroom and width for two adults. The kids-only third-row seat is typical for the segment.
Visibility
8.0Sightlines are very good with a clear view of where the hood ends. Side and rear visibility are on par for an SUV this size. Volvo's 360-degree camera tends to skew your surroundings, making it hard to identify poles, walls and curbs.
Utility
8.5While it isn't necessarily a class leader, the XC90 does well in the utility category. A large cargo storage area, decent tow rating and helpful features make it relatively utilitarian.
Technology
While the Volvo's infotainment system is attractive, it can be significantly harder to learn than rival systems, especially with the abundance of buttons on the dashboard. Also, certain controls are buried deep in the system where they're hard to find even if you know where to look.
Which XC90 does Edmunds recommend?
If you're looking for a good balance of luxury feature content, performance and price point, the XC90 T6 Momentum is our choice. It stays with the smaller 19-inch wheels, which will help with the XC90's ride-quality issues, but it also gets plenty of the top-trim level equipment such as four-zone automatic climate control, adaptive headlights and heated front seats. And if that isn't enough for you, there's always the R-Design and Inscription trim levels that up the ante quite a bit without the need to switch over to the T8's hybrid powertrain.
2018 Volvo XC90 models
The 2018 Volvo XC90 is a luxury crossover SUV with three seating configurations and four different trim levels: Momentum, R-Design, Inscription and Excellence. Regular XC90s are referred to as the T5 and T6, while the hybrid is called the T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid. The Momentum trim level comes with plenty of standard equipment such as a rearview camera, lane departure warning and an impressive 9-inch touchscreen. The R-Design is the sporty version of the XC90, while the Inscription and Excellence are more luxury-focused with equipment such as ventilated front seats and an adaptive air suspension.
For standard equipment, the T5 Momentum gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (250 hp, 258 lb-ft), an eight-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, keyless entry and ignition, faux leather (premium vinyl) upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar adjustment), driver-seat memory settings, 40/20/40-split second-row seats (with individual slide and recline functions), a 50/50-split third-row seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Technology features for the T5 Momentum include Pilot Assist semiautonomous driving mode, adaptive cruise control, a 9-inch central touchscreen, a navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio and a USB port.
The T6 upgrades to a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine (316 hp, 295 lb-ft). The T8 Plug-In Hybrid uses the same turbocharged and supercharged engine as the XC90 T6, but it adds an 87-hp electric motor. Total output is 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. With a 240-volt charging station, fully recharging the pack takes only about 2.5 hours. The EPA estimates pure-electric range at 14 miles. Both the T6 and T8 Momentum models get 19-inch wheels, a larger digital driver information display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, third-row seating and four-zone automatic climate control. T8 Momentum models also receive LED adaptive headlights and added interior illumination.
The R-Design trim level features 20-inch alloy wheels, unique grille and exterior accents, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, upgraded sport seats (with power thigh support), leather upholstery, illuminated step plates and aluminum mesh cabin accents.
The XC90 Inscription (available on T6 and T8) is similar to the R-Design but features its own wheels and interior and exterior trim. It also has upgraded leather upholstery and rear side window shades.
Available only on the T8, the Excellence trim level practically turns the XC90 into a four-seat luxury limousine. In place of the rear bench seat, the Excellence adds two captain's chairs with footrests, a rear center console with folding trays, a touchscreen controller, heated and cooled cupholders and two crystal glasses. All four seats in the Excellence come standard with ventilation, heat and massage functions. Additional upgrades include bright exterior trim, 21-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, extended leather upholstery, additional sound deadening, a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, added rear seat USB ports and a refrigerator.
Options for the XC90 are mainly grouped into packages. The Momentum Plus package includes the adaptive headlights, headlight washers, the larger driver display, illuminated step plates and added interior illumination. You can pick the Convenience package to add front parking sensors, automated parking assist, a surround-view camera, heated windshield washer nozzles and, in the cargo area, a grocery bag holder and a 12-volt power outlet. The Luxury package (Inscription only) adds heated rear seats, a simulated suede headliner, leather grab handles and sun visors, and a massaging function for the fronts seats.
Individual option highlights (depending on trim level) include 20-, 21- or 22-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension (with adaptive dampers), a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a built-in second-row child booster seat and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Volvo XC90.
5 star(39%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(21%)
1 star(10%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Wife Still Loves the Car After 2 Years
David, 09/13/2017
2018 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Purchased the car new in July 2017 and have 38,000 on it now (March 2020). My wife is the primary driver. She said she'd buy another one, if we don't go electric for her next vehicle. The only issue we had was at around 30,000 the check engine light came on and long story short we needed to have the injectors replaced. Fortunately it was all covered under the warranty. We also had an … issue with a plastic handle coming apart on two separate occasions on the floor panel covering over the spare tire well. Both times it was taken care of under warranty (the first time it was repaired and the second time it was replaced). The vehicle has been very reliable. We like the Volvo App. The remote start works very well, especially good for the upstate NY snowing winters. HVAC is good. Sound system is good. Leather seating looks brand new. Paint is likewise like-new. The combined MPG has increased slightly from just under 20MPG to 21MPG. On trips it does deliver between 27 and 28MPG. Plenty of flat cargo space - great for our tent camping trips. The 21 inch tires aren't inexpensive to replace, but their price has been coming down since more vehicles now have 21 inch wheels. The ride remains good. We've used it to tow U-Haul trailers and have had no issues with it. Good ground clearance and drives well through snow/ice, with dedicated snow tires. Over-the-air updates to the car have worked properly. No issue with any of the electronics so far. Headlights are very good (active). No issues with the auto-cruise control or the semi-autonomous driving. We really like the driver's seating position.
4 out of 5 stars
Happy with my Volvo
HLynn, 06/08/2018
2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I purchased the 2018 XC90 T8 Inscription in August 2017. After a couple of software/battery issues which required the car to be towed in the first year of ownership I am happy to report that I am now passing the 3 year mark with no other issues. This car is beautiful and luxurious on the inside. The seats are incredibly comfortable. The voice recognition is not great for the phone but it … works well enough. I am enjoying the fact that I can often just use the battery for a couple of short trips in a day. I don’t fill up often. I do drive less that 10K miles a year and it is mostly in town driving, so I probably fill up once every few weeks.
4 out of 5 stars
First time Volvo owner.
Dave, 09/02/2017
2018 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Full disclosure, I've only owned my 2018 XC90 Denim Blue Momentum for less than a week, so I can not speak to long term durability issues. So far so good, but fingers crossed. My initial reaction as a former diehard Grand Cherokee owner (5 in a row) is that a I am very happy with my purchase. The looks of the XC90 really caught my eye, but the interior quality sealed the deal for me. I … had reservations about the 4 cylinder, but a test drive alleviated my concerns that it would b sufficient for th size. While it is by no means going to be mistaken for an 8 cylinder, I am impressed by the 316hp output especially at highway speeds and would describe the output as a solid v6 caliber. My Summer daily driver is a Z06 Corvette so, the road noise, and ride comfort are fine for my tastes. I sincerely wrestled with the idea of owning a Volvo, but the exterior looks and interior quality rival other luxury SUVs going for 10's of thousands more. I wanted a car with better fit and finish, more 2nd row legroom, roof rack and the third row was a bonus. I looked at the Cayenne and Q7. Performance wise, the XC90 is subpar, but for the money I could not beat everything this had to offer. The dash tech is fantastic and I'm just starting to get to know the lane assist, adaptive cruise, and pilot assist features, and they are impressive. While the 316hp output is impressive, the 4 cylinder is a bit "tinny" sounding...with an almost Diesel engine exhaust note. The base suspension is a tad rough, and the cockpit is not what I would call quiet. Road and engine noise does come through. Again, with all that I'm very pleased in large part to the deal I got. I had the benefit of getting $2500 Volvo "conquest" cash and $750 from Costco, on top of an insanely good trade in value on my Jeep (month end, slow night). I parted with a v8, adjustable ride height, quieter cockpit and I'd argue smoother ride, but gained increased driver / passenger space, better interior quality, stunning exterior, smooth tech interface, 4 years of VolvoOncall (Onstar like), increased safety features and amenities. I'm looking forward to a road trip to get to know it a little better. The only complaints I have trouble justifying at this price point is no cooled seats and no where to put your sunglasses...other than in the armrest. But far from deal breakers.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Car - Confusing Tech
Stuart B, 01/15/2018
2018 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger 8A)
Overall I love the 2018 XC 90. The design beautiful and the comfort is excellent. The performance is good our previous SUV's were the BMW X5 and the Explorer Sport. The one frustration for my wife and I is the Volvo Sensus Infotainment System. It's not bad but it's also far from good, as compared to BMW iDrive. The system would be much better if commonly used functions like climate … control had their own physical buttons. The temperature and seat/steering wheel heat controls are slow to respond an lack haptic feedback. It's not possible to use these controls without taking your eyes off of the road.
2018 XC90 Highlights
SUV
T5 Momentum
Base MSRP | $46,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the XC90 models:
- Volvo On Call
- Notifies emergency services in the case of an accident or stolen vehicle and allows for remote door locking and unlocking.
- Surround-View Camera
- Allows for a 360-degree (aka bird's-eye) view of the car, showing obstacles around the entire car, not just those behind it.
- Lane Departure Intervention
- Small steering inputs respond when the vehicle senses that it is drifting out of its lane without a turn signal.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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
People who viewed this also viewed
3.8 average Rating out of 34 reviews. |
Starting at $43,450 |
3.4 average Rating out of 38 reviews. |
Starting at $49,550 |
4.8 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $61,600 |
Related Used 2018 Volvo XC90 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Chevrolet Blazer 2021 Review
- Cadillac XT5 2021 Review
- Cadillac XT6 2020 Review
- Cadillac XT6 2021 Review
- Chevrolet Blazer 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volvo XC90 2016
- Used Volvo XC90 2014
- Used Volvo XC90 2017
- Used Volvo XC90 2019
- Used Volvo XC90 2018
- Used Volvo XC90 2012
- Used Volvo XC90 2010
- Used Volvo XC90 2013
- Used Volvo XC90 2011
- Used Volvo XC90 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- BMW Car X7
- 2023 Tundra
- 2022 Tacoma
- Ford Escape 2023
- Chevy Malibu Car
- Jeep Compass
- 2024 Ford Ranger
- XT5 SUV Cadillac
- Honda CR-V 2023
- 2022 Tundra
Research recent models from same make
- V90 Cross Country Wagon
- 2024 Volvo XC90
- 2023 Volvo S90
- Volvo V60 V60 Cross Country
- 2023 S60
- Volvo XC60 2023
- 2022 XC90
- Volvo XC90 2022
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- 2022 Volvo XC60