2021 Volvo XC90 Hybrid
| MSRP | $68,695 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $64,755 |
What Should I Pay
2 for sale near you
2021 Volvo XC90 Review
- Elegant interior and exterior styling
- Spacious second- and third-row seating
- Hybrid powertrain provides strong acceleration and high fuel economy
- Many standard safety tech features
- Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use
- Voice controls don't recognize natural speech very well
- T8 plug-in hybrid model now known as Recharge
- Minor changes to standard feature availability
- Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
A three-row SUV with a spacious interior and style to spare, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is well suited for luxurious family duty. It's Volvo's biggest vehicle, and it gives you seven-passenger seating plus more available cargo space than its smaller XC60 sibling.
Every XC90 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This might seem odd given that six-cylinder engines are the norm for this class, but Volvo has applied enough techno-wizardry to make it work. There are actually three engine versions, which Volvo calls the T5, T6 and Recharge (formerly called the T8). The Recharge is a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 400 horsepower plus 18 miles of electric range. How well does it all work? Can you really have high fuel efficiency and gobs of power from a practical luxury SUV? Read our XC90 Recharge Expert Rating below to find out.
Our verdict | |
The Volvo XC90 Recharge (formerly called the T8) makes the most of its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It delivers quick acceleration and relatively high fuel economy. On top of that, you get a high-quality interior, comfortable seats and plenty of safety features to justify its price tag. | |
How does the XC90 drive? | |
We like the XC90's hybrid powertrain. It combines turbocharging, supercharging and electric propulsion from its plug-in hybrid system to somehow seamlessly deliver thrust that's both exciting and comfortable. There is a digital character to the XC90 that makes everything feel easy, from crisp electric steering to nearly imperceptible shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission. The brakes are smooth and easy to use too. In Edmunds testing, our XC90 Recharge accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is appropriately quick for a three-row luxury SUV. | |
How comfortable is the XC90? | |
Volvo hits all the right notes with the extremely comfortable seats in the XC90. Our Recharge test vehicle was the top-level Inscription trim level. Front-seat comfort in this configuration is excellent. Ride quality is likewise very good. The optional air suspension smooths out rough cracks and bumps in the road, and little road and wind noise makes it way into the cabin. The XC90 delivers a supremely quiet and luxurious experience. The automatic climate control reacts quickly and doesn't need much adjustment once you've set a temperature. | |
How’s the interior? | |
There's room for improvement with Volvo's vertical touchscreen. Its menu interface can be confusing, and some tasks that should require a few buttons or knobs, such as climate control, have to be done in the system. It makes for a cleaner-looking interior design but a more confusing ownership experience. The rest of the cabin gets high marks for its easy step-in height and excellent driver's seat position. There's plenty of space up front and enough room for adults in the second row. The third row should be reserved for children. We also like the clear, full-range outward view made possible by the upright cabin. The large windshield and short front overhangs help too. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The XC90's infotainment display is quick to respond to touch and has crisp-looking navigation graphics. Our tester came with the pricey but impressive-sounding 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Smartphones pair easily to Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. The weak point of this setup is Volvo's native voice control system. In our testing, it stumbled over recognizing directions and points of interest and had trouble operating the vehicle's own systems when asked. It regularly misheard commands. Safety tech is a strong point for the XC90. The adaptive cruise control, in particular, is one of the best at transitioning between accelerating and braking as traffic ebbs and flows ahead. It's smooth and easy to control, and it works down to a full stop. Emergency alerts are helpful rather than panic-inducing, and subtle steering inputs are helpful on a vehicle this size to prevent lane departures. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The upright stance of the XC90 enables a spacious cargo area, especially with the second and third row seats folded flat. There is a rather high floor, but the XC90's optional air suspension can be used to lower the vehicle's ride height for easier loading. Under the cargo floor is a space for carrying plug-in charging cords and other small items, and there are backpack-sized cubbies on either side as well. Small-item storage is limited in the front. The slim and graceful-looking center console has two cupholders alongside tiny trays. Volvo designed the cabin for style, not functionality. When it comes to installing child safety seats, the optional second-row captain's chairs have easily accessible car-seat anchor points between the cushions. The dual third-row seats, however, have no anchor points for hooking in car seats. And only the passenger-side seat has an overhead tether point. Families expecting to fill their XC90 with a pack of little ones, or moving them to the back when the grandparents come to town, might be disappointed. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The 2020 XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid has 18 miles of all-electric range, according to the EPA. It also gets you an estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving once the battery is depleted. That's about the same as the Acura MDX Hybrid but a couple mpg lower than the Lexus RX 450hL. But neither one of those models is a plug-in hybrid, so there's more upside to the Volvo if you can plug it in and recharge frequently. We routinely squeezed 20 miles of all-electric driving from our test vehicle. Our test XC90, fully charged at the start, logged 30.0 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. Using a Level 2 charger, you can recharge the XC90 T8's battery in about 2.5 hours. | |
Is the XC90 a good value? | |
Our test XC90 had solid build quality. The interior panels were tight, and we didn't notice any squeaks or rattles when driving. The combination of upscale woods, metals and leathers combined with the quiet ride left us smiling. That makes the price of the XC90 appealing too. The XC90 Recharge is fairly expensive to start, but considering its complicated yet effective powertrain and loads of standard safety equipment, we're reluctant to hold the cost against it. Volvo's option packages are priced sensibly, and you can pick and choose what fits best. In warranty coverage, Volvo is as good as or better than competitors too. | |
Wildcard | |
This big SUV is not going hybrid just for the sake of green marketing. Instead, the XC90 uses electrification to enhance nearly every aspect of the driving experience. It improves power, ride comfort and range all at the same time. It's still a heavy SUV, and the presence of the hefty batteries is never forgotten. But the XC90 Recharge has curb appeal to bolster its luxury credentials and presents an appealing case for the potential of plug-in hybrids. | |
Which XC90 does Edmunds recommend?
The Recharge plug-in hybrid is a fairly expensive powertrain compared to the other XC90 engines. Even so, we think the best value comes from picking one of the two upgraded trims — it comes down to personal preference between the sport-themed R-Design and the luxurious Inscription.
Volvo XC90 models
The 2021 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV. It comes with one of three available powertrains that Volvo calls the T5, T6 or Recharge (last year's T8). These powertrains can then be matched to one of three trim levels that influence how many features the XC60 comes with. The trim levels are Momentum (called Inscription Expression for the Recharge powertrain), R-Design and Inscription.
Save as much as $4,262 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2021 Volvo XC90 Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression
2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay$64,755
1 for sale in 20147
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Volvo XC90.
Trending topics in reviews
- seats
- interior
- comfort
- technology
- sound system
- engine
- off-roading
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- value
- appearance
- transmission
- road noise
- towing
- wheels & tires
- climate control
- fuel efficiency
- steering wheel
- infotainment system
- handling & steering
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Great Car
The Shah,
Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A)
All in all amazing ride, however I still haven’t been able to adjust to the lumbar settings, none of them appear to work for me, and I so wish that Volvo provided power operated middle row seats to make getting in and out of the 3rd row a breeze.
4/5 stars, Good, but not great. Little disappointed.
K. Christner,
Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I just test drove the XC90 Recharge. Pros: Comfortable, quiet, peppy, mileage, good headroom. Bad: Cell phone wireless charger did not work with my reasonably sized Speck case for my iPhone 12 Pro. [Note: I tested same feature out on Audi's Q8 - no issues.] I didn't like the location of the rearview mirror - mounted forward of the electronic box. There's a large hump in the middle seat of the 2nd row making it useless for anyone to sit there other than a very small child. The large center screen was glitchy - home-looking button didn not work on several screens that it should have according to the sales rep. All in all, I didn't fall in love with it. Will keep looking and maybe the 2022 model addresses these things.
2/5 stars, Disappointing
JB,
Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A)
Two months in of which one month in the shop for repairs. A faulty "module" that's responsible for switching between electric and fuel. Basically the car arrived with a faulty module, was not tested by the dealer, leased to me and promptly returned by me. It took two more modules to finally get a good one. So far that is. Because after owning 12 Volvos during my life so far, this should have been the crown jewel. Instead I hear myself saying; don't get this one. Me? I was born in a Volvo. Yet, here we go. The car is definitely unreliable. It sputters. And when it works it really does. Should a nearly $80K car give you that feeling?
5/5 stars, Superb RIDE
Van,
Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A)
Has all luxury fetaures plus it is a HYBRID. Gets you the CARPOOL Sticker for 3 years
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $63,450
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / 27 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 7 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 400 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 472 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.0 in. / Height: 69.9 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 84.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: N/A
- Curb Weight: 5099 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 15.8 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite XC90 safety features:
- Volvo On Call
- Notifies emergency services in the case of an accident or stolen vehicle and allows for remote door locking and unlocking.
- 360-Degree Surround-View Camera
- Displays a 360-degree (aka bird's-eye) view of the car, showing obstacles around the entire car, not just those behind it.
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Makes small steering corrections if it senses that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without a turn signal activated.
Volvo XC90 vs. the competition
2021 Volvo XC90
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Volvo XC90 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a seriously impressive three-row luxury SUV. Redesigned just last year, the GLE offers a classy interior, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of cool tech features. We do prefer the GLE's infotainment system. It's easier to use, and it's a bit more refined overall. But watch out for the creeping price tag — the Mercedes-Benz is far more expensive than the Volvo.
Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5
The BMW X5 is another solid pick in the midsize class, and it too was recently redesigned. As you'd expect of a vehicle of this price, the X5 is powerful, smooth, comfortable and loaded with tech goodies. It's a little sportier than the XC90, but it's also typically more expensive.
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7
Unlike the Mercedes and the BMW, you don't have to pay extra for a third row of seating on the Audi Q7. The Audi is well regarded for its sprightly V6 engine, cushy ride and excellent build quality. And while it's still expensive compared to the XC90, the Q7 is more affordable than its German rivals.
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FAQ
Is the Volvo XC90 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 XC90 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. You probably care about Volvo XC90 fuel economy, so it's important to know that the XC90 gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the XC90 has 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo XC90. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Volvo XC90?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Volvo XC90:
- T8 plug-in hybrid model now known as Recharge
- Minor changes to standard feature availability
- Part of the second XC90 generation introduced for 2016
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
To determine whether the Volvo XC90 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the XC90. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the XC90's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Volvo XC90 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 XC90 and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 XC90 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volvo XC90?
The least-expensive 2021 Volvo XC90 is the 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $63,450.
Other versions include:
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $63,450
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $69,750
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $70,250
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $63,950
- Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 R-Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $69,150
What are the different models of Volvo XC90?
If you're interested in the Volvo XC90, the next question is, which XC90 model is right for you? XC90 variants include Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A), Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A), Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A), and Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Inscription Expression 4dr SUV AWD w/6 Passenger Seating (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 8A). For a full list of XC90 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more